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Torrance Signature Programs

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In 2020, the Torrance Center began a new series of educational programs that build on the legacy and research of E. Paul Torrance. He stated in 1965 that one of the precepts of progressive education is that "Education is a continuous reconstruction of living experience that goes beyond the four walls of the classroom." The Torrance Signature Programs are designed in this spirit to inspire and enhance creative, imaginative and problem solving skills across the lifespan.

Upcoming Dates

Beyonders Challenge program

The Beyonders Challenge program was created in 2020 in order to fulfill students' desire for exposure to courses they would not necessarily be taking during their regular school hours. Our curriculum design is focused on creative thinking, active learning, and the role of context in education. This program is currently 100% online for the foreseeable future.

Fall 2020 Courses

Disease Detectives: Introduction to Microbiology and Epidemiology

Interested in science, medicine, microbiology, and public health? This class will introduce you to the amazing world of microbiology in the context of the environment, human biology, and public health. In this course, you will learn to identify and describe microbes that cause infectious diseases; describe and sketch how microbes can move from person-to-person and through the environment; propose interventions to prevent future infections; solve a mysterious case of disease; and analyze epidemiological data to investigate disease outbreaks. This course will provide case studies related to the current COVID-19 Pandemic and we will examine real-world data collected by researchers at The University of Georgia.

Dates: October 17th-18th, December 5th-6th
Grade levels: 8th-10th

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Germ Theory 101: Introduction to Microbiology

Interested in science, medicine, microbiology, and public health? This class will introduce you the amazing world of microbiology. In this course, you will identify and describe the components of bacteria and viruses, illustrate the components of DNA and RNA, build connections between microbes and our daily lives, assess the functions of microbes that can be used to solve current problems and develop new tools, and distinguish between the microbes that are friends and foes. We will discover case studies related to the current COVID-19 Pandemic and we will examine real-world data collected by researchers at The University of Georgia.

Dates: November 7th-8th, December 12th-13th
Grade levels: 5th-7th

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Paladins and Probability: Dungeons, Dragons, and Dice Rolling

Statistics and probability are important tools to understanding the world around us, and working together to solve problems is a universal skill. Might as well learn all of that while on a quest! Students will create a fantasy character, learn to convert dice rolls to numbers and probability, and work together to overcome overwhelming odds while calculating them. An adventure specially created for them will unfold as they figure out what the probability of success is.

Content warning: Fantastical violence. There will not be graphic depictions of the violence but free choice comes with the possibility of sword fights and magic battles.

Dates: October 17th-18th, November 7th-8th, December 5th-6th
Grade levels: 8th-10th

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Podcast Production 101

Students will learn the ins and outs of starting a podcast, including creating a concept and structure, equipment selection and set up, editing and music licensing (if any), and publishing and promoting. The focus of the course will be on the audio production (recording and editing), which students will be able to do on their computer as they are guided through the process. Additional skills to be covered include livestreaming a podcast and incorporating live callers.

Dates: October 17th, October 24th, November 7th, December 12th
Grade levels: 5th-7th and 8th-10th

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Schedule

Approximately 9 a.m.-3 p.m., with more schedule specifics noted in your course pack.
Note: These hours do NOT indicate synchronous learning the entire time; there will be breaks, lunch, and asynchronous activities incorporated into the schedule, as well).

Cost

$175 for weekend courses, $95 for single day courses

Course Materials

Information regarding course materials will be sent you within one week following registration.

Cancellation Policy

By registering for this event, you agree to comply with all event cancellation policies:

  1. A cancellation received by 5 p.m. ET one calendar week before the first day of the event will be refunded, minus a $25 processing fee.
  2. To change or cancel your registration, please email Dr. Sharpe at dsharpe@uga.edu
  3. If an event is canceled for any reason, The Torrance Center will not be responsible for any charges related to travel.