News Release

Photo by Cade Martin

Kids with a passion for math and science can connect with peers around the world to discuss everything from global warming and biostatistics to cold fusion and bioethics, thanks to a new Web site called Cogito.org.

The site was developed by The Johns Hopkins University's Center for Talented Youth in collaboration with eight partner organizations. The John Templeton Foundation provided a three-year, $1.7 million grant to develop and launch the site.

Online discussions with like-minded students under 18 years of age are among the many features available at Cogito.org, a name taken from the Latin phrase Cogito, ergo sum — "I think, therefore I am." The site at www.cogito.org also provides top experts as online topic leaders. Cogito.org content also includes interviews with experts, profiles of young scientists, science news, Web resources and directories of summer programs, competitions and other academic opportunities, all selected by the site's editors with an eye toward nurturing exceptional thinkers who will one day be leaders in these fields. There's even a humor section where kids can unwind with a sampling of science- related pieces collected from The Onion, The Colbert Report, The Daily Show and others.

"There's such a wealth of information now on the Web, but it is largely unfiltered, scattered and unauthenticated," said Lea Ybarra, CTY's executive director. "Through Cogito.org, we aim to pull together math and science information in a filtered, organized and meaningful way to help boost the fortunes of the brightest math and science students."

Since its December go-live date, more than 1,000 students from around the world have become registered members, and hundreds more invitations are scheduled to be mailed in the next few months. Designed with gifted and talented students in mind, Cogito.org is a valuable resource for any young person cultivating an interest in math or science. Some areas of the site, such as the forums, however, are open by invitation only to top students worldwide. Here, members can talk online with real scientists — current experts include a young environmental scientist at the McMurdo Station in Antarctica, a roboticist from Carnegie Mellon and an astronomer looking for life on other planets.

Although Cogito.org has only been up for a short time, bright students are already calling it a virtual home. "For some of us, it's the first time we've been in contact with so many other gifted math and science kids in our lives," says Willow Smith, a senior from Palm Bay, Fla. "It's the first time we've been in a community with people who can stand up to our arguments and then return ones of their own that are just as convincing."

Expert participation in discussions is also important Cogito.org's members, according to Andrew Peters, a 14-year-old 10th grader from Rochester, Minn. "I especially liked it when an expert was brought in to discuss the issue of planet status for Pluto — the chance to hear an expert's opinion on a current event is a rare and excellent opportunity."

The creation of Cogito.org is one of many endeavors by Johns Hopkins University to promote science, technology, engineering and mathematics interest among young people.

"The science and technology talent pool depends upon an expanding supply of highly educated, bright people," William R. Brody, president of The Johns Hopkins University, wrote recently. "With U.S. high school students scoring near the bottom of developed countries in science and math, we need to shore up science and math teaching in our K-12 schools. We must also encourage students to major in science and engineering in college and graduate school in order to reverse a trend of declining enrollments in these critical fields."

To that end, a key goal and need, say CTY's Cogito.org developers, is to attract and retain adult scientists and mathematicians who can serve as a discussion leaders and mentors. "Along with the benefits the site holds for young people, we think this is a wonderful opportunity for scientists and others to offer their knowledge to students," Ybarra said.

Cogito.org was developed by CTY in partnership with other leading centers serving gifted students, based at Carnegie Mellon, Duke and Northwestern universities; the universities of Denver and Iowa; the Center for Excellence in Education; the Davidson Institute for Talent Development; and Science Service.