SIGNET is 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
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.
Drawing For Fun - Students will create
computer graphics and animation projects.
Computer Art and Graphics - Students will
learn how artists use paint tools in creating computer-generated graphics.
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.
Myths – Students will analyze myths by
comparing and contrasting the Greek myths with mythology around the world.
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.
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.
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.
Veterinary Science - Students will analyze
the qualities and skills of a successful veterinarian.
Create a Country – The students will
explore all concepts of geography by creating a country.
Origami – The students will investigate the
history of origami and create three dimensional objects using origami paper.
Fibonacci Fun – The students will use math
skills to explore the Fibonacci number sequence and the golden ratio.
The Impressionist’s World – The students
will research the Impressionist period of art and analyze artwork of that era.
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.
Advertising – The student will be able to
identify persuasive messages in non-print media, television, radio and films.
Fashion Frenzy – The students will
investigate the history of fashion design.
Digital Photography– The students will use
a digital camera to explore the topic of photography.
Business Entrepreneurs – The students will
start their own business and explore the fundamentals of being an entrepreneur.
Bridge Engineer – The student will
investigate the topic of engineering and create a 3-D model of a bridge.
Scream Machines – Students will make and
manage a roller coaster park and develop a coaster system understanding the
physics of force, motion and energy.
Egypt – The students will explore the
contributions of ancient Egyptian civilization.
Engineering – The students will research
the history of engineering and build a 3-D model.
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.
Writing for Fun and Profit – Students will
write, revise and evaluate their writing in a short story, play, persuasive
essay, expository essay and poetry.
Civilizations - The students will research
the definition of a leader and their kingdom.
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.
Vacations Unlimited – Students will
research and simulate a trip using a set dollar amount for the particular
vacation they are planning.
Rubik’s Revenge – Students will use their
math knowledge to create three-dimensional models.
Chess – Students will learn the names and
strategies of the component pieces of the chess game.
Notable Women – Students will analyze the
achievements of women during the past 100 years.
How Stuff Works – Students will learn about
the workings of various devices.
Ocean Quest – Students will research
oceanography topics.
Criminology – Students will understand
efforts of scientists and the developmental structure of DNA.
Folk Tales – Students will analyze
characteristics of folk tales from around the world.
World Religion – Students will describe the
origins, traditions, and customs of three world religions.
Incredible Machines – Students will become
acquainted of the work of engineer/designer Rube Goldberg.
Norman Rockwell – Students will research
the life and works of the illustrator, Norman Rockwell.
The Sky’s the Limit – Students will
research travel destinations through communicative software.
Spread the Word – Students will use
Microsoft Publisher to prepare certificates, signs and letters.
1990’s – Students will research fads,
technology and events of the 1990’s.
1980’s – Students will research fads,
technology and events of the 1980’s.
NEW!
Build a Treehouse-Students will design and create a treehouse.