Northwestern Center for Talent Development
Gifted Education
About Center for Talent Development
Breakout Bios: Infections Diseases
Infectious diseases have puzzled humanity from the beginning of time. Students learn about microbiology, immunology and epidemiology as they investigate how the human immune system works to keep us healthy. Study advances in medical technology that have helped combat and eliminate diseases and allow us to nd cures for others. Learn to question and hypothesize, identify and manipulate variables, measure and record data, and interpret results.
Essential Questions:
- What are pathogens? Where do pathogens exist in our world, and what effect do they have on the organisms they afflict?
- How do the many cells of the immune system work together to fight pathogenic invaders and keep us healthy? What happens when the immune system fails?
- Why is it important to understand the nature of infectious diseases? What real world lessons can we learn from studying infectious diseases?
- How are individuals and populations affected by infectious disease? What are the cultural impacts of infectious diseases?
Outcomes:
- Identify different types of pathogens and associated diseases;
- Know the components of the human immune system;
- Understand how pathogens cause disease, epidemics, and at times pandemics;
- Explain how professionals attempt to identify and keep humans safe from infectious agents;
- Research the latest advances in medical sciences and their application.
Surviving in Space
Course Description
Imagine NASA wanted YOU to live on Mars. Are you ready to launch? Investigate the red planet and the scientific and technological advancements NASA is developing to make travel to Mars a reality. Develop and propose your own plans for survival in space by researching current real-world projects that are preparing humans for off-world colonization.
Essential Questions：
- How can we sustain life outside of Earth?
- How would we get materials to another planet?
- What would living off of Earth look like?
Outcomes：
- Know the limitations and problems that come with living off of Earth.
- Understand how NASA and other space agencies problem solve.
- Apply their understanding by designing supply drop-off models and mars colony models.
- Create devices to protect cargo from an orbital descent.
- Apply their new knowledge to theoretical Mars colony designs.
Math Puzzles & Games
Learn and apply critical math topics through games of skill and luck including chess, KenKen and Sudoku, and carnival games of chance. Concepts come from algebra and geometry and include an exploration of probability and statistics. Apply the concepts of risk analysis, expected value, and outcomes to create your own game and predict the success of the players!
Essential Questions
- How can we apply logical reasoning to crack the code of classic math puzzles and logic games?
- How can we determine the likelihood of single events and compound events?
- How can we manipulate the mathematical formulas for probability and relative frequency?
- How can we analyze probabilities to interpret odds and risk of events in a game or contest?
Outcomes：
- Know how to calculate theoretical and experimental probability.
• Understand multiple models for determining probability of compound events.
• Understand the basic principles of combinatory, including permutations, combinations, and other counting methods to determine the number of ways events can occur.
• Apply concepts of probability to problem-based tasks and activities.
• Gain deep insight into how they can approach challenging puzzles and games.
• Create a carnival game and analyze its possible outcomes, fairness and likelihood of winning.
Creative Writing
In this writing workshop, channel your creative ideas into polished short stories. Analyze professional writing techniques, practice writing and revising, and present work to an audience. Combining elements of great storytelling and the short ction form, create your own portfolio to take home.
Essential Questions
- What elements contribute to a good short story?
- How can students combine the elements to form an engaging and effective short story?
- How can students develop their own voice and style in writing?
Outcomes：
- Know the elements of a short story and apply the elements of a short story to their own writing
- Know the rules of dialogue
- Understand how elements interact to form a story
- Apply the element of voice to their own writing
- Apply gurative and descriptive language to improve their own writing
- Create a unique plot with a climax
- Create a portfolio of their work, including multiple short stories with realistic characters
Intro to Genetics
What does it mean to say “it’s in the genes?” Genes determine the color of our eyes and hair, our height, and
our predisposition to certain illnesses. Learn how genes and DNA determine individual traits, discuss advances in
the eld such as the Human Genome Project, and consider the ethical, legal, and medical issues involved in genetic
modi cation.
Essential Questions
- What are the bene ts and drawbacks of understanding the human genome and genomes of other species?
- What role will genetic engineering play in your future?
- How has an increased understanding of genetics led to changes in medicine, biotechnologies, and conservation efforts?
- How has an understanding of genetics and different species changed society?
- What ethical questions does society now face as a result of advances in technology?
Outcomes：
- What ethical questions does society now face as a result of advances in technology?
- Understand the role of DNA, genes, and chromosomes in genetic inheritance.
- Analyze and predict the likelihood of genes being expressed from known pairings in a laboratory setting or in other simulated circumstances.
- Apply knowledge of genetic engineering to conservation of species.
- Apply knowledge of genetic engineering to conservation of species.
Aerospace Engineering & The Science of Flight
How do the fundamental forces of flight work to get a giant machine off the ground? Apply the principles of aerodynamics to your own designs. Learn about the history of flight, and through experiments, create hypotheses, observe flying machines, and compose lab reports to understand the physics principles behind the science. Apply the engineering process as you become an aeronautical engineer.
Essential Questions:
- What major scientific principles make flight possible?
- Who were the major contributors to the evolution of human flight?
- What process can be taken to improve experiment results?
Outcomes：
- Know and gain an understanding of the history of flight and how humans have worked to improve machines that make flight possible.
- Understand how to apply crucial scientific concepts in flight to their designs and projects.
- Apply the scientific method in a collaborative setting to design, test, and build experiments where meaningful data is obtained in order to test hypotheses.
- Analyze results and form conclusions based on experiment outcomes.
- Use results to modify and improve original designs of models.
Intro to Biomedicine
For millions of years the human body has been evolving, yet it still presents many challenges and mysteries. The industry of biomedicine is growing rapidly as scientists research how to understand disorders and cure diseases.In this course, students explore connections between groundbreaking medical research that has revealed insights into the body’s molecular and cellular processes and how that knowledge is applied to medical practice and treatments. Through readings, discussions and laboratory investigations, students are introduced to the fundamentals of this specialized branch of science and develop their laboratory skills. Examination of essential biochemical reactions that occur in the body acquaint students with topics in chemistry; physics is included in the form of investigating biomechanics; and areas of biology such as cell biology and genetics are explored. This course is an excellent introduction for students interested in the study of medicine or advanced laboratory courses.
Essential Questions:
- How do genes, cells, tissues, organs, organ systems work together in the human body?
- If an error occurs at one of these levels, how is the body impacted? Is homeostasis altered?
- How have advancements in both bioengineering and biotechnology impacted human health?
- What are telehealth, telecare and telemedicine?
Outcomes:
- Know about the micro and macro physiology of the human body and how biomedicine can be used to solve problem within the body
- Understand the odds of a genetic trait occurring using Punnett squares
- Recognize medical accomplishments in bioengineering and biotechnology
- Analyze and apply current biomedical research to discussion of bioethics
- Apply scientific research, perform experiments and diagnosis patients' based on their symptoms and family and medical history
- Create models to represent your understanding of various topics from this course
Bubbles & Crashes: Introduction to Economics
Can you spot a stock market bubble before it pops? How do decisions by governments, businesses, and individuals affect markets? Budding economists examine economic booms and busts of the past and present, focusing on concepts such as risk, supply and demand, marginal utility, and the fundamentals of investing. This course builds critical-thinking skills through discussion and writing experiences and is ideal for those interested in future study of economics, political science, international relations, or other advanced social sciences.
Essential Questions:
- How do we make rational decisions involving money and investments? Why do rational people sometimes make bad choices?
- How do economists think about problems? How might an economist’s approach to help us understand the way markets work?
- How does the financial system work? What roles do individuals, groups, businesses, and the government play in creating, maintaining, and disrupting this system?
Outcomes:
- Know the fundamental principles of classical and behavioral economics, game theory, probability analysis, and investment strategy.
- Articulate, defend, and refute social science arguments using economic theory and real-world examples.
- Apply social science methods to historical and contemporary case studies in economics and finance.
- Discuss current economic trends and challenges and explain the ways in which economic thinking (or lack thereof) affects important issues of today.
- Devise a sound investment strategy based on a philosophy of risk management and cost/benefit analysis.
Brain Science
Discover the secrets of "the most complex thing in the universe": your own brain, a three-pound mass of miles of nerve bers that controls everything you do and how you react to the world. In this mind-blowing course, learn how the brain impacts your decisions, controls your memory, in uences your mood, and more!
Essential Questions：
- What is neuroscience and how does it inform other elds of study such as physiology, psychology, and even sociology?
- How do we study the anatomy and physiology of the brain? How does the human brain compare to that of other organisms?
- How have human brains evolved over time? How will technology change both our understanding and the function of the brain?
Outcomes：
- Know essential terminology in neuroscience, physiology, psychology, and sociology; know how organismal brains and neurological networks interact with the world around them.
- Understand how sensory inputs allow the brain to perceive reality; understand the anatomy and psychology of the human brain and several other organisms.
- Apply the scientific method to class activities, discussions, presentations, and research; apply various methodologies to study the brain; apply theories to explain neurological, physiological, psychological and sociological phenomena.
- Analyze articles, media, videos, and virtual reality to understand brain science; synthesize original ideas to explain the functions of the brain, explore the consequences, constraints, and applications of novel solutions to a problem or challenge; create models, posters, public service announcements, and presentations to demonstrate understanding of topics.
- Advocate for the responsible application of science and ethics.
Real-World Math
Real-world issues big and small can be understood and addressed using math! Learn to apply exponents, percentages, multi-step equations, and more to devise solutions for both practical living and in the interest of solving some of the most complicated issues facing the planet.
Essential Questions:
- How does math even work?
- How are structure and patterns useful for solving problems?
- What does a real-world mathematics problem even look like?
- What parts of your arithmetic foundation do you rely on the most?
- What parts of your arithmetic foundation could use some extra strengthening?
Outcomes：
- Know how mathematics can model—not just quantify— real-world situations.
- Understand how mathematics can be used to compare, contrast, and explain real world situations.
- Apply mathematical thinking as part of a decision-making toolbox.
- Analyze, synthesize, or create a real-world challenge that can be explained or made clearer using mathematical structure. Make and communicate a decision. Justify and explain their reasoning using mathematics as part of their process.
Creative Writing
In this writing workshop, channel your creative ideas into polished short stories. Analyze professional writing techniques, practice writing and revising, and present work to an audience. Combining elements of great storytelling and the short ction form, create your own portfolio to take home.
Essential Questions
- What elements contribute to a good short story?
- How can students combine the elements to form an engaging and effective short story?
- How can students develop their own voice and style in writing?
Outcomes：
- Know the elements of a short story and apply the elements of a short story to their own writing
- Know the rules of dialogue
- Understand how elements interact to form a story
- Apply the element of voice to their own writing
- Apply gurative and descriptive language to improve their own writing
- Create a unique plot with a climax
- Create a portfolio of their work, including multiple short stories with realistic characters
Discrete Math: Management Science and Fair Division
Modern problems require modern solutions. Learn and apply management science topics such as graph theory and optimization to achieve goals such as safe urban living or multinational co-operation for scientific advancement. Concepts of fair division help identify solutions where each party is satisfied and envy-free.
Essential Questions：
- Learn the basic management science tools
- Learn the basic concepts of graph theory
- Learn the difference between Eulerian and Hamiltonian diagrams
- Learn how to quickly find the optimal solution to the traveling salesman problem
Outcomes：
- Understand the basic objects in discrete mathematics
- Understand the importance of discrete mathematics for programming
- Use discrete mathematical ideas to obtain more effective solutions
Introduction to Oncology
Explore what the National Cancer Institute calls the first question in understanding the biology of cancer: what is normal cellular behavior? Guided by Hanahan and Weinberg’s “Hallmarks of Cancer” framework, investigate genetic and epigenetic expression on cellular outcomes, including sustained proliferative signaling, replicative immortality, and activation of metastasis. Review available and potential therapies and clinical interventions.
PREREQUISITE: High School Biology
Essential Questions：
- What is cancer? Is cancer a single disease? When can a person develop cancer?
- How does cancer come to life? What goes wrong in a healthy cell that makes it cancerous? Which processes make cancer become lethal to patients?
- What can we do about it? What can be done by scientists and oncologists to cure – and even prevent cancers? How can students play a part in the fight against cancer?
Outcomes：
- Know and review fundamental basis of molecular biology including the production and regulation of DNA, RNA, and protein.
- Understand the concepts and mechanisms of the current "10 hallmarks of cancer".
- Apply the scienti c method to class activities, discussions, presentations, and research; apply various methodologies to study the brain; apply theories to explain neurological, physiological, psychological and sociological phenomena.
- Describe the basic framework of cancer screening, diagnosis, and treatments.
- Develop important research skills regarding scientific reading, critical thinking, evidence-guided scientific debate, project planning, and scientific communication.
- Design goal-driven projects as a foundation for innovative cancer therapies.
Microeconomics
Microeconomics explores the impact of individual and organizational decisions on markets. Use decision theory, game theory, and market theory to interpret topics such as incentives, supply and demand, and competition. Design economic solutions to complex problems such as crime, educational achievement, safety regulations, environmental degradation, gender discrimination, health care, taxation, philanthropy, and political participation. Further improve these solutions with an understanding of behavioral economics.
PREREQUISITE: Graded writing assignment
Essential Questions：
- What does it mean to be an optimizing individual? How do people with limited time and information respond to incentives and make decisions?
- How does society determine the value of resources, products, and the work used to produce them?
- Under what circumstances does individual optimization lead to outcomes that are good for the group as a whole?
- How do market and government incentives cause unintended consequences? What kinds of policies are effective in mitigating them?
Outcomes：
- Define, explain, and correctly use the vocabulary of microeconomics and game theory.
- Explain how economic, social and moral incentives motivate human behavior, and understand how decision-makers use marginal analysis to determine their best options.
- Select strategies in a variety of game-theoretic situations and evaluate individual and collective outcomes.
- Identify collective-action and market-failure problems and evaluate ways to manage negative externalities.
- Analyze the political dynamics behind economic policies and the positive and negative outcomes of government policies and market interventions.
Neuroscience
Explore the complex systems of the human brain, drawing on the interdisciplinary principles of biology, chemistry, anatomy, physiology, and psychology. Topics include neural systems and behavior; the embryonic developments of the central and peripheral nervous systems; study of sensory and motor systems; changes in brain chemistry; aspects of learning and memory; and disorders of the nervous system.
PREREQUISITE: High School Biology
Essential Questions：
- How has human neuroanatomy evolved over time? How did specific selective pressures result in such a complex system?
- How has our understanding of this complex system evolved? How has the examination of neurological disorders given us insight into the function of the disparate parts of the nervous system?
- How does the anatomy and physiology of the individual change over the span of our lives, from gestation, infancy, young adulthood, adult years and amongst the elderly?
Outcomes：
- Be able to articulate the significant changes in scientific explanation of human neuroanatomy and physiology and connect these changes in theory to critical experiments/research.
- Understand the central tenets of the Neuron Doctrine and apply it to the various histological forms that comprise the central and peripheral nervous systems.
- Develop an appreciation for how the complex "emergent properties" of the nervous system are predicated on the interaction of billions of independent, discrete units.
- Be able to qualitatively and quantitatively describe the physiology of the action potential.
Astrophysics
Astrophysics seeks the origin and evolution of planets, stars, galaxies, and the elements themselves. Explore laws and theories such as Newton’s law of universal gravitation, Kepler’s law of planetary motion, and Einstein’s theory of relativity. Principles of physics, mathematics, and astronomy are used to study the evolution and death of stars, the formation of planetary systems, and current theories of astrophysics.
PREREQUISITES: Algebra II with Trigonometry AND one year of High School Physics
A graphing calculator is required.
Essential Questions：
- How do astrophysical systems develop and evolve over time?
- What is the ultimate fate of our Universe? Will there be a Big Crunch and consequently another Big Bang? Or will the Universe expand forever?
- How can we use the tools provided by math and physics to explore these questions?
Outcomes：
- Know basic concepts of physics including electromagnetic radiation, Newton's Laws, energy, and momentum, as they relate to astrophysics ideas.
- Understand major astrophysical concepts such as the evolution and structure of the Solar System, the life cycle of stars and galaxies, and the evolution and structure of the Universe.
- Apply basic understandings of physics and math principles to solve problems in the aforementioned areas.
Machine Learning
The Fortune 500 is increasingly dominated by companies that harness artificial intelligence to optimize safety and performance in the energy and defense sectors, supply chain in the manufacturing and retail sectors, and risk management in the banking and finance sectors. At the heart of artificial intelligence is machine learning, the design and build of algorithms that learn from data. Aspiring data scientists will use (R), linear regression, and large data sets to build predictive models. Construct machine learning tasks such as classification, regression, clustering, supervised and unsupervised tasks. Gain exposure to the fields of software engineering, data analytics, and risk management.
PREREQUISITES: Algebra II AND demonstrated experience in one programming language; successful completion of AP Computer Science A preferred
A laptop computer (not a tablet) is required for this course.
Essential Questions：
- What is machine learning?
- How can machine learning help us solve problems with no known solution approach?
- What are the benefits (and risks) of using machine learning in the real world?
Outcomes：
- Know the difference between supervised and unsupervised machine learning and how to apply those learning algorithms to solve a problem.
- Understand why machine learning is essential to uncover unforeseen patterns in data.
- Create standalone machine learning programs, using the Python Framework, that solve a unique problem.
Application Method:
- 1. 90th percentile or above in math and 75th percentile or above in English on a nationally normed, standardized grade-level assessment(e.g.,MAP, STAR, ETC.) or participation in above-grade-level testing through CTD above-grade-level assessment or similar program, or successful completion, within the past two years, of a previous CTD course at the same or higher admission tier and in the qualifying subject area, or The requisite scores for PSAT 8/9 - Taken in grade 6 or earlier.
- 2. Recommendations from invited principals of partner schools and submits school transcripts and meet the following English assessment.
- 4. Without the above test scores, students need to pass the online selection test organized by ASDAN China (focus on math and English skills).
