Albert Einstein – Institute for Educational Advancement

Virtual Learning Lab: Intro to Special Relativity

��Ƶ Staff — Mon, 13 Apr 2020 23:31:01 +0000

Physics seems to work well on human scales, but why does classical physics seem to break at the largest and smallest ones? This series of videos will discuss the physics on the scale of atoms and galaxies. In this introductory lesson, we’ll discuss reference frames, the fundamentals of Einstein’s special relativity and some of its interesting consequences.

Speaker: Umar Ahmed Badami, CDB Scholar

Materials Needed: Paper and pen or pencil

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KQ_oe3m1puI&feature=youtu.be” title=”Virtual Learning Lab: Intro to Special Relativity”]

The Genius of Genius Day

��Ƶ Staff — Wed, 16 Mar 2016 05:12:53 +0000

By Louise Hindle, ��Ƶ Program Manager

Saturday, March 12^th bore witness to our 6^th Genius Day, a day of deep learning on the life and legacy of none other than Albert Einstein. In case you didn’t know, our Genius Days are days of investigation into the life and impact of someone who may be deemed a “genius.” These days are always met with immense enthusiasm: our teachers clamor to share their expertise, sign-ups are rapid, and once over, our young learners leave desperate to know the date of the next Genius Day. This part of our programming is clearly sparking interest and excitement – so it’s worth pausing for a moment and considering why Genius Days are great for gifted kids.

In no particular order, here are my thoughts:

Gifted kids get the opportunity to come, from near and far, and be with others who share their interests

Saturday’s delegates came from as far away as Long Beach and as near as San Marino. Most importantly, they came so they could spend the day exploring Einstein’s legacy through science, math and, perhaps surprisingly, creative writing. They engaged in a fabulous gravity well experiment in order to investigate general relativity, they voyaged through time dilation and aspects of special relativity during a math challenge game, and they re-imagined Einstein’s perspectives on the world and education, by reading and responding to letters written to him or by him. All of this was achieved in a safe environment amongst others who share a common desire to learn and a unique enthusiasm for Einstein.

2. Gifted kids get the chance to learn with and from experts; asking questions which might otherwise go unanswered, or worse, not asked

Genius Day is not just an exercise in finding engaging teaching and learning activities, but an exercise in finding those with the cavernous expertise to truly meet the intellectual needs of our students. Last Saturday, we were honored to be led by our long-standing Astronomy teacher, Dr. Tony Travouillon, who is known for his work on the Thirty Meter Telescope (as well as his ability to bake macarons!). Co-teaching on that day was Dr. Jeff Rich, currently a post-doctoral research associate at the Carnegie Observatory in Pasadena. Tony and Jeff stand in a long line of friends, teachers, researchers, and experts who have given their time and minds to previous Genius Days – from Caltech to members of the Independent Shakespeare Company. Collectively, these teachers inspire our children and address ALL of their questions with patience, respect, and oftentimes, awe!

3. Gifted kids get to work in paradise!

All days have been hosted at The Huntington Library, Art Collections and Botanical Gardens in San Marino: paradise indeed. The location is not just paradise because of the inspirational beauty of the setting, but because of its riches in manuscripts, collections, and exhibits – riches we are fortunate to enjoy access to. Curators graciously donate their time beforehand to meet with the teachers and enlighten us on what aspects of the collection might relate to our named “genius.” ��For Einstein, we sourced some incredible digital images of Einstein’s visit to Mt. Wilson and then on the day itself enjoyed a visit to the award-winning Beautiful Science exhibit. Who wouldn’t be inspired to be engaged in paradise? Perhaps attendees imagined a future life as a scholar, feeding the mind through adulthood.

4. Gifted kids get what they need most – intellectual nourishment

A Genius Day is not just about showing up on the day and having the mind fed, but having expectations shaped BEFORE you even get there. All students are sent a reading pack to devour – intellectually speaking! – before the day itself. The pack outlines key terms and concepts and offers a biography. It also offers challenging readings by and about the genius from sources not always readily accessible! Pre-reading for Einstein included a newspaper article from a 1919 British newspaper, a copy of his report card revealing his achievements in Chemistry needed some attention (!), a copy of a telegram serving as a rallying cry to leading scientists in light of anxieties surrounding the atomic bomb, as well as current, breaking news on the man himself within the context of LIGO!

5. Gifted kids get to participate, not just receive

All children are involved throughout the day. Learning activities are designed, purposefully, for a range of learning styles. There is a deliberate design for student participation and an expectation that we don’t just interrogate the science and the math, but also the very notion of “genius” – historically, socially and culturally. We strive for dialogue and we do our best to ensure all voices are heard, from the past through to those magical moments in the classroom.

And so, we say “Happy Birthday” to Albert Einstein and bathe in the warm glow of holding a Genius Day about him just as news of a whole new astronomy breaks, courtesy of gravitational waves.�� We also say “thank you” to our community who attend and enjoy these unique days of deep learning.

We think our Genius Days are “genius.” As one of our families said, for their child, attending Genius Day is “like being in another world with kids that he can really talk to about the things that really interest him. We cannot express enough our gratitude for what you have created in ��Ƶ; where our son lights up, like nowhere else. Another world indeed.”

We sincerely hope to have you join our world and make it your child’s world, next time at Genius Day.

Interested in Genius Day? You may also enjoy ��Ƶ’s Academy, which offers after-school and weekend enrichment courses for gifted children grades K-8th. Applications are now available for the spring term!��Learn more and apply on the .

A British import, Louise Hindle graduated from the University of Manchester with a B.A. Honors Degree in English Literature and Language, completed her post-graduate teacher training at The University of Cambridge, and has recently completed her dissertation in Educational Leadership and Innovation with the University of Warwick. Louise has 20 years of experience in education as a high school literature teacher, lead teacher, administrator, adviser, and consultant. She is also the parent of three fun and active school-aged children. She loves working at ��Ƶ because she is constantly learning and reflecting in order to meet the varied and complex needs of these children, who she finds to be confident and vulnerable in equal measure but always ready to learn and thirsty for more. In her free time, she likes to read with her children, hike, walk, and jog with her badly behaved dog.

Like this post? to receive more stories, information, and resources about gifted youth straight to your inbox.

Surviving the Holidays with a House Full of Gifted Folks

��Ƶ Staff — Tue, 01 Dec 2015 16:12:54 +0000

The holidays are a time for rest and relaxation – if you can find a minute between making travel arrangements, hosting family and friends visiting from out-of-town, and finding the perfect gift for everyone on your list! The stresses that inevitably accompany the holidays can be especially challenging for individuals with . To help you embrace the spirit of the holidays and ensure that everyone has a merry time (even you!), here are a few tips for surviving the upcoming snowstorm.

Designate quiet time and spaces

Many gifted children and adults identify as introverts and gather energy from time spent alone. Add sensual intensities into the mix and this quiet time becomes even more important. When expecting a full house for the holidays, plan ahead and make sure that everyone has a safe haven to retreat to and time to recharge before jumping into the next group activity.

Divide and conquer

You don’t need unanimous participation to plan activities for a large crew. Have different options available to meet a wide variety of interests. Maybe a group will go sledding for an afternoon while another stays home and plays a strategic board game. There will be plenty of time to catch up over dinner and more stories to share after a day of multiple adventures!

Start a new tradition

Family traditions can be fun, but sometimes the pressures of recreating happy memories can overwhelm the excitement of celebrating now. If a tradition is creating more stress than satisfaction, now may be the perfect time to consider starting a new tradition that helps you and your family maintain your sanity. With that in mind, don’t be afraid to…

Take charge��

If you’re tired of being the “wet blanket” or constantly finding yourself outside of your comfort zone, try suggesting an activity that you love to the rest of the group and volunteer to arrange the details. By initiating group plans you can have better control over the where, when, and how without having to make excuses or sit one out. Plus, if everyone ends up loving it as much as you do, you may have just started a new holiday tradition that everyone can help plan next year!

If you are the guest

Remember that you control the duration of your visit. Decide how long is long enough and stick to it. The holidays are a busy time for everyone; hopefully your family or friends will understand that you and your family’s time is valuable and will appreciate that you’ve elected to share some of it with them. If you are able, consider staying at a hotel and/or renting your own car. Having a space that you can retreat to and get a good night’s sleep will make your visit much more enjoyable, as will the freedom to come and go as you please.

Surround yourself with good cheer

Seek out the people in your life who make you feel better and avoid those who contribute to feelings of anxiety and unhappiness. Since the holidays are filled with obligations, you may find yourself in close proximity with one of your “trigger-people,” but that is all the more reason to block out time to spend with the people who make you feel good and whole. Remember, balance is key.

Get moving!

Physical activity releases endorphins in the brain and can be an instant pick-me-up. Plus, by scheduling time to exercise, you’re also designating “me-time” to recharge away from the stressful people and situations that abound. This is especially important for children with psychomotor intensity.

Don’t set unreasonable expectations for yourself

When everyone around you is singing about “being merry” and “goodwill toward men,” it can be easy to chastise yourself for feelings of stress and unhappiness. Remember that it is okay to acknowledge these (totally rational) feelings and that you don’t always have to be “on.” Allow yourself time to feel sad, overwhelmed, or frustrated so that you can move on and celebrate during the moments that count.

Don’t have unrealistic expectations of others

Albert Einstein once said, the definition of insanity is “doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.” You know your friends and family – don’t expect them to change just because the air’s a bit chillier and the department stores are decorated. Know what to expect from your loved ones over the holidays, and you’ll be better able to prepare for when you see them. And if you’re pleasantly surprised by a helpful gesture or newfound sensitivity, so much the better!

Remember why you’re putting yourself through all this

The holidays can be stressful, but there’s a reason why we do it every year. This season is a time for compassion, so try to exercise that last bit of patience in the face of frustration. If you are opening your home to extended friends and family, remember that you don’t often get the opportunity to see them and that, before you know it, their visit will be over and you will be missing them again.

Like this post?��to receive more information and resources about gifted youth delivered straight to your inbox.

This blog article is part of the��Hoagies’ Gifted Education Page Blog Hop. Please click on the graphic below (created by Pamela S Ryan–thanks!) to see the full list of��Hoagies’ Blog Hop participants.

The Common Good: 25 Quotes to Inspire Us

��Ƶ Staff — Wed, 17 Dec 2014 08:13:38 +0000

Every year at ��Ƶ, we choose a theme to incorporate across all of our programs. This year’s theme was “The Common Good.” At ��Ƶ, we believe it is important to inspire and encourage children to make a difference in the world, to pursue the common good.

On December 10, the Nobel Peace Prize was presented to Malala Yousafzai and Kailash Satyarthi “.”

Malala is the . After being named the winner, she thanked her father “for not clipping my wings, for letting me achieve my goals.”

With this year’s ��Ƶ program theme in mind, and in honor of the latest recipients of the Nobel Peace Prize, here is a compilation of quotes to help inspire individuals of all ages to join in solidarity, contributing to the common good.

“One child, one teacher, one book, and one pen can change the world.” – Malala Yousafzai

“If you are lucky enough to do well, it’s your responsibility to send the elevator back down.” – Kevin Spacey

“Activism is the rent I pay for living on this planet.” – Alice Walker

“There is no limit to what a man can do so long as he does not care a straw who gets the credit for it.” – Charles Edward Montague, Disenchantment

“Be great in act, as you have been in thought.” – William Shakespeare

“If it doesn’t make the world better – don’t do it.” –

“Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It’s not.” – The Lorax

“Our humanity makes us each a part of something greater than ourselves.” – Sonia Sotomayor, My Beloved World

“Only a life lived for others is a life worthwhile.” – Albert Einstein

“Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.” – Helen Keller

“We don’t accomplish anything in this world alone… and whatever happens is the result of the whole tapestry of one’s life and all the weavings of individual threads form one to another that creates something.” -Sandra Day O’Connor

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.” – Margaret Mead

“You will not always be able to solve all of the world’s problems at once but don’t ever underestimate the importance you can have because history has shown us that courage can be contagious and hope can take on a life of its own.” – Michelle Obama

“Remember, if you ever need a helping hand, you will find one at the end your arm. As you grow older, you will discover that you have two hands, one for helping yourself, and the other for helping others.” – Sam Levenson

“Your life matters. You can’t live through a day without making an impact on the world. And what’s most important is to think about the impact of your actions on the world around you. ” – Jane Goodall

“None of us got where we are solely by pulling ourselves up by our bootstraps. We got here because somebody — a parent, a teacher, an Ivy League crony, or a few nuns — bent down and helped us pick up our boots.” – Thurgood Marshall

“If you think you are too small to make a difference, try sleeping with a mosquito.” – Dalai Lama XIV

“I am driven by two main philosophies, know more today about the world than I knew yesterday. And lessen the suffering of others. You’d be surprised how far that gets you.” – Neil deGrasse Tyson

“Go into the world and do well. But more importantly, go into the world and do good.” – Minor Myers

“Just being there for someone can sometimes bring hope when all seems hopeless.” – Dave G. Llewellyn

“No matter what he does, every person on earth plays a central role in the history of the world.” – Paulo Coelho, The Alchemist

“Deep human connection is … the purpose and the result of a meaningful life – and it will inspire the most amazing acts of love, generosity, and humanity.” —Melinda Gates at Duke University’s commencement

“The measure of achievement is not winning awards. It’s doing something you appreciate, something you believe is worthwhile.” – Julia Child

“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” – Nelson Mandela

“If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” – African Proverb

Let us all work toward the common good!

Like this post? Sign up for our email newsletter to receive more resources and information for parents of gifted students right in your inbox!

Getting Unstuck: Creative Ways to Problem-Solve

��Ƶ Staff — Wed, 15 Oct 2014 04:46:42 +0000

By Zadra Rose Ibañez

“A mind too active is no mind at all.” – Theodore Roethke

Sometimes, there’s just too much to think about to see a clear picture of where to go next. Sometimes, too much context or history swims around in your mind, crowding the space for new ideas.

As Albert Einstein said, “The significant problems we face cannot be solved at the same level of thinking we were at when we created them.”

At times like these, other methods of problem-solving can be useful.

One such method is using a mind map. This technique allows individuals to see relationships between concepts through pictures and diagrams, which are often thought to be more comprehensible than just words (Davies, 2010). The structure of a mind map begins with a topic or image in the center with major associated ideas connected to it, followed by subsequent ideas linked to the major ideas (Buzan & Buzan, 1993).

People have been using diagrams to visually represent thoughts in a map-like format for centuries. The actual term “mind map” was first made popular by pop psychologist Tony Buzan in 1974, with his idea of diagramming key words in a colorful, radiant, tree-like structure. Buzan said that “traditional” outlines force readers to scan left to right and top to bottom, but that readers actually tend to scan the entire page in a non-linear fashion (Buzan & Buzan, 1993).

Another method of “thinking outside the box” is brainstorming, which is when a group of people get together and share as many ideas as possible without prejudice to create a new idea. The information is examined for likely solutions or innovative ideas after the session, but not during, to promote freedom of thought and a safe place for sharing ideas. Advertising executive Alex Osborn is credited with developing this technique as an alternative to the conventional business meeting, as he was frustrated by his employees’ inability to develop creative ideas (Shirey, 2011). However, individuals can employ this tactic of brainstorming as well.

Osborn’s four rules of brainstorming are to:

Focus on quantity
Withhold criticism
Welcome unusual ideas
Combine and improve ideas

Free writing can also be a useful approach to get unstuck mentally. In brainstorming, ideas are listed out; whereas in free writing, you write full sentences and paragraphs. Freewriting entails writing continuously for a set period of time without regard for spelling, grammar or topic (Li, 2007).You don’t edit or censor your writing, you just write. While free writing, if you run out of things to say, you write about that until something else comes to mind. Often, this free-association will help unlock ideas to form new cohesive thoughts.

Proponents of freewriting include Dorothea Brande in her 1934 book Becoming a Writer, Peter Elbow in his 1975 book Writing Without Teachers and Julia Cameron through her book The Artist’s Way, first published in 1992.

So the next time you feel mentally stuck, try one of these methods to help generate new ideas and have fun with it!

Want more resources like this? Sign up for our e-newsletter to get articles and resources relevant to gifted youth delivered straight to your inbox.

References

Buzan, T., & Buzan, B. (1993). The mind map book. Rajpal & Sons.

Davies, M. (2011). Concept mapping, mind mapping and argument mapping: what are the differences and do they matter?. Higher education, 62(3), 279-301.

Li, L. Y. (2007). Exploring the use of focused freewriting in developing academic writing. Journal of University Teaching & Learning Practice, 4(1), 5.

Shirey, M. R. (2011). Brainstorming for Breakthrough Thinking. Journal of Nursing Administration, 41(12), 497-500.

Image: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Guru_Mindmap.jpg

The Many Faces of Gifted: Matthew

��Ƶ Staff — Tue, 25 Sep 2012 23:20:54 +0000

Interview by Carole Rosner

Every gifted person has a unique story. The following story is part of a series of posts depicting the many faces of gifted by highlighting gifted children and adults we have found through ��Ƶ programs. ��Ƶ’s pioneering summer camp – mentioned in this story – unites highly able children and experts in the social and emotional development of gifted children and provides an opportunity for campers to explore and grow the intellectual, spiritual, emotional, social and physical aspects of their lives.

Matthew
Yunasa Camper

Matthew lives on the island of Java in Jakarta, the capital city of Indonesia. He is 13 years old, is home schooled and has traveled to Camp Copneconic in Fenton, Michigan, for the last two summers to attend .

How did Matthew hear about Yunasa?
Matthew first learned about Yunasa through his mentor. “Mark Lediard has been my mentor for three years now, beginning from the age where I was withdrawn from formal schooling. He and I now meet regularly to discuss opportunities for my enrichment and intellectual expansion, including out-of-country learning and meetings with learned professionals. It was through Mark’s collaboration with a homeschooling curriculum adviser named Kathi Kearney that I learned of Yunasa, and I was quick to jump at the prospect.”

But why Yunasa?
“Indonesia, despite being diverse both culturally and biologically, does not have the inherent essence that Yunasa offers. Although the country does have camps, most are relatively generic when compared to Yunasa; mostly they fall within the categories of academic, ecological, or religious. It can be said that the reason for my participation was to experience these new spiritual aspects that no other camp could seem to offer.”

What has he gained from attending Yunasa?
“Words alone cannot describe the effects Yunasa have had on me; intellectually, socially, physically, and spiritually. I have met people with radically varying perspectives, others with opinions very akin to my own, and those still who have enhanced me and the way I see myself by their personalities and experiences. Here, I found an arena to discuss and debate the theories I hold so dear, and to marvel at the ambitions of others who were driven by that same desire to cultivate humanity.”

What does Matthew like about Yunasa?
“The experience of Yunasa was terrifically structured, and my greatest thanks go to the ��Ƶ staff for organizing and providing such a seamless daily schedule. The topics and contributions of the were invaluable in expanding my intellectual and emotional repertoire and are inspiring to reflect on, especially when considering their many possibilities.”

What part of Yunasa has had the greatest effect on Matthew?
“Although I meditate in my daily life, the concept of psychosynthesis itself intrigued me, and I quickly found out why. In the process, I experienced undoubtedly profound visions of the unified continuum of time; often, I would leave the session pondering my beliefs and what it meant to be there. Frankly, I cannot wait to experience pychosynthesis again next year and see what I may experience.”

What similarities does he find between himself and the other campers?
“I find that in a myriad of ways, we share similar perspectives, interests, and ways of comprehending reality. I can say that I have never felt more assimilated into a community than Yunasa’s gestalt, especially when considering I have lived in a foreign society for all my life. In this way, Yunasa is a sanctuary, a home for me. Even before I arrived, I had an innate knowing of the events to come, as it is an undeniable fact that Yunasa has that powerful quality of making one feel completely and utterly at ease with his surroundings, his peers, and most importantly, his inner beliefs.”

Does Matthew keep in touch with other campers throughout the year?
“As a matter of fact, I regularly keep in touch with my closer friends via email and online sources. They inform me on a constant basis about their current activities and circumstances, and it has happened more than once that we have asked each other for aid on issues that cannot be resolved by only a single perspective. It is an honor to know and communicate with these individuals, and I consider them to be important in my development.”

What does he do in his free time, and where does he see himself in the future?
“Being in the cultural fusion that is Indonesia, I am exposed to a wide variety of people, perspectives, and religions on a daily basis, even within my own household. The most enjoyable pastime is observing how all of these fundamentally different groups cooperate and interact in a common environment, even though many share dividing opinions and views.”

He also enjoys reading and writing, “mainly due to the unbounded creativity that they grant me in shaping myself as an individual. I greatly appreciate the intellectual diversity I gain from books and that I can create with writing. I believe that the greatest gift that is bestowed upon the world is the written word, and the knowledge that stems thereof.”

Like many gifted children, Matthew draws connections between different intellectual and spiritual subjects to make more sense of the world and wants to contribute positively to the world around him. “From a young age, I have expressed an intuitive knowing in the existence of an unseen organizational structure above the chaos of reality, and with it, a pressing need to aid humanity in grasping the concept of realms far beyond their understanding. Over time, this ambition progressed to an interest in the fields of theoretical physics and the philosophy of consciousness, namely Ontology. For as long as this aspiration has stood, I have dedicated my life to the unification of science and spirituality, the empirical and abstract. My purpose, I believe, is to aid humankind in reading what Einstein once termed as ‘The Mind of God.’”

Do you or your children want to share your experiences of being gifted? Please leave us a comment below or email us at ��Ƶgifted@educationaladvancement.org!

Like this post? Please share!