The Avid Learner

N210 - Introductory Physics Olympiad is for students in 8th - 9th grade. This class will focus on Algebra-based physics problem solving and preparation for the AAPT Physics Bowl competition. The class meets on Mondays from 5:45 - 7:45 PM.
N220 - Advanced Physics Olympiad is for students in 9th - 10th grade. This class will focus on AP Physics C and Physics Olympiad Competitions. The class meets on Sundays from 7:00 - 9:00 PM.

For more information, please visit Avid Academy Physics Olympiad Training Program.

Avid to Add Computing Olympiad and Student Research Programs

This summer, we launched our first Computing Olympiad and Student Research summer program. In the first session, students were introduced to Java programming, a required programming language for AP Computer Science class. The second session focused on bioinformatics and computer science research. Students enganged in verious research and development projects such as Mutation Detection, Gene Alignment, Statistical Analysis of The Afghan War Diary, and Natural Language Processing.

We plan to extend the summer program to the the 2010-2011 year-round program in the form of a Computer Science and Student Research club where participants will gather to work on programming and reserach projects weekly. Interested students should email Dr.Li@avidacademy.com for program details.

Avid Now Offers Classes at Fullerton

Avid Academy has recently expanded availability for students in 5th - 7th grade who are interested in participating in either the F130 or E120 programs. The Fall 2010 Fullerton session is held on Fridays from September 17th through November 19th at 4128 W. Commonwealth Ave. Suite 100, Fullterton. Below is a brief summary of the classes being offered:

F130- Advanced Problem Solving is for students in 5th-6th grade. This class will focus on utilizing strong locical reasoning and critical thinking skills in solving complex math problems. Classes will be held from 4:00-5:30 PM.
E120- Honors Algebra I Problem Solving is for students in 6th-7th grade. This class will focus problem solving strategies and techniques related to Algebra I, Counting and Probabilities and Exam preparation. Classes will be held from 5:45-7:45 PM.

2010 Davidson Fellows

The Davidson Fellowship Program offers scholarships of $50,000, $25,000 and $10,000 to 20 students between the ages of 13-17 who demonstrate great promise in a specific area of study. Founded by the Davidson Institute for Talent Development, the non-profit organization aims to reward students already completeing meaningful work in their fields. Prizes are awarded in science, technology, mathematics, music and literature. Southern Californian recipients include:

Meredith Lehmann, 14 from La Jolla - science
Anna Kornfeld Simpson, 17 from San Diego - technology
Jonathan Li, 17 from Laguna Niguel- mathematics

For more information please visit: 20 Students Named 2010 Davidson Fellows.

2010 International Olympiads

The goals of the International Olympiads are to promote careers in science for talented students and to stress the importance of the sciences in our modern society. The Olympiads provide excellent opportunities to compare educational methods and exchange experiences among nations. Each summer, the United States sends teams to various International Academic Olympiads competitions. The following is a summary of 2010 results:

51st International Mathematical Olympiad, Kazakhstan: 517 students from 97 countries participated in this year's International Math Olympiad (IMO) in Astana, Kazakhstan. Each student is given two days to solve 6 problems. The team's score is a summation of individual scores. This year, the U.S. team placed 3rd behind China and Russia. Overall, the team performed astoundingly well and received three gold medals and three silver medals.
41st International Physics Olympiad, Croatia: This year's International Physics Olympiad (IPhO) took place in Zagreb, Croatia. The competition lasted for two days, consisting of a theoretical portion and a lab section. The U.S. Physics Team tied with Korea for 11th place behind top competitors such as China, Taiwan and Thailand who all tied for 1st place with 5 gold medals each. The U.S. team won one gold medal, two silver medals and two bronze medals.
42nd International Chemistry Olympiad, Japan: This year's International Chemistry Olympiad (IChO) took place in Tokyo, Japan. Like the IPhO, the IChO consists of theoretical and lab portions. However, no team score is given for the IChO, students are ranked based on individual performance. The U.S. students collectively won one gold and three silver medals.
21st International Biology Olympiad, South Korea: This year's International Biology Olympiad (IBO) took place in Changwon, South Korea. The International Biology Olympiad follows the same structure as the IChO where students are ranked on individual scores rather than team scores. This year the U.S. students collectively won three gold medals and one silver medal.

Top Paying College Degrees

This year's list of the Best-Paying college degrees is composed almost entirely of degrees involving high-level mathematics. Not only do these jobs have high starting salaries but the average mid-career pay is significantly higher as well. The top 20 jobs include:

Petroleum Engineering
Aerospace Engineering
Chemical Engineering
Electrical Engineering
Nuclear Engineering
Applied Mathematics
Biomedical Engineering
Physics
Computer Engineering
Economics
Computer Science
Civil Engineering
Statistics
Finance
Software Engineering
Management Info. Systems
Mathematics
Government
Information Systems
Construction Management

For a full list of the Best and Worst-Paying Degrees visit, 2010-2011 College Salary Report.

Extended Computer Use Leads to Lower Test Scores

In a study from 2000-2005 by scholars at Duke University's Sanford School of Public Policy, research showed a greater deviation between high and low test scores for both math and reading. The study used information gathered from the End-of-Grade tests (EOPs) of students grades 5 through 8. The tests asked students how often they used the computer and made sure to differentiate between schoolwork and recreation. They found that during this period, where personal computers were becoming a greater commodity, the gap between high performers and low performers increased greatly. That is to say, those who originally tested well above average still did well, but the average students' test scores markedly declined. The study remarked that in homes with attentive parental supervision the effects seemed to be less severe. Although technology increases the potential for productivity many children think of it more as a way to socialize and play games. This study suggests that in some cases computers cause more harm than good.

To read the full article, visit: Children With Home Computers Likely to Have Lower Test Scores.

I hope you enjoyed the information provided in this newsletter. Thank you for supporting gifted education in Southern California. If you have comments to improve our newsletters or would like to share articles, resources and ideas with our community, please email me at Dr.Li@AvidAcademy.com.

Sincerely,

James Li, Ph.D.

Executive Director
Avid Academy for Gifted Youth