Activities
These are activities that have been planned for this school year. Additional activities will be developed according to student’s needs and interests. When great opportunities arise—we will participate!

GOAL 2009-2010

INDEPENDENT OPTIONS DESCRIPTIONS

ENRICHMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Academic Triathlon
This is an exciting annual academic event which includes students from the Northern Area Gifted Consortium. Teams of five students will compete in two major segments - the “College Bowl” and the “Identification Segment.” This is a fast-paced, fun-filled event. Practice hitting the buzzer!

Andrew’s Leap
This is a summer program sponsored by Carnegie Mellon University’s School of Computer Science. Students who would like to participate in this prestigious program must qualify by taking the “Interesting Test.” Students must pre-register for the exam. This exam is usually given during the month of February. Qualifying students will be exposed to the frontiers of computer science, gain insight into career related opportunities and work side-by-side with some of the most renowned computer experts.

American Math Exam (Pre-Calculus or Calculus students only)
This math test is given each spring and we encourage GOAL students to “rise to the occasion! Your math teacher will register you for the test.

Apprenticeship Program Applications
Interested in participating in an apprenticeship opportunity next school year? Learn about the apprenticeship programs that will be available during the 2008-2009 school year. Apprenticeship opportunities are available in Acting, Advertising and Public Relations, Animation, Anthropology, Architecture, Astronomy, Broadcast Journalism, Business, Civil & Environmental Engineering, Conducting, Contemporary Dance, Education, Filmmaking, International Affairs, Journalism Careers, Journalistic Writing, Marine Biology, Musical Theater, Nursing, Opera and Voice Coaching, Photography, Playwriting, Poetry, Screenwriting, Short Fiction, Videography, Visual Arts, Web Design, Zoo Animal Care.

Complete the application forms and other requirements in April. Students who are selected to participate in the program will work with experts in that respective field.

Architectural Experience                                                                                This workshop is led by the Carnegie School of Architecture. Students work in teams to create their own master plans of a local Pittsburgh community and present their design to the group. This hands-on workshop includes topography, modeling and urban development patterns. Examples of community master plans and career opportunities will be discussed.

Architecture Saturday                                                                                    This is an annual event sponsored by AIA Pittsburgh’s Foundation for Architecture. Architect’s Saturday offers a unique occasion for students and their parents to learn about the work of Pittsburgh’s design community. While touring the premises of local Architect and Design firms, participants will also have the opportunity to see models and blueprints, learn about the process of design, and talk with architects and other design professionals.

Ballet, Pittsburgh Ballet Theater                                                                    This is the Pittsburgh Premiere of this heartbreaking Jazz Age tale of optimism, prosperity and riches.  The production uses emotional choreography and follows millionaire Jay Gatsby's romantic yearning for Daisy Buchanan while portraying the excitement and despair of the times.  The Great Gatsby is a classic tragedy of man's disillusionment with the American Dream set against the excesses of the 1920's.

Calc-U-Solve
Students from the Pittsburgh area join together and  engage in problem solving and answering questions that require mathematical calculations. Students receive individual and team scores.

Career Interests and College Options-NAI Library                                      This two-period seminar in our library familiarizes you with the available software you can utilize to explore your personal interests and strengths. You will be surprised what you learn about yourself and our library resources! These are wonderful tools to assist you with the college selection process and your career choice.

Chess Tournament
Play with students from neighboring schools in the Northern Area and see where you rank!

College Choice / Application Process Workshop                                           Get suggestions for what to anticipate when applying to a college or university. We will discuss high school curriculum choices, investigate the college selection process, learn what admission representatives look for in potential students, identify SAT and ACT study resources and tutorials and discuss scholarship resources and web sites.

Computer Programming Competition                                                      Compete as a team (2 or 3 members) in a Windows-based PC environment. Participants will write simple programs in Visual Basic, Visual C++ or Metrowerks Codewarrior.

Contests                                                                                                     Students can participate in academic and writing contests throughout the school year.

Court House Visit-Criminal Justice
See the law in action! Students will have the opportunity to visit courtrooms, witness a real trial in action and meet with court officials.

Curtain Call-Theatrical Performance and Cultural Experiences!
Every year the GOAL office attends performances at a variety of locations such as Heinz Hall, the Benedum, the O’Reilly Theater or the University of Pittsburgh. The performance selections will be based upon curriculum, school calendar and availability. Additional cultural offerings may become available throughout the year.

Environmental Awareness                                                                              Join students from the tri-state area at Chatham College for a day of environmental awareness. In previous years, students had the opportunity to attend a variety of workshops, learn the latest information on recycling or participate in a landscaping project.

Equations
This game is designed to bring math students together in the spirit of small team competition. The game is played by three players using dice that are numbered zero through nine and have several function symbols. The object is to identify as many potential equations as you can to satisfy a stated goal and then prove your solution using required numbers and/or symbols.

Ethnic Appreciation Day                                                                               Take a trip with us to experience the different cultures and traditions from around the world! We will visit the Nationality Rooms in the Tower of Learning at the University of Pittsburgh. Then, we will learn about the music, song and dance of the Eastern European nations at the Tamburitzan Center located at Duquesne University. The day is complete with an oriental lunch at a local restaurant!

Explorations into the World of Forensic Science                                 Experience the laboratory program offered by Carlow University and visit a private C.S.I. Lab. You will have the opportunity to obtain insight and to gain valuable career pathways. This experience may only be offered if program times are available.

Faraday Lecture (Sophomore Chemistry Students Only)                                   This is an old English tradition that was started in order to reward students who worked diligently and effectively during the first term. This is brought to you each year by your GOAL teachers and your Chemistry teachers!

Frick History Activity-The Frick Art and Historical Center
The Frick Art and Historical Center in Point Breeze has an excellent lineup of exhibits, workshops, tours, concerts, lectures, films and other programs that are guaranteed to stimulate your artistic nature. Specific activities will be announced.

Foreign Language Day
Investigate languages and cultures not usually a part of your school curriculum. Past seminars have included Japanese, Russian, Italian, Greek and Polish. Hear a keynote address, attend two presentations on two different cultures and attend the concluding program that usually includes exposure to the music and dance of another nation.

Genetics Conference
This is an annual presentation by nationally renowned Geneticist, Dr. Samuel Rhine. This is an all-day college level lecture on current trends and practices in this scientific research field.

Governor’s School Orientation
Learn about these prestigious, 5-6 week summer programs that are sponsored by the State of Pennsylvania in the Arts, Education, Health, Science and Agricultural Sciences. Hear about the application process and the experiences of Governor’s School graduates.

Holocaust Seminar                                                                                        Don’t miss this enlightening day where you can learn more about the Holocaust and hear the testimony of camp survivors. This is a personally moving experience and a day you will not forget that is sponsored by the Jewish Community Center.

Internet Scavenger Hunt
Students will try to answer questions by following a trail of information that is on the Internet. Get there in the fewest steps possible for points!

JETS                                                                                                                       Work on a team to compete with other schools in this fun engineering/math/science day! This event consists of two segments – problem statements with multiple choice responses and those with open-ended responses. The use of reference materials and calculators is encouraged. The top-scoring schools in the regional competition will be sent to the National JETS competition.

Knowledge Master Open (Fall and Spring )                                                    This is a general knowledge competition that takes place in December and April. This is a computerized test consisting of 200 multiple choice questions. The questions test the ability to recall, analyze and apply knowledge of a broad range of topics. Students work together as a team and are scored for speed and accuracy.

Language Exams                                                                                              The GOAL Department administers the National French, German, Latin and Spanish exams. We encourage you to “take the challenge” and sign up with your foreign language teacher for one of these exams.

Law Career Seminar                                                                                      Law school personnel and professionals will present an overview of the legal profession and conduct small group information sessions.

Medical Seminar                                                                                       Students interested in medicine should consider joining us for this in-house workshop about pre-med and medical school. What courses should you take at NAI-NASH and undergraduate college to prepare? What about the MCAT and how do you select a med school? What are the criteria for acceptance to med school? What are the costs and demands of med school? ETC…….

Pharmacy Seminar                                                                                          This is a two period, in-house information program that provides the who/what/when/where/and whys of pharmacy programs. Our guest speaker will offer valuable career information to students seeking this career path and answer all your questions.

Phagehunters                                                                                              Students will partner with Dr. Graham Hatfull, Pitt professor of biotechnology. This is a 2-day activity where students help identify new Mycobacteriophages. Students will have the opportunity to be paired with a mentor and continue their research independently at the University of Pittsburgh.

Poetry in the Park                                                                                               Increase your love and understanding of poetry by attending this workshop at Highlands High School. Tools and techniques for poetry writing will be stressed.

Profiles in Poetry                                                                                              Students will enjoy a biographical writing experience with published authors. They will also learn to present their works formally to a group of their peers. They will be offered the opportunity to submit their work to various publishers. Finally, they will prepare a poster presentation to complete their experience.

Psychology Today                                                                                                Explore various career possibilities utilizing an undergraduate or graduate degree in Psychology. Previous presenters at this interesting seminar have included rehabilitation counselors, school psychologists, sports psychologists, hand-writing analysts and special education counselors. Some seminar topics have included: stress, depression, domestic abuse, hypnotherapy, and family counseling.

Radical Robotics                                                                                          Explore the use of robots in the fields of research, industry and government. We will visit the National Robotics Engineering Consortium and see prototypes of robots built by CMU students/professors during the last twenty years. Career planning, educational requirements and schooling in the field of robotic technologies will also be discussed.

Shakespeare Monolog Contest                                                                     Here is your chance to perform on the stage of the Pittsburgh Public Theatre. Work individually or with a group of friends to master a scene after being coached by “real” actors from the Pittsburgh area. This is a marvelous forum for self-expression!

Sports Medicine                                                                                         Explore the career opportunities in this popular field. Visit St. Margaret’s Hospital and meet with doctors, physical therapists, and other medical personnel in a therapy center.

Talk Shop                                                                                                      What is your position on cloning? Should diversity training be part of the public school curriculum? Are new security procedures/programs infringing on individual rights? Meet with other gifted students in the North Hills to discuss a topic of controversy. Come to this forum where you can work with a team to draw conclusions, formulate a position and communicate your ideas.

Traveling Math                                                                                              Ride the big yellow limo after school to Taylor Alderdice, Shadyside Academy and Fox Chapel High School. Use your problem solving and math skills in a fun environment with your math buddies.        

Theater Arts Workshop                                                                                Take a backstage tour of the Byham and learn about careers related to theater including sound, lighting, set design and construction, theater marketing, management, etc.

US Foreign Policy Simulation                                                                            A crisis occurs in the US and you must help our government through this as a government official. Use your critical thinking and problem solving skills during this day of challenge.

West Point Bridge Design Contest                                                                     This is an internet based competition that begins in January. It is a realistic introduction to engineering in which you will design a bridge using the West Point Bridge Designer Software (free download). Prizes include cash scholarships.

WISE-Women in Science and Engineering                                                          Join other young women from the area on the campus of Carnegie –Mellon University for an interesting look at career options in science and engineering. You will have the opportunity to interact with college students which will help you make course selections as you meet high school graduation requirements. Wear “walking shoes” and take in campus sites as we move from one facility to another. At the end of the day, you may well have the answer to that age-old question: “What do you want to be when you grow up?”

World Affairs Council Meetings                                                                          Join the business community of Pittsburgh at these one-hour presentations in the USX Auditorium. Speakers include visiting government officials, university professors, members of Washington D.C. “Think Tanks,” and others in the field of international relations.

Zoo Career Day                                                                                            Future veterinarians, environmentalists, and animal lovers will want to attend this close-up look at career opportunities. Meet zoo professionals to learn about wild habitats, animal care, zoo management and breeding.

These are activities that have been planned for this school year. Additional activities will be developed according to student’s needs and interests. When great opportunities arise—we will participate!