Gifted Issues Discussion homepage Forums Learning Environments Math/Science specialty program for 4-5th grd?

Anyone have experience with specialty programs in Elementary for Math/Science? Ds9 is interested in trying for this school in our area for the 5th grade (we missed looking at it for the 4th grade). He is interested in science more than math, they said this is not a problem, they are not a 'gifted' school, but they still participate in the gt program that the entire county participates in, so that component would still be in place for ds. I just think it might be a good fit for him and a chance to see if he really likes this sort of program, before attempting this for middle school. There is an info night coming up which we will check out, of course, but any thoughts on this sort of program would be of interest (ds has tested mg, and is very creative).

I'm not sure if this helps. It might be good to google and get some info. I found this in Develpoing Math talent Page 227.

Two examples of curricula that make Math/science connections are Great Explorations in Math and Science GEMS) and activites an Math and Science (AIMS)

Interesting! I just got that book back from my sister, I will have to flip it open again! Thanks

Chris, I didn't do a program like this in elementary school, but did start a science/pre-engineering magnet program in middle school. My DS12, 7th grade is in his 2nd year there. They also have the GEM math program so this year he is taking High School Honors Algebra. Our district does offer seperate full-time gifted programs in middle school, but chosing a magnet school cut us out of the gifted programs. I haven't found it to be a huge issue though as the science is really advanced and a lot of the kids who chose a science magnet are usually high achievers. DS12 does have some gifted certified teachers, but the classes are not just for gifted kids. I must say I think the science is amazing. It is 2 hours a day and just having that extra time enables them to conduct experiments etc. they would not be able to in a regular 1 hour science class.