Gifted Boys Conference
(7th-grade boys only)
Thursday April 5th, 2012
Conference is full and registration is closed.
| 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
Click here for a PDF Breakout Session
Choice form.
The Future is Nearer Than You Think
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 Rights Movement
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, Simmons School, 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.
Meadows Museum
Meadows Museum Docents
Travel through 1000 years of Spanish history on a guided tour of the Meadows
Museum. One of the largest collections of Spanish art outside of Spain, the
Meadows Museum is home to many great masters such as Goya, Ribera, Velazquez,
Picasso, El Greco, Miro, Rodin, and Giacometti. Come see our collection of
Spanish masters in a new light!
Click here
for the current exhibitions.
Mars A New Frontier
Kurt Chankaya— Aerodynamics Engineer, Member of the Mars Society
Have you wondered what possible new frontiers may open up in the future? Come
for a discussion on the exploration of Space, and in particular, Mars. We’ll
talk about the past and ongoing robotic explorations of Mars, and some of the
challenges and possibilities of how human exploration could be done in the near
future. We’ll also discuss the natural resources available on Mars, and how
these could support a human colony living and thriving on a new frontier.
What is Leadership?
Kevin Saberre, Coordinator for Fraternity & Sorority Life, SMU
We talk about it all the time, but do you know what it really means?
Participants will spend time learning what the word means and how they can apply
it in everyday situations. We each lead differently – find out how to make the
best of it and outshine those around you!
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
Contact Information
Phone: 214-768-4383
Fax: 214-768-3147
e-Mail: gifted@smu.edu