Emerald | Northwestern Center for Talent Development

Emerald Tier Advanced Enrichment courses give students opportunities to focus on specific areas of study within a community of like-minded peers. Students delve deep into topics and fields which are not typically a part of the core curriculum at school. Courses place greater emphasis on higher-order thinking, facilitate creativity, and provide exposure to advanced concepts in developmentally appropriate ways.

Eligibility:

90th percentile or above on a nationally normed, standardized grade-level achievement test, or
Participation in above-grade-level testing through CTD Assessment (formerly NUMATS) or similar program, or
Successful completion, within the past two years, of a previous CTD course at the same or higher admission tier and in the qualifying subject area, or
Admission portfolio (report card or transcript, teacher recommendation, and test scores, if available). Please note: Admission portfolio option is not available for all age levels in all programs.

See the Course Information above for qualifying subject areas and any prerequisites.

Course Tier ID

2

Advanced Reading: Literature (3-5)

This is a 9-week, asynchronous, flexibly paced course within the Online Core Essentials Program. Students should expect 2-5 hours of course work per week. This course takes place January 17, 2024 - March 20, 2024.

Graphic Design Studio AM (Gr. 7-8)

This course runs for six consecutive Saturdays, January 20 – February 24, 2024.

Explore how the fundamental elements of graphic design increase value and captivate audiences. Investigate past and present design principles – and the challenges faced by designers – to develop foundational skills in visual communication. Using robust applications, engage in a series of collaborative, real-world exercises and hands-on studio sessions to create an original logo and a unique product identity.

SUBJECT AREA: Technology & Engineering

Leadership for Today AM (Gr. 7-8)

This course runs for six consecutive Saturdays, January 20 – February 24, 2024.

Begin your leadership exploration here! Engage in interactive workshops on leadership topics, learn from business and nonprofit leaders, and develop critical thinking and public speaking skills. Learn how to communicate effectively, use creative problem solving, and lead meaningful change. Students expand their leadership capacity through hands-on and reflective learning opportunities and build community in a supportive and fun learning environment.

SUBJECT AREA: Leadership

Chemistry: From Reaction to Application PM (Gr. 7-8)

This course runs for six consecutive Saturdays, January 20 – February 24, 2024.

Chemistry impacts - and explains - both the world around us and the reactions within us. Discover the way chemistry provides important information to scientists in diverse areas such as nutrition, food science, neurochemistry, genetic engineering and energy. Through interactive experiments and activities, investigate what causes or prevents chemical reactions, and learn how important the miniscule atom is to global issues.

SUBJECT AREA: Science

Chemistry: From Reaction to Application AM (Gr. 7-8)

This course runs for six consecutive Saturdays, January 20 – February 24, 2024.

Chemistry impacts - and explains - both the world around us and the reactions within us. Discover the way chemistry provides important information to scientists in diverse areas such as nutrition, food science, neurochemistry, genetic engineering and energy. Through interactive experiments and activities, investigate what causes or prevents chemical reactions, and learn how important the miniscule atom is to global issues.

SUBJECT AREA: Science

Electronics & Programming Maker Workshop AM (Grades 5-6)

This course runs for six consecutive Saturdays, January 20 – February 24, 2024.

How do engineering and design come together to create interactive technology projects?

The Physics and Engineering of Roller Coaster Design PM (Gr. 5-6)

This course runs for six consecutive Saturdays, January 20 – February 24, 2024.

How does an amusement park ride make you feel lighter than air one moment and press you down into your seat the next, all while keeping you safely inside the ride? Strap yourself in for a fast-paced adventure in physics and investigate topics such as the law of inertia, centripetal acceleration, and centrifugal force as you design and build a variety of amusement park thrills.

SUBJECT AREA: Science

QUALIFYING AREA: Math OR Reading

The Physics and Engineering of Roller Coaster Design AM (Gr. 5-6)

This course runs for six consecutive Saturdays, January 20 – February 24, 2024.

How does an amusement park ride make you feel lighter than air one moment and press you down into your seat the next, all while keeping you safely inside the ride? Strap yourself in for a fast-paced adventure in physics and investigate topics such as the law of inertia, centripetal acceleration, and centrifugal force as you design and build a variety of amusement park thrills.

SUBJECT AREA: Science

QUALIFYING AREA: Math OR Reading

The Math Behind Data Science AM (Gr. 5-6)

This course runs for six consecutive Saturdays, January 20 – February 24, 2024.

Crafting an Argument: The Art of Public Speaking AM (Gr. 5-6)

This course runs for six consecutive Saturdays, January 20 – February 24, 2024.

Practice and apply elements of public speaking, including research processes, verbal and nonverbal communication strategies, data visualization, and presentation skills. Learn to form strong research-based arguments about real-world issues through comparison of argument strengths and weaknesses. Participate in a series of in-class presentations and debates about a variety of topics to make your argument irrefutable! Course will culminate in a group debate.

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