6/21/12
This afternoon, we had the opportunity to visit an initiative by the Danish government to identify and foster talented students in the sciences. The Mærsk Mc-Kinney Moller Videncenter at Sorø pulls students aged 12 to 20 from across the nation. They stay at the school for a few schools, interact with other top students, learn from exceptional students, and utilize the latest scientific gadgetry. Here are the reasons why the government chose to start the camp:
- To ensure Denmark's competitiveness in a globalized economy and knowledge-based society
- Talent is contagious
- Unreleased talents do not prosper (According to the camp, these students have the potential to become one of the best if their potential is stimulated)
It is refreshing to see an initiative aimed at top-level students. I often feel that every reform, every new program that comes our way in the American school system is designed for struggling students-- differentiation, literacy strategies, block scheduling, cooperative learning, and so on. While I recognize the very real need of these students, our schools also need to challenge the advanced students. I appreciate that the Danish government utilizes the talented teachers throughout the nation to lead the instruction, and I was also impressed by the technology available to the students. One piece of equipment at the facility was one of only three of its kind in the country--and it is available for twelve year olds to fiddle around with. Of course there are attempts like this in the United States (the North Carolina Governors School comes to mind), but they are few and far between. The emphasis on education as an investment in the future really impressed me.
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| Another delicious catered lunch. I would be a MUCH better teacher if I was offered a spread like this every day. |
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| The Mærsk Mc-Kinney Moller Videncenter (Science Camp) |
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| Checking out the 3-D lab with the center's director |
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| Resting on Danish design--Was it a chair? Table? Both? |
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