SIGNET the Gifted and Talented program at
Marsteller and is an acronym for Schools Involved in Gifted Needs of Education
Today. The goals of SIGNET are:
* Allow students to explore different
approaches to solving problems
* Encourage students to explore higher levels
of thinking skills emphasizing analysis, synthesis and evaluation
* Develop
student products with originality, flexibility, fluency and elaboration
*
Foster student development as a self-disciplined, self-motivated individual
*
Require students to develop skills of metacognition
Each group will receive 30 hours of
resource per semester. We will flip-flop their hours weekly so they don't miss
the same core or off team classes each week. Sixth graders will attend SIGNET on
Mondays or Fridays, seventh grade students will attend on Wednesdays or Fridays,
and eighth grade students will attend on Tuesdays. Students are responsible for
the missed work and should know where and when to obtain any information they
need to complete their class work from team teachers. I always allow time for
students to return to their classes to gather this information.
The SIGNET students meet on the following
days and times:
Monday or Friday– 6th
grade
Monday Schedule:
8:10-9:14
9:18-10:20
11:14-12:17
12:21-1:23
Friday
Schedule:
8:10-9:14
9:18-10:20
Tuesday – 8th
grade
8:10-9:02
10:34-11:26
11:30-12:24
1:55-2:50
Wednesday or Friday– 7th
grade
Wednesday Schedule:
8:10-9:14
9:18-10:20
10:24-11:26
1:48-2:50
Friday
Schedule:
10:24-11:26
1:48-2:50
Thursday –
SIGNET testing of all grade
levels
Collaboration with classroom
teachers
Conferences with students as needed
Interest Groups
Friday –
The 6th grade and 7th grade SIGNET students
(Green Teams) will meet on Fridays on an alternating schedule. See schedule
above for 6th and 7th grade students.
SIGNET testing
Collaboration with classroom
teachers
Conferences with students as needed
Interest Groups -
Below are the list of centers
that are offered in the SIGNET classroom:
Individual Study Centers at
Marsteller Middle School
Castles – Students will create an
architectural design for a castle based on authentic medieval models. Once
planned, the student’s work will be spied upon and attacked by raiding parties
from other students. Opportunities for continuous improvement on the design will
be amply provided. SOL’s: Spatial Relations/Geometry, History, Geography,
Government problem solving, Theme Writing
Drawing For Fun - Students will create
computer graphics and animation projects. SOL’s: Spatial Relations, Visual
Communications and Procedures
Computer Art and Graphics - Students will
learn how artists use paint tools in creating computer-generated graphics. SOL’s
– Comp Tech
Independent Study – 7th and
8th grade students are encouraged to create a proposal to study in an
area of their own interest with a final product to be presented to a variety of
experts in the chosen subject. The students should request a form at the Center.
SOL’s – Internet Management Process
Myths – Students will analyze myths by
comparing and contrasting the Greek myths with mythology around the world. SOL’s
– Social Studies, Multicultural Awareness
Landscape Design – Students will become
familiar with plants, determine site problems to be overcome, analyze and
satisfy client needs, and create site plans. This will be accomplished through
manipulation of man-made materials, plants, colors, shapes and textures to
create rhythm, variety, mood, ceilings and boundaries. SOL’s – Environmental
Science, Spatial relations and Geometry problem solving
Lions, Tigers and Bears – Students will
create a zoo or wildlife refuge and provide for the needs of the animals they
have chosen. A real-life experience is the ultimate goal. SOL’s – Environmental
Science, Geography problem solving, Biology
ER Doctor – (Modern Medicine) Students will
choose an area of medical specialization such as pediatrics, cardiology or
neurology. After researching the causes and symptoms of major disease and
disorders, the specialists will attempt to diagnose patients using interactive
software. SOL’s Biology, History, Problem solving
Veterinary Science - Students will analyze
the qualities and skills of a successful veterinarian. SOL’s Biology, History,
Problem Solving
Create a Country – The students will
explore all concepts of geography by creating a country. SOL’s – Social Studies,
Written language
Origami – The students will investigate the
history of origami and create three dimensional objects using origami paper.
SOL’s – English, Social studies, Computer technology, Math
Fibonacci Fun – The students will use math
skills to explore the Fibonacci number sequence and the golden ratio. SOL’s
Geometric patterns, Graphing ordered pairs
The Impressionist’s World – The students
will research the Impressionist period of art and analyze artwork of that era.
SOL’s – Reading, Writing, Computer Technology
Poetry – The students will learn to write
poetry and cultivate their skill. Through reflection, writing techniques and the
sharing of other poets’ works, the poet who exists in everyone will awaken.
SOL’s – Theme writing, Language skills
Advertising – The student will be able to
identify persuasive messages in non-print media, television, radio and films.
SOL’s - Analyzing relationships, synthesizing, describing and
evaluating
SOL’s – Assemble models, Read from a
variety of sources
Fashion Frenzy – The students will
investigate the history of fashion design. SOL’s – English, Computer Technology,
Digital Photography– The students will use
a digital camera to explore the topic of photography. SOL’s – Spatial relations,
Computer technology
Business Entrepreneurs – The students will
start their own business and explore the fundamentals of being an entrepreneur.
SOL’s - Business, Computer technology
Bridge Engineer – The student will
investigate the topic of engineering and create a 3-D model of a bridge. SOL’s -
Physics, Science
Scream Machines – Students will make and
manage a roller coaster park and develop a coaster system understanding the
physics of force, motion and energy. SOL’s – Economics
Egypt – The students will explore the
contributions of ancient Egyptian civilization. SOL’s – Ancient river valley
civilizations, Reference materials
Engineering – The students will research
the history of engineering and build a 3-D model.
SOL’s – Physics, Science
Architectural Design – Students will study
floor plans to determine trends, draw a plan and create a house plan which
incorporates a personal architectural standard of their own. SOL’s - Physics,
Spatial relationships, Geometry, Problem solving
Writing for Fun and Profit – Students will
write, revise and evaluate their writing in a short story, play, persuasive
essay, expository essay and poetry. SOL’s – Theme writing, Language
skills
Civilizations - The students will research
the definition of a leader and their kingdom. SOL’s – Historical
analysis
Dr. Seuss – The students will investigate
the Dr. Seuss’s style of writing, compare and contrast his books and write their
own Dr. Seuss story. SOL’s - Writing, Language arts
Vacations Unlimited – Students will
research and simulate a trip using a set dollar amount for the particular
vacation they are planning. SOL’s – Problem solving, Data
analysis
Rubik’s Revenge – Students will use their
math knowledge to create three-dimensional models. . SOL’s – Scientific
reasoning and Logic, Spatial relationships
Chess – Students will learn the names and
strategies of the component pieces of the chess game. SOL’s – Logic, Problem
solving, Data analysis
Notable Women – Students will analyze the
achievements of women during the past 100 years – SOL’s – Written research,
History, Civics)
How Stuff Works – Students will learn about
the workings of various devices. SOL’s – Computer technology, Language
Arts
Ocean Quest – Students will research
oceanography topics. SOL’s – Life science, Computer technology,
Science
Criminology – Students will understand
efforts of scientists and the developmental structure of DNA – SOL’s -
Science
Folk Tales – Students will analyze
characteristics of folk tales from around the world. SOL’s – Reading, Research,
Writing
World Religion – Students will describe the
origins, traditions, and customs of three world religions. SOL’s – World
History
Incredible Machines – Students will become
acquainted of the work of engineer/designer Rube Goldberg. SOL’s – Problem
solving, Computer processing, Scientific Reasoning
Norman Rockwell – Students will research
the life and works of the illustrator, Norman Rockwell. SOL’s – Problem solving,
Language Arts
The Sky’s the Limit – Students will
research travel destinations through communicative software.
SOL’s -Language Arts, Computer
Technology
Spread the Word – Students will use
Microsoft Publisher to prepare certificates, signs and letters. SOL –
Communication
1990’s – Students will research fads,
technology and events of the 1990’s. SOL- Communication, Written research,
Writing, History
1980’s – Students will research fads,
technology and events of the 1980’s. SOL- Communication, Written research,
Writing, History
For more information,
check the Gifted Education page of the Prince William County School web
site.