Where could you find over 700 first through seventh graders excited about learning on four Saturdays? You could find them spread all over the campus of WKU participating in Super Saturdays
sponsored by The Center.
Super Saturdays offers students a choice of classes from which to choose. Past class offerings have ranged from
science and mathematics to Spanish, puppetry, and poetry. Students in civil engineering make small boats out of concrete
and watch them float. Some students venture into
cyberspace as they learn how to make their own Web page. Other students create beads and jewelry or
perform kitchen chemistry experiments.
Super Saturdays is designed to provide opportunities for high ability students to broaden the scope
of their interests and interact with other bright young people. The classes emphasize a hands-on approach to
learning in an environment where creative and critical thinking are encouraged.
Super Saturdays began in 1992 with 340 students in twenty-one classes. It has grown to serve
over 700 students in over 50 classes. Some students travel long distances five Saturdays in a row for this
opportunity to pursue an area of interest with other young people who share that interest.
Drew Napper, a fourth grader from Owensboro, described his Super Saturdays experience in this way:
It was early one Saturday morning when I
awoke for my first day at college. I wasn't a
real college student. I'm still only in the
fourth grade, but I was enrolled in a Super
Saturday Seminar called "Math + Science =
Fun, Fun, Fun" at Western Kentucky University.
We did many interesting activities over the course of the program. We experimented with bubble gum,
Jell-O, and Coke measuring the sugar content of the various items. We made kaleidoscopes and studied angles.
We learned about tessellations and shapes. Each student used a tessellation to design a T-shirt.
I'm glad I had the opportunity to go to the classes. I made new friends and learned new things. College
life sure is great when you are only nine years old!
Drew's experience speaks
for many of the elementary students participating in
the Super Saturdays.
Fall 2007 Super Saturday brochures will be available September 2007.
Eligible students must send in an application form and a parental consent form. To be eligible, a student must be recommended by a teacher, counselor, or principal. The criteria for student recommendation for Super Saturdays will be as follows:
student is in grades 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 or 7 during the 2007-2008 school year;
AND AT LEAST ONE OF THE FOLLOWING MUST APPLY:
student has shown high interest/achievement in one or more content areas; OR
student has an IQ of 120 or more; OR
student has a score at or above the 90th percentile on the total battery or at or above the 95th percentile
on the total mathematics or language/reading section of the most recent achievement test; OR
student has been identified for services as a gifted child; OR
student has received a
distinguished or proficient rating on one
section of the performance assessment.
The application must be completed and signed by the student, the student's parent or guardian, and the teacher,
principal or counselor recommending the student.
Please contact The Center if you have any questions about eligibility for Super Saturdays!
Tuition
Tuition for the program is $80. This amount covers the instructional program, including
materials and equipment. Tuition must be included with the registration form. No refunds will be given once a
student is accepted. Make checks payable to WKU Super Saturdays. A limited amount of financial assistance, based on need, is available. Please contact The Center for more
information at 270.745.6323 or gifted@wku.edu.
Registration
Courses are filled on a first-come, first-served basis. A student will be in the same class for four weeks;
however, he or she may list on the application up to five courses in which he or she shows interest. If the
first choice is filled, the student will be placed in the next available class. Please make sure the student carefully selects five classes
in which he/she is interested. Each student will receive
written confirmation of registration indicating the course in which he or she will participate. If all the
choices are filled, the tuition check will be returned.
Time and Location
Fall Super Saturdays in Bowling Green will meet Saturdays - October 27, November 3, 10, and 17, 2007 from 9:30 pm-12:00 pm (CENTRAL TIME).
The student will be notified by letter of the location of his or her class (building and room number.) Classes will be held on the campus of Western Kentucky University; however, a few classes will meet in other locations near campus.
Parents are responsible for transportation to all classes and to all field trip locations.
Time will be allotted on the last
Saturday for each class to share experiences with parents and other interested people.
Fall 2007 Super Saturdays brochures with class offerings will be available in September. Below are Winter 2007 classes - these are listed ONLY to give an idea of the wide range of classes offered and are not necessarily the classes that will be available in Fall 2007 Super Saturdays..
1. Calling All Artists, grades 1 - 2, Connie Peterie
Every artist has his or her own unique style. Some create realistic works of art; others use intense colors to show emotion while still others concentrate on the size of their brush stroke. We'll study eight different artists and examine their styles. Then we'll recreate those styles in our own masterpieces.
2. Discovering The Land Around Us, grades 1 - 2, Manesha Ford - There's a fascinating world of activity going on underneath your feet. Be ready for messy hands as we conduct experiments to find the "dirt" on how land changes. Our class will explore types of soil, land forms, and how land is changed both slowly through erosion and quickly by natural disasters. Discover how these forces create the land on which we live and play!
3. Gotta Sing, Gotta Dance: Intro to Musical Theatre, grades 1 - 2, Beth Blakeman - Tell a story and express your feelings through the power of music and movement. That is what Musical Theater is all about! Learn some of the basics of acting, singing, and dancing while having LOADS of fun! You'll be Broadway bound!
4. I Spy Art Around the World... the Adventure Continues, grades 1 & 2, Kristen Hargrove - After a successful trip to Africa, Mexico, and Navajo Nation, we are continuing our adventure around the world. This time we will be visiting Australia, Asia, and the famous city of New Orleans. Students will embark an adventure that will teach them about each culture and its relation to the arts. Because we can't come back without souvenirs, students will complete numerous activities and have plenty of artwork to take home! Hop on board, it's going to be another exciting adventure!
5. Sports and Games by the Numbers, grades 1, 2, & 3, Tammy Robertson - When the scoreboard changes during your favorite sport, that's math. However, the math of sports is more than just the addition of points or numbers on the back of a jersey. Everyone will be a winner as we discover that math is an important part of many of your favorite sports and games. Statistics, geometry, and a whole lot more will come into play through an exciting collection of projects that will help students get into the game!
6. Wintery Writings, grades 1 & 2, Jennifer Cummins - Ever wonder what it would be like to be snowed in at school? Do you have a favorite snowy day memory that you would like to write about? Come and stretch your imagination through creative writing as we write, illustrate, and create our own books about wintertime. Look out, Frosty, here we come!
7. Spanish Uno, grades 1, 2, & 3, Lisa Flynn - Did you know that over 420,000,000 people around the world speak Spanish? Add yourself to that number by taking part in Spanish I. Here you'll enjoy learning basic words, phrases, and numbers in Spanish. By the end, you'll even be having conversations with your classmates in this beautiful language. Join us as we explore the language and culture. çVamos Divertido! (Let's have fun!)
8. Kitchen Table Science, grades 1, 2, & 3, WaTonya Gipson - Are you thinking that you might want to be a scientist, but you don't have a fancy laboratory? You'll be a budding kitchen table scientist as we experiment with everyday things you find around the house
9. That's Science?! grades 1, 2, & 3, Rose Hullett and Rebecca King - Join us as we take a journey to discover science in our everyday lives. Each week we will take a tour of a different aspect of science around us. From making our very own rainbows to soft shelled eggs, we will unravel some scientific surprises! Come prepared to have lots of fun learning and sharing in our scientific worlds!!
11. Desktop Design, grades 2 & 3, Linda Todd - Use the computer to design documents and other items with text, drawings, pictures, and graphics. Participants will learn to edit images and then use the images in Microsoft Word 2003 and PowerPoint 2003 publications such as a address labels, calendars, business cards, invitations, and other computer-generated publications and presentations.
12. Extreme Earth Events, grades 2 & 3, Suzanne Dennis -
Come with us as we join Jack and Annie in four Magic Tree House adventures: Twisters on Tuesday, Vacation Under the Volcano, Earthquake in the Early Morning, and High Tide in Hawaii. You will make a tornado in a bottle, build your own volcano, and do experiments to help you understand what makes earthquakes and tsunamis happen. We'll read, write, do crossword puzzles, and learn how to stay safe. Each week we'll have extreme fun as we learn about Extreme Earth Events!
13. Junior Crime Fighters, grades 2 & 3, Lynn Reece Tunks & Rachel Reece - Put a rest to the endless question of "Who Did It?" by becoming Junior Crime Scene Investigators. In this class we will use practical ways to solve crimes, prove guilt and put the bad guys away!
14. Mad Scientists in Training, grades 3 & 4, Liz Thomas - If you love science, then this class if for you! Each week we will conduct a new, hands-on experiment in the areas of biology and chemistry. Join us for some exciting scientific exploration, including a crime scene investigation. Learn how to become a Mad Scientist.
15. Mixing It Up!, grades 2 & 3, Kathy Pemberton - Get into the mix of some marvelous science as we explore experiments for kids young and old. Using chemistry, we will be mixing up all kinds of things. Our activities will include: It's eating away at you, Why is the sea salty?, Determining acids and bases, Color mixing, Sensational Slime, Baggie Science, and other exciting fun. Get mixed up in all the fun.
16. Creative Books and Secret Stories, grades 3 & 4, Christine Maxwell - Make your own books that fly, fold, wrap, hide, pop-up, twist, turn, and add your own creative writing to complete each exciting book of your own. We will include a variety of cultures, have fun making paper, and exploring other art media and different styles of creative writing. Come and join us in this wonderful, one of a kind class. You are only limited by your imagination!
17. Girl Power, grades 4 & 5, Morgan Brooks - Did you know in 2001, the Oxford English Dictionary added the term Girl Power!, defining this phrase as "a self-reliant attitude among girls and young women manifested in ambition, assertiveness, and individualism"? Join in the fun with enthusiastic girls as you hone your leadership skills with practices in communication, team building, problem solving, career leadership, and critical thinking. Come to class with a positive attitude and ready for fun with other girls who share your interests.
18. Hollywood Geology, grades 4 & 5, Margaret Crowder - What do volcanoes, earthquakes, the structure of the earth, and dinosaurs have to do with Hollywood? Plenty! Many movies use geology, but how accurate is that usage? We'll determine how truthfully geology is represented in the movies (if at all!). We'll even write and produce our very own 'Hollywood - style' geology movie with you as the stars! **Please note: Some of the movie clips we will show include violence (man vs. nature), but all scenes will be in context with the topic. Clips may come from movies with up to a PG-13 rating. No clips with sexual content will be shown, and any language will be minimal.
19. Taking the Stage by Storm, grades 4 & 5, Jennifer Wilson - Join us as we learn what it takes to be successful in front of an audience. Discover basic skills for speaking and acting on stage. We'll take a look at various skits, games, and exercises as we experiment with different voices and emotions. Your families and friends will love to see your presentation at the final session.
20. Mysteries in American History, grades 4, 5, & 6, Nancy Binder Did John Wilkes Booth act alone when he killed President Lincoln? What happened to Amelia Earhart? What caused the U.S. Maine to explode? Students will gather and evaluate information about these and other famous mysterious events in American history. Join us as we simulate a trial, play a game using evidence, write an investigative news article, script and perform a play, and get involved in other thought provoking, creative activities!
21. MATH + SCIENCE = FUN! FUN! FUN! - Alice Cantrell - Discover the world of math and science. Learn while dissecting owl pellets (you know what they are?); conduct Crime Scene Investigations to discover the mystery spill and to discover who stole the prize thoroughbred horse; measuring angles of 2-D polygons; making your own kaleidoscope and scouting the world around you during a Polaroid scavenger hunt. These and other activities prove that math and science CAN be FUN!
22. On-Trial, grades 4, 5, & 6, Lori Frint - Understand our legal system as you put Fairy Tale characters on trial. You will learn about laws, courts, witnesses, criminal and civil cases. You will have the jury wondering if the Big Bad Wolf, Peter Rabbit, Goldilocks and others are guilty or innocent. If you want to be a lawyer, judge, or a member of a jury, this is the class for you!
23. Advanced Dragonology, grades 4, 5, & 6, Dana Hudson -
Welcome to a world of dragons, fairies, and other mystical creatures! Strap on your flying gear and get ready to be swooped away atop a dragon to a world unknown to mortals (parents and adults). Wishes will be granted, books and spells will be concocted, and games will be played. But, watch out for those pesky fairies, they are mighty tricky!!!! Are you a wizard, hermit or dragon expert? Until then....
24. The Class of Unfortunate Events, grades 4, 5, & 6, Julie Roberts Boggess and Mark Boggess -
WARNING: If you select this class hoping to discuss a simple, cheery tale, we're afraid that you will be chosing the wrong class altogether. This class will explore the trials and tribulations of three seriously unfortunate siblings, Violet, Klaus, and Sunny Baudelaire. Students must endure discussions about several awful topics including: itchy clothing, a deadly serpent, hungry leeches, coupons, violin recitals, mysterious initials, and a bad acting theater troupe. We will continue to teach this tragic class, because we have been sworn to do so. On the other hand, you can save yourself from this heaping helping of woe and instead have a heaping helping of some chilled spilt-pea soup. Requirements: Students must have read at least the first 6 books in The Series of Unfortunate Events.
25. ?HABLAS ESPANOL?, grades 4, 5, & 6, Gustavo Obeso - Do you speak Spanish? Do you want to? Join us as we explore the Spanish language, its vocabulary, pronunciation, and basic phrases. You'll be able to introduce yourself and greet others, even tell time. But most of all, you'll have fun!
26. Drawing is FUN-damental!, grades 5 & 6, Ashley Davison - Do your pictures look a little flat? Want to create the drawing that REALLY stands out? Join my class and learn the tricks and techniques of Renaissance artists to create your own work of art! We will use a variety of drawing pencils, charcoal, crayon, pastel, oil pastel, and more! So, let's turn those doodles into fantastic drawings you can count on!
27. Superhero Science, grades 5 & 6, Brian Womack and Randi Womack - Prepare yourself to experience the fine line between science fiction and science fact. Using modern literature (hey kids - that's code for Comic Books!!) , we will look at the major branches of science and how superheroes use it to their advantages. Classes will include demonstrations, activities, labs, projects, and a weird sense of humor!
28. Bridge Building and Construction Management, grades 5, 6, & 7, Greg Mills - A Construction Manager is someone who coordinates and supervises the building of bridges, structures, dams, airports, roads, subdivisions, and buildings. This class will introduce some basic structural design concepts and will provide an overview of construction management. The primary focus will be on bridges, trusses, and guyed-wire towers. This class uses a hands-on approach in demonstrating these concepts. Model bridges and structures will be built using basswood and glue, straws, and pipe cleaners, toothpicks and marshmallows, or paper and tape. The bridges will be tested to verify they can support a given load. Anything you build is yours to keep.
29. Mission to MARS! grades 5, 6, and 7, Craig Frey - Come join us as we explore the planet Mars. Do you think you have what it takes to be a NASA astronaut? You could be the first American to walk on Mars so start preparing now! We will be studying the red planet as well as practicing and preparing for a mission to visit Mars! That's right, we will be preparing for a visit to the Challenger Learning Center (Radcliff) to embark on a simulated space mission to Mars. Do you like math and science? Can you work well as a team? Sign up for this class for an out of this world experience! Mission positions fill up quickly, so sign up early! IMPORTANT: On our last Saturday class, February 24th, participants will be meet at the Challenger Learning Center in Radcliff. There will be an additional $25 cost for the class to cover the Challenger Learning Center visit.
30. Game Creators: Dark Basic Programming, grades 6 & 7, Karla Andrew - You've played all the games, what's next? Or just as bad, you can't afford new games. You have your own ideas and could make your own game if you just knew how. To do this, you need to learn how to program computers, and this class is going to help you. Start with the basics of programming and move on to writing your own game. Learn a version of the Basic programming language called Dark Basic. You will learn to create your own game program and get to take it home to share with all your friends.
31. Design Star II- Fabric Fun, grades 6 & 7, Gloria Carrico - Needle art was never so much fun! Our needles will be dancing as we create one of kind art with beads, fabric, yarn, and maybe even use the sewing machine. This class will require an additional $5 fee to cover fabric costs and we ask that parents be available to participate in some classes where machine supervision and extra student attention is needed.
32. Microcosmos (Microbiology), grades 6 & 7, Rodney King - Just because you can't see something doesn't mean that it isn't there. Come and explore the microscopic world that is all around you! In this course we will learn about general scientific observation and process, use microscopes to see tiny critters, and grow bacteria and other microscopic organisms. Join the adventure into a tiny universe that is sure to be colossal fun!
33. Modeling in Virtual Space, grades 6 & 7, Jessica Scott - Take ideas from your mind and bring them one step closer to reality! Enter the exciting world of 3-D computer modeling using the computer automated design software "Solid-Works". In this challenging course, students will learn the fundamentals of computer modeling, engineer and build personally designed models, and see how the models are applied in an actual automotive manufacturing system. NOTE: The fourth Saturday will be held at Trace Die Cast.
34. Rocket Science, grades 6 & 7, Joe Napier - To most people "Rocket Science" means something that is complex and difficult and incomprehensible. Well, let's find out together that " Rocket Science" is actually very sensible and predictable and practical. We will use aerodynamics, physics, chemistry, and computer flight simulation software to understand rocket science. We will then use CAD to design a high-powered rocket to perform specific mission criteria which we will then build and launch! An on-board computer will collect flight data that we will analyze and confirm out calculations. Guaranteed to be a BLAST!
35. Science in the Courtroom, grades 3 - 4, Angi Williams -
You be the judge! Enter the courtroom to open your world of science and experience adventures in learning about physical science in a whole new way. This class will provide you with the knowledge to decide if the defendant is guilty or innocent in the areas of electricity, sound, simple machines and much more!!! So make the decision to stretch your brain and don't forget to bring the gavel.
