Our school had the privilege of inviting 5 professional engineers, architects, scientists and technicians to assist our students in the building process. Please refer to our robotics page for more information.
https://sites.google.com/a/gcechicago.com/gce-frc-robotics/first
GCE Robotics
I’m very thrilled to start the new year at GCE. I have the privilege of teaching Disease and Organizational Systems/Models this term. What are these courses about?
Disease
COURSE OVERVIEW
In this unit, we will understand the application of mathematical models for diseases. Students will learn problem solving skills, mathematical techniques, coordinate geometry and how to conduct scientific study in the field of diseases.
To earn credit for the Math/ Science portion of this course, students will obtain lab techniques, biology, microscope applications, data analysis, statistics, and geometry. Students will read texts and articles from the World Health Organization Disease Website. This course will also utilize a film, “Gums, Germs and Steel-National Geographic” and “Outbreak-Wolfgang Petersen”. In addition, there will be a library of text books and resources which will be used for this course.
Course Millennium Development Goal: Child Health, Goal 5: Improve Maternal Health and Goal 6: Combating Diseases.
Organizational Systems and Models
COURSE OVERVIEW
In this unit, we will examine the big picture of organizational systems and models observed through out the universe. This will be understood from both macro and micro perspectives. Students will apply logic; solve complex problems, mathematical techniques, and how to conduct scientific study in understanding systems and models.
To earn credit for the Math/ Science portion of this course, students will obtain understanding in philosophy, psychology and logic. Students will read texts from “Good to great- Jim Collins” and “Fifth Discipline-Peter Senge”. In addition, there will be a library of text books and resources which will be used for this course.
Course Millennium Development Goal: Global Partnership Target 8.F
Congratulations to GCE staff and students!
Please check out the website below and look under “Program Growth Grants” on the reward page. Look for number 4129 on the left side. http://robotics.arc.nasa.gov/events/2012_sponsorship.php
Our school received a NASA robotics grant for FIRST! We now have funding to build a robot at our school supported by NASA. We are super thrilled and excited for this opportunity. As a rookie team, we were one of two schools in Illinois to recieve the grant.
What is FIRST?
Information about the competition is provided at the website: http://www.usfirst.org/
You can watch some of the robots in action at previous FIRST competitions:
Our student LT has created a safety animation video for our team. Please watch his creation from the video below:
GCE students visited the Northwestern University Economics Department as a field experience on Nov. 4th. Students extended their knowledge from our economic fundamentals course with professor Mark Witte (Director of Undergraduate Studies & Director of Business Institution Program).
Mark Witte’s research deals with applied questions in macroeconomics and public finance. His main interests are in consumption theory and topics in taxation. His teaching interests include macroeconomics, money and banking, public finance, and the economics of the environment and the extraction of natural resources.
In addition, students participated in a tour of the campus to explore college space and facilities.
GCE high school is officially registered to compete in the FIRST robot competition in January 2012. Also, we are really excited in the current preparation of our robot building project. Our school was featured in the FIRST robot newsletter which can be found here:
What is the mission of FIRST?
“To transform our culture by creating a world where science and technology are celebrated and where young people dream of becoming science and technology leaders.”
Dean Kamen, Founder
Mission
Our mission is to inspire young people to be science and technology leaders, by engaging them in exciting mentor-based programs that build science, engineering and technology skills, that inspire innovation, and that foster well-rounded life capabilities including self-confidence, communication, and leadership.
Dean Kamen is an inventor, entrepreneur, and tireless advocate for science and technology. His passion and determination to help young people discover the excitement and rewards of science and technology are the cornerstones of FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology).
FIRST was founded in 1989 to inspire young people’s interest and participation in science and technology. Based in Manchester, NH, the 501 (c) (3) not-for-profit public charity designs accessible, innovative programs that motivate young people to pursue education and career opportunities in science, technology, engineering, and math, while building self-confidence, knowledge, and life skills.
Please watch the following video clip for specific competition rules:
Why?
The Tedx youth event in Chicago had 20 world class speakers for an audience of 500+ gifted inner city students and teachers who nominated them. GCE staff and students were invited to this event. This event took place on Oct. 15th at the Oriental Theater in downtown Chicago.
TEDx was created in the spirit of TED’s mission, “ideas worth spreading.” The program is designed to give communities, organizations and individuals the opportunity to stimulate dialogue through TED-like experiences at the local level.
GCE plans to participate in the FIRST robotics competition:
GL and GCE Math & Science Instructor Mr. Kenny Bae with Dr. Chirinjeev Kathuria (Owner of the MIR Space Station and Space Travel Expert)
Mr. Bae with Paul Sereno (Extreme National Geographic Polar Bear Photographer)
RJ and GCE Global Connections Coordinator Mr. Carlos Leite with a TEDx Speaker
Why?
The goal of each GCE’s Field Experience is to enhance each learning unit and bridge classroom and real-world learning. Field Experience offers students a chance to explore cultural affairs and activities, businesses, social service organizations, and hone the skills required to build personal and professional networks. In this experience in particular, we would love to have the opportunity to discuss with a representative from the Consulate of Japan, some of the country’s culture, history and traditions. Pictures from the trip are provided below:
Why?
GCE students visited the Microsoft Envisioning Center to participate in a hands-on interactive experience with Microsoft’s Xbox Kinect. Students received a full tour and a glimpse into how technology will transform our future lives.
What is Kinect?
Kinect brings games and entertainment to fruition in extraordinary new ways without using a controller. Kinect responds to how you move using motion senor technology. Please see the video clip below for a demonstration:
What did GCE students do?
After the tour and demonstration, students were assigned to small groups in an Ideation session. GCE students developed creative ways to use motion senor technology to solve important problems in society. The students presented their ideas.
Below are pictures from the tour and demonstration:
For the economic fundamentals course, GCE students visited the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago. We are currently investigating where U.S currency comes from. Also, we want to understand why does money have value. Students were asked three of the following questions:
1, Why was the invention of paper-like money so important?
2. What are some of the ways our lives would be different if we had a barter system today?
3. Would you favor the U.S. copying any ideas from other countries for use on our currency?
Please check out GCE student portfolios below to see their responses.
DC’s GCE Portfolio
EP’s GCE Portfolio
GF’s GCE Portfolio
GL’s GCE Portfolio
HP’s GCE Portfolio
HT’s GCE Portfolio
JF’s GCE Portfolio
LT’s GCE Portfolio
MFA’s GCE Portfolio
ZS’ GCE Portfolio
GCE students visited the Art Institute collection showing World War II-era Soviet propaganda posters. The posters utilized art to mobilize the masses to fight invading Nazis. Students picked and studied several posters for their art courses with Hiu To and Leslie Speicher. Students were also challenged to make connections from the art into other courses (stories, population and economics). They also identified the importance of the poster’s message and its relevance in their humanities or math/science courses.
