Gifted Boys Conference

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(7th-grade boys only)

Thursday April 5th, 2012

Conference Schedule
9:30 - 10:00 a.m.	Registration
10:15 - 11:00 a.m.	Keynote Address by Dr. Robert Root-Bernstein
11:15 a.m. - 12 Noon	Breakout Session*
12:00 - 1:00 p.m.	Complimentary Box Lunch
1 - 1:50 p.m.	Breakout Session*
The Gifted Boys Conference is offered through the Gifted Students Institute (click here for the GSI home page).

Keynote Speaker

Dr. Root-Bernstein
Robert Root-Bernstein received his AB in Biochemistry and a Ph.D. in History of Science from Princeton University. He did post-doctoral work at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies, where he was awarded one of the first MacArthur Fellowships. A Professor in the Physiology Department at Michigan State University since 1987, Bob studies the evolution of physiological control systems and autoimmune diseases, as well as science-arts interactions. In his spare time, Bob makes various forms of visual art, practices photography, and builds models. He has participated in several group shows.

*Sampling of Breakout Sessions 2012

Breakout Session Choice form will be available March 1.

THE FUTURE IS NEARER THAN YOU THINK

Randy Trevino—SMU Admissions Counselor

College is a time to grow personally, intellectually, socially, mentally, and physically. With over 3,000 colleges in the country, the options for post-high school life are enormous. You are in the driver’s seat when it comes to selecting a college. What do you want to study? What types of classes do you want to engage in and share your opinion? What goals do you have for the future? Come learn about how to be successful when making the step towards college life.

WHY STUDENTS MATTER: THE CASE OF THE CIVIL RIGHTS MOVEMENT

Dennis Simon, Ph.D., Altshuler Distinguished Teaching Professor, Political Science, SMU

This session will highlight the role of students in the Civil Rights Movement. The discussion and presentation draws from both the history of the movement AND the experiences of current students who travel throughout the south during the SMU Civil Rights Pilgrimage.

He Said/She Said

Abigail Bartoshesky, Ed.D., Clinical Associate Professor, Education, SMU

Have you ever wondered whether men and women are speaking the same language? Do we ask the same questions? Do we discuss the same topics? Do we speak and listen in the same manner? In the field of linguistics, the study of language, researchers examine and analyze conversations in order to investigate these sorts of questions. In this break-out session, we will discuss your own observations about language and explore some of the research findings on the similarities and differences between men and women in language and communication.

Why I love Engineering

Nathan Huntoon, Ph.d. Director of Skunkworks Innovation Gymnasium, Lyle School of Engineering, SMU

This session will showcase the aspects of engineering that are not thought of often by non-engineers. Dr. Huntoon will use his own experiences and desires to discuss these ideas, and showcase several real world examples of what makes engineering the best job in the world. If you have ever wondered what engineers do when they’re not in Dilbert, this will fill you in.

Conference Location

The Gifted Boys Conference will be held on the SMU campus. A map (click here to link to SMU's online map site), parking directions, and confirmation letter will be faxed to the participant's school within two days of receiving the registration. Space is limited; please make reservations early.

Parking

Click here for the bus parking and student drop off map. For those driving cars, click here for a visitor parking map.

Conference Fee

The conference registration fee per person is $45. The registration fee for boys who are eligible for the free or reduced-price lunch program is only $10. The Conference is limited to 7th-grade boys and their teachers/sponsors, but each teacher who registers five boys will receive a free registration. Breakfast is NOT provided, and the light lunch (included in the registration fee) is not served until 12:15.

Registration

Complete a registration form (below) for each boy and adult attending (copy the form as needed). All boys must be accompanied by either a teacher or a parent, and there must be at least one sponsor for every ten boys. Due to space limitations, the conference is limited to seventh-grade boys and their sponsors. Notice that the form requires a Guardian's signature. Registration deadline is March 26, 2012.

Please mail all of the registrations for any one group of boys sponsored by the same adult together in one packet with a check or purchase order payable to SMU/GSI. Requests for refunds must be received seven days before the lecture/workshop; otherwise no refund will be made. Cancellation prior to one week will be refunded less a $15 handling fee; a check for the balance will be mailed in 3 to 4 weeks. Registrations and payment information must be sent to:

Gifted Students Institute
Southern Methodist University
PO Box 750383
Dallas TX 75275-0383

Click here for a PDF registration form.

Contact Information

Phone: 214-768-4383
Fax: 214-768-3147
e-Mail: gifted@smu.edu