Summer Program for Students in Grades 5 – 12

Gifted Education Research and Resource Institute

Every summer, for over 40 years, GER²I has engaged gifted, creative, and talented students from across the country and around the world in residential camps designed to stimulate their imagination and expand their abilities. Students who have completed grades 5 through 12 live in campus residence halls, take challenging courses, and participate in engaging recreational activities. GER²I offers three programs each summer.

What will you experience at GER²I Summer Camps?

Intellectual Challenges
Personal attention from talented and caring staff members
Outstanding Purdue University facilities: residence halls, dining halls, classrooms, and labs
Friendships with others from around the world who share similar interests
Enjoyable learning and social experiences

Summer Residential Classes

Download the 2023 GER²I Summer Residential Camps Brochure

Select a Grade

Grades 5-6

Grades 7-8

Grades 9-12

Grades 5-6

Comet I

(July 2-8, 2023)

Residential – $1250
Commuter – $1000

Crime Scene Investigation (C.S.I.)
Explore the skills used by criminal investigators to solve crimes through hands-on activities in observation, fingerprint analysis, DNA, “blood” spatter, and handwriting analysis. Build critical thinking and problem-solving skills that will enable you to investigate crimes and determine the appropriate methods needed to crack the case.

Curious and Creative Thinking
Spark your creative and divergent thinking and rekindle your ability to be a deeply curious thinker by learning strategies that stretch these capacities of your brain. We will learn why curiosity and creativity are not fixed abilities and how everyone can become more curious and more creative.

Fun Filmmaking
Positions, everyone! Lights, camera, action! Sure, we know the stars in front of the camera, but what about the masterminds behind it? Movie producers and directors tell stories in compelling ways that have a lasting effect on their audiences. We’ll explore the fundamentals of filmmaking using recording and editing equipment to tell stories that will wow your GER²I camp audience!

Science of Sound with Synthesizers
What’s the scariest sound you’ve heard in a movie or the most amazing combination of sounds you’ve heard in a soundtrack? Let’s explore the intersections of sound and science using Eurorack-style analog synthesis modules to produce unique electronic sounds and music using software used by sound technicians in the field today.

To Infinity and Beyond!
If you’re interested in learning more about our universe to infinity and beyond, this course is for you! Bring your inquisitive, sharp, and ambitious mind to discover the unending possibilities beyond our atmosphere through the foundations and fundamentals of space science. We might even predict the future for earthlings!

Comet II

(July 9-15, 2023)

Residential – $1250
Commuter – $1000

Game Genius (a.k.a. Mathematical Mastermind)
Game design is fast becoming one of the most popular occupations in our world today, but what does it take to create an awesome game? We’ll use measurement, algebra, arithmetic knowledge and skills, 3D printing, and design elements to develop and play games that bring your imagination to life!

It’s Not Rocket Science! Oh, Wait, Yes, It Is!
Did you know that a fully assembled, NASA rocket can be 184 feet tall and can weigh 4.5 million pounds?! Think about how much force it takes to lift that rocket into our atmosphere and beyond! Let’s explore the forces and other scientific principles behind successful rocket launches and landings (on a much smaller scale, of course).

The Invisible World of Bacteria and Immunology
Not to gross you out, but did you know your body contains more bacteria than cells?! But never fear! Some bacteria are friendly while other bacteria need to be captured and destroyed before they make us sick. Let’s think like immunologists as we investigate how vaccines boost our immune system to protect us against harmful bacteria the instant they enter our bodies!

Virtual World Tour
Let’s travel the world in five days! Using advanced technology, we will virtually explore the most amazing destinations across the globe, including the people, wildlife, and plants that live in these incredible places! Share your discoveries by creating a product to share our travels with friends and family.

Grades 7-8

Star I

(July 2-15, 2023)

Residential – $2500

AM Classes

Art and Science of Color and Design
Did you know that science has uncovered the ways in which color affects daily decision-making and moods? What does it mean to choose a “favorite” color, and what does that color say about you? After learning about the science of color, we’ll analyze the function of color in design and art.

From Giant Leaps to Quantum Leaps
You’ve heard of Purdue’s own Neil Armstrong’s giant leap, but have you heard of a quantum leap? Let’s explore quantum by collecting data that provide evidence for the concept of probability in the decaying process of Carbon-14 atoms to Nitrogen-14 atoms and use quantum randomness and a quantum random number generator to create a unique piece of art that uses data coming from a real quantum lab at Australian National University (ANU).

Leadership 101
Do you want to make a difference in your community, become the CEO of a multi-national company, or hope to become the president of a country one day? If so, you are going to need a toolbox of essential skills all leaders must develop. Let your voice be heard through transformational leadership training activities designed to help you discover the leader inside of you.

The Future Is Electric!
From electric bicycles to electric cars, electricity has revolutionized the way we travel. What’s next?! Let’s explore electrical engineering through hands-on activities and interactive lessons with LEDs, sensors, and more. Bring your ideas and let’s light up your future projects!

The Wonder and Magic of Chemistry
Chemistry is all around us! Let’s celebrate the wonder and magic of chemistry as it affects our everyday lives. With our buddy, the MOLE, we’ll explore foundational concepts like the organization of the periodic table, chemical equations and reaction types, and the importance of an atom’s nucleus in atomic power.

PM Classes

A Literary Window to the World
It would be impossible to learn every language in the world and read every piece of literature in one lifetime, but we can read classic literatures in English, original or translated, to gain a holistic knowledge of how our world came to be. Join us as we read excellent literatures from India, Nigeria, Korea, and Brazil that will help us better understand our global society.

Acting Up and Acting Out: Constructing Cultures of Peace
Bring your unlimited imagination to this active, spontaneous, unscripted course featuring theatre games, pantomime, role plays, simulations, storytelling, and improvisation to challenge your thinking about freedom, justice, and peace. Together, we’ll construct a vision of a better world where peace is not just an idea, but courageous action.

Bienvenue à Paris!
Have you always dreamed of visiting Paris? Well, at GER²I camp, we’re bringing Paris to you! Bring your creativity and get ready for some joie de vivre! Learn to cook the best French desserts during cooking classes, take a ballet class like a pro from the Palais Garnier, and learn more about the French language, history, and geography. No prerequisite knowledge of the French language required.

Sleepy Science
We all sleep, and we know our bodies need it, but what’s the science behind why sleep matters? We’ll use scientific methods to better understand sleep and how important it is to how we feel, grow, learn, and work, and even how sleep can prevent serious medical issues, like strokes and heart attacks.

STEAM LABS^TM
Students, engineers, artists, and hobbyists around the world design and build Rube Goldberg-style machines to satisfy society’s fascination with these creative contraptions. Apply the engineering design process to construct STEAM Machines (i.e., chain reaction machines that run on STEM and Art concepts) using everyday objects and technology such as motors, sensors, and micro-controllers. Gain experience with systems thinking and multi-team collaboration as you learn real-world engineering skills and explore pathways to engineering careers.

Star II

(July 16-29, 2023)

Residential – $2500

AM Classes

Francophone World Tour
Parlez-vous francais? If so, you’d be among the 300 million Francophones (people who speak French) around the globe! French culture, customs, and language have influenced almost every country in the world, so let’s explore these historic, global spaces to learn how to cook the best French dishes and paint like the Impressionists! No prerequisite knowledge of the French language required.

Let’s Talk Science
In an increasingly technological world, scientists need to know both the science of their specialty and how to effectively communicate their work to fellow scientists and the public. Our audience determines how we “talk science.” In this course, you will be introduced to digital media research skills and empathy-building experiences to create informative presentations that different audiences will understand and enjoy.

Marvels of Chemistry
From fueling up the sun to ice floating in water, chemistry is everywhere—even inside us! Marvels of Chemistry will astound you as you look at the mundane through the lens of chemistry. Return home with an unlimited supply of fun facts to wow your family and friends.

Music and Coding
Did you know that music, math, and computer programming have a lot in common? Let’s explore these intersections as we learn about digital sound synthesis, signal processing, and algorithmically generated music. Then, apply what you’ve learned to create your own music using the Supercollider programming language.

Optimize Your Talents with Six Sigma
Successful entrepreneurs like Bill Gates and Jeff Bezos have certain things in common. They are creative and innovative, they take risks, and they persevere in the face of setbacks. The Six Sigma program was designed to help the rest of us achieve peak performance through identifying our strengths, taking strategic risks, and turning setbacks into successes. Join us as we practice Six Sigma techniques using fun games and puzzles and apply Six Sigma for future success.

PM Classes

Electrochemistry—You Can’t Escape It!
Electrochemistry drives our everyday lives–it powers our cars and more! Through hands-on experiences, we’ll learn how electrochemistry makes everyday things work. We’ll conduct experiments like professionals perform in their labs and even design our own research projects.

Entrepreneurship Basics
Did you know that the youngest entrepreneur in the U.S. is a 7-year-old from Louisiana?! Did you know that Purdue University has ranked in the Top 10 of the most innovative universities in America for the last five years?! Entrepreneurship and innovation are the new currencies of the job market, and you don’t have to be an adult to use them. Bring your innovative ideas, and let’s take an entrepreneurial journey where you’ll learn how to develop, pitch, and sell the products you’ve designed.

Exploring German Language and Culture
Did you know that Gesundheit means health? Have you ever made Black Forrest Cherry Cake? Let’s have fun exploring the German language and culture in this fast-paced course where we’ll learn practical German expressions, discover classic German legends, sing popular German songs, and experience German culture through virtual tours and creative activities. And, yes, we’ll make and enjoy the world-famous German Black Forest cherry cake!

Psychological Anthropology: History meets Psychology
How does human behavior shape history, and how does history shape future human behavior? If a decision to go to war is made by a country’s leaders, why can’t these leaders make decisions to keep peace instead? How do peoples’ values with regard to human life, patriotism, and freedom determine whether they’ll fight in a just (or unjust) war? These important questions will guide our exploration of major global conflicts, including the Holocaust, the Rwandan Genocide, and the Syrian War, to understand how social psychology influences human action and to identify human conditions that incite violence.

Grades 9-12

Pulsar I

(July 2-15, 2023)

Residential – $2500

AM Classes

All About Skyscrapers
Have you ever been in awe of skyscrapers? Did you know that high-rise buildings “behave” in predictable ways? Let’s explore some of the most magnificent engineering marvels in the world, including the underlying concepts and structural systems of their designs. Then, challenge your classmates to design and build skyscrapers that push the limits of creativity, design, and stability while also begin safe.

Brainiacs Unite!
Want to be a neuroscientist? Let this be your first giant leap! Using a number of mini experiments and interactive activities, we’ll explore many aspects of neuroscience, including brain structures and functions, the nervous system, brain scans, and neurological disorders.

Game Theory and Global Politics
We need gifted leaders like you to promote world peace and international cooperation. Learn and use game theories such as Nations as Actors, Resource Wars, and Hard Power vs. Soft Power to understand how and why nations make decisions on foreign policy. Apply these principles to current events and to your own international policy strategy through playing strategic games.

Launching Codes
Modern physics depends on the use of powerful computers to solve problems that cannot be solved by hand, but these programs must be written by someone. Join us for an out-of-this-world exploration of coding and how it translates to astrophysics. Challenge your coding skills by writing a numerical simulation of planets orbiting around a star.

Think Like an Engineer
Are you curious about solving your day-to-day problems innovatively? In this course, you will learn, explore, and utilize the five stages of the Design Thinking Process to solve everyday problems. Challenge and explore your creativity with hands-on projects. Then, analyze, prototype, and test your innovative solutions from societal, cultural, and ethical perspectives. Don’t just think; let’s bring your ideas to life!

PM Classes

Be Our Guest
In the next 9 years, approximately 23% of new jobs will be in leisure and hospitality! The amazing world of Hospitality Management awaits you at this year’s GER²I camp! From restaurants and hotels to sporting events and cruises learn about a wide range of career opportunities and have fun with hands on practice to gather information about these areas and more!

Design & Prototyping of Smart Toys and Robot
Build upon your knowledge of electronics, programming, sensors, and design to create smart toys and robots. Create technologies you control from your cell phone using everyday recyclables, circuits, and more, and work in collaborative teams to design and build a creative final project. We’ll also explore the Internet of Things (IoT), the ever-growing network of physical objects for internet connectivity. If you’re serious about engineering and technology, the skills you learn and the products you create at GER²I will be especially useful when applying for engineering and technology-based college programs.

Engineers Solving Physiological Problems
Curious about how biomedical engineers solve human health problems? In this course, we’ll learn about how systems within the human body function and how common diseases affect these systems. You will then get to use engineering tools and principles to design your own solution to a human health problem.

Getting to the Root of the Problem
When animals or humans need something, they usually move to get what they need. Plants are rooted in place, so how do they meet their needs? Did you know that a plant looks, tastes, or grows a certain way on purpose?! Let’s study the fascinating ways plants respond to their environments, from daily to seasonal to long-term fluctuations in the soil, water, and atmosphere, and discover what they must teach us about adaptability.

Serious Gaming for the 21st Century
Did you know that “serious gaming” refers to any game that does more than simply entertain? Exercise your teamwork, problem-solving, and goal-directed muscles as you engage in competitive and collaborative electronic or tabletop games with a greater purpose. Consider how serious gaming can enhance skills and future career possibilities in computer game technology, media and communications, and education.

Teaching Old Computers New Tricks
Have you ever been amazed with how a robot analyzes a situation and makes an appropriate response? Can computers see, read, and problem solve better than we humans can? What if I told you that a blind person can see with a computer’s eyes?!. Let’s test our computer know-how through daily challenges using an interactive Jupyter Notebook, Python coding, and scratchpad to prove that computers can solve real-life problems when humans “teach” them how.

Pulsar II

(July 16-29, 2023)

Residential – $2500

AM Classes

Be Our Guest
In the next 9 years, approximately 23% of new jobs will be in leisure and hospitality! The amazing world of Hospitality Management awaits you at this year’s GER²I camp! From restaurants and hotels to sporting events and cruises learn about a wide range of career opportunities and have fun with hands-on practice to gather information about these areas and more!

Brainiacs Unite!
Want to be a neuroscientist? Let this be your first giant leap! Using a number of mini-experiments and interactive activities, we’ll explore many aspects of neuroscience, including brain structures and functions, the nervous system, brain scans, and neurological disorders.

Leadership 101
Do you want to make a difference in your own community, become the CEO of a multinational company, or become the president of a country one day? If so, you are going to need a toolbox of essential, well-developed skills all leaders must possess. Participate in interactive scenarios and other activities that will launch you on a journey to discover the leadership potential inside of you.

Optics! The Physics of Light
The presence of light seems simple, but the nature of light has perplexed physicists for centuries. Famous scientists including Newton and Einstein have contemplated the nature of light, but their experiments often yielded more questions than answers. Now it’s your turn to perform your own experiments, draw your own conclusions, and finally answer the question “What is light?”
Prerequisites: Algebra and calculus

Sleep Science as Health Science
Our bodies require sleep, but sometimes we don’t get enough healthy sleep at night. Join us as we draw from the fields of public health, medicine, and psychology to learn more about why sleep matters and about the scientific methods we use to prove that sleep science is health science.

PM Classes

Creative Writing Workshop
Explore the realms of creative writing in this hands-on workshop! Learn the various techniques used in fiction, creative nonfiction, and poetry We’ll brainstorm, free-write, edit, peer review, and share our stories as we try out different creative methods and use techniques professional writers use to improve and amplify their writing skills. Let’s raise our voices to write amazing stories from our own experiences and imaginations!

Design & Prototyping of Smart Toys and Robots
Build upon your knowledge of electronics, programming, sensors, and design to create smart toys and robots. Create technologies you control from your cell phone using everyday recyclables, circuits, and more, and work in collaborative teams to design and build a creative final project. We’ll also explore the Internet of Things (IoT), the ever-growing network of physical objects for internet connectivity. If you’re serious about engineering and technology, the skills you learn and the products you create at GER2I will be especially useful when applying for engineering and technology-based college programs.

Engineers Solving Physiological Problems
Curious about how biomedical engineers have solved human health problems? In this course, we’ll learn about how systems within the human body function and how common diseases and problems affect these systems. Then you’ll use engineering design principles and tools to design your own solution to a human health problem you’ve selected.

If You Give a Scientist a Cookie…
Why do apples turn brown? Why does Swiss cheese have holes? Why is sourdough bread sour? Food Science can answer all these questions and more with chemistry, microbiology, and many other disciplines. Let’s think like food scientists as we cook, test, and of course EAT our science experiments!

Physics Without Math? Well, almost!
Ever wondered how electric currents produce magnetic fields? How light refracts through lenses? What is E=mc²? What is the aerodynamics behind airplanes? Let’s understand the behavior of objects around us and demystify the causes of some common phenomena. Understand different pillars of nature (mechanics, electromagnetism, thermodynamics, quantum physics, etc.) by conducting exciting experiments that will challenge us to perceive nature differently!