The University of South Florida Polytechnic is accepting applications for the summer 2012 Central Florida Gifted and Talented Institute.  This non-residential day program runs for three consecutive weeks from July 9 to July 27 at USF Poly, Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Sponsored by USF Polytechnic and the Polk County School District, the Central Florida Gifted & Talented Institute is Polk County’s only summer day program for gifted and talented students. Featuring four separate programs, it offers innovative, challenging curriculum targeted at active learning for gifted students entering 7^th, 8th and 9th grade:

• The Hot 2 Bot Applied Robotics Academy immerses students in information technology and engineering robotic concepts as they build two different types of robots, design programming for these robots, explore simple and complex machines, create remote operation devices, discover robotic career opportunities and learn about the impact of robotics on society.
• Extreme Green Adventure, an exhilarating outdoor exploration program, lets students experience biodiversity in action and discover man’s impact on environmental sustainability. Hiking, kayaking, and snorkeling will provide many opportunities to interact with nature. Experts in the areas of the environment and technology will address a broad range of techniques used to promote sustainability. Students will build a model “Green City” and create public service announcements that promote sustainability through preservation and conservation. The Extreme Green Adventure is designed for students who prefer to step outside the walls of the classroom and into nature.
• CSI: If Evidence Could Talk lets students investigate crimes, gather evidence, analyze data, formulate conclusions and solve mysteries. Chemical analysis, blood typing, fiber and plant analysis, gathering and analyzing geological data are among the types of evidence that will be examined.
• New this year: Dr. Jekyll’s Lab: Survival of the Fictionist. If a mad scientist competed in a reality show, it would be called Dr. Jekyll’s Lab. Young “mad scientists” will explore the arts of filmmaking and fiction in a workshop that combines drama and technology. To survive Dr. Jekyll’s Lab, teams must design a video game and create their own avatars, invent a prototype to save the world from the “Looming Doom,” market it in a student directed infomercial, and finally, rock the runway in the “maddest” model competition ever. Along the way, teams will compete in a series of experiments that would test the survival skills of any mad scientist. Winning teams will earn a special “lab assistant”. This IGOR (Immunity’s Great Obstacle Remover) will be used to enhance the production of their video games, infomercials and prototypes. Experiments include the Search for the Immunity Talisman, Survivor: 2081, Exploding Elixir, Project: Lab Coat and will culminate in the final ceremony with the Monster Mash Bash!

Instructors have extensive experience in the content and associated skills and represent middle school, high school, and university expertise. Students enjoy weekly field trips appropriate to the curriculum. On July 26, the Exhibition of Excellence features a robotic competition and lets students showcase their final creations to family, friends and community members.
A limited number of spots are available. For more information, including an online application, visit http://www.poly.usf.edu/gt/ or contact Kathy Sebeny (863) 667-7059 or ksebeny@poly.usf.edu.

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