Just as young minds need to be stimulated, so do those of their teachers.
To that end, and as a way to keep teachers up to date on the latest theories in gifted education, Governors State University in University Park conducts a Math/Science Institute for three weeks every summer.
"We do it because teachers are not always privy to the latest innovations in the teaching of math and science," said Clinton Desmond, professor of graduate education at the school. The institute is taught by college math professors and consultants from companies such as Texas Instruments.
"These people are on the cutting edge of the latest developments in teaching math and science," Desmond said. The institute also uses computer software and calculators to help teachers learn how to teach advanced algebra, physics and calculus to gifted students.
In addition to gifted education, the institute also shows teachers how to teach math and science to average and learning disabled students.
Caroline Weber, a teacher at Wilkins Junior High School in Justice, has attended the institute for the past five years. She said it has prompted her "to do more active things in the classroom rather than just reading from books."
For example, her gifted math students made initial three-dimensional models of fractals. These, Weber explained, are infinitely repeating patterns. Students also had to use their brain power to calculate the volume and surface of their designs.
Sound confounding? Well, it is, agreed Barbara Zevekas of Justice. She is the mother of one of Weber's students, Kristen, 13, a 7th grader. Kristen is in gifted classes for math and science.
"I'm amazed at the things they are doing. (Students) are doing things that I did not do until high school. Last week, they dissected a worm," Zevekas marveled.
After a day spent collecting and categorizing insects, Kristen said she enjoys the active, participatory way of learning. "It's better than just learning the textbook," she said.
Her mother is glad her daughter is being stretched mentally. "I hope they can keep challenging them and making things interesting for them when they get into high school," Zevekas said.
Weber is doing her part to keep school interesting for bright students. She plans to continue attending the institute to keep abreast of new teaching methods.
After all, gifted students are often a teacher's greatest joy and challenge. "They can be intimidating sometimes," Weber admitted with a laugh. "They are so smart!"