The Johns Hopkins University Center for Talented Youth Academic Conferences
2001 Science and Technology Series

Explorations in Environmental Science & Policy

The Johns Hopkins University Center for Talented Youth (CTY) collaborated with Barnard/Columbia University in presenting its 2001 Science and Technology Series on Explorations in Environmental Science and Policy. Columbia's Environmental Molecular Sciences Institute (EMSI) sponsored, coordinated and hosted this event on November 11, 2001.

The Science and Technology Symposia, geared for eighth- and ninth-grade students and their families, introduces students to prominent and pioneering scientists and mathematicians. In 2001, CTY presented mathematical and scientific concepts within the framework of an Environmental Studies theme. Technical discussions and presentations focused on such relevant and high-interest topics as atmospheric sciences, environmental engineering, meteorology, land and water conservation, and hazardous waste treatment.

Future generations of Americans will need to be prepared to work competitively with highly trained professionals from other countries in all academic disciplines, especially in mathematics and science. Yet, many studies have indicated that both science and mathematics education in the United States is frequently inadequate. Students are often exposed to science courses that are not engaging and lose interest in mathematics when they are unable to proceed at their own pace or to see the relevance of such courses to their lives. In addition to schooling, capable young students need exposure to practicing scientists who can bring mathematics and science to life for them. Without appropriate intervention, students often acquire skills but lack the ability or inclination to conceptualize and solve problems creatively. Less frequently, one encounters bright students who have the ability to conceptualize but who lack the technological skills needed to bring these ideas to fruition. Such students need to be taught within a hands-on, small-group context in which they can make contributions as they study, experiment, and learn.

CTY is specially suited to address this problem by virtue of its nationwide experience and success with identifying, motivating, and nurturing academic talent among adolescent youth. CTY provides educational opportunities to highly capable pre-collegiate youth and serves to advance the quality of American education through its programs, policy, and research. Established in 1979, CTY emphasizes traditional American practices which are characterized by a delicate balance of extreme flexibility and autonomy for the individual learner and an imperative for equal opportunity of education among students with a wide diversity of need and ability.

CTY specifically provides educational opportunities to highly capable pre-collegiate youth who demonstrate high capacity in verbal and/or mathematical reasoning abilities. During the past twenty-one years, CTY has located and served these talented youth each year. For example, in 2001, CTY served over 65,000 students nationwide and overseas. Parochial, private, and public middle or junior high schools are contacted by CTY's Talent Identification Department. Approximately 6,000 students from 41 states and 34 foreign countries will attend CTY Academic Programs this summer held at 11 college campuses and private schools in the United States. CTY provides Talent Identification participants with an assessment of their academic abilities and opportunities to develop their talents. In addition to screening for CTY Academic Programs, CTY sponsors awards ceremonies for top-scoring students in each of the 19 states and the District of Columbia as well as one-day symposia on topics such as career education, college planning, mathematics and science, and the humanities. Also under the aegis of CTY are: outreach courses and services for highly able inner-city and rural youth, a one-course commuter scholarship program supported by approximately 110 colleges and universities, and the CTY Parent Outreach Network. Our Science and Technology Symposia, conducted annually for students and their families since 1988, include the Biotechnology Days in 1999, Space & Astronomy Days in 1991 and 1996, Materials Science & Engineering Days in 1995, Quantum World Days in 1997, Mind & Brain Days in 1998, and most recently, our very successful Space and Astronomy Days held again at eight universities and institutions in 2000. Students are introduced to mathematics and science by scientists who not only give talks and presentations, but also lead the students in special small-group discovery sessions. Special sessions are held for parents as well.