Once again I am posting a link so that I remember to look at it more closely myself when I have more time.

Johns Hopkins University has one of the big academic talent searches and some popular distance learning program through its Center for Talented Youth. So far Violet is a bit young and too far away to take advantage of any of it, but it is a resource for homeschoolers as well as traditional schoolers. (Besides, we're much closer to Northwestern and its Midwest Academic Talent Search and Center for Talent Development.)

Anyway, the JHU site is called Cogito.org, and describes itself as "an online community for academically talented youth." I think by "youth" it means junior high and high school students, and it seems pretty science oriented. JHU has partnered with Northwestern, Davidson, and some other talent search-type programs to create the site, and one of these organizations has to refer you to get full membership. But you can get stuff from the site without being a member.

Here's part of the "about us" statement:

You're passionate about math and science. You already like to think about, talk about, and do math and science, but you also want to know what else is out there-and who else is out there. Or maybe you're someone with a developing interest in math or science and trying to figure out what's out there for you and who's out there to share your ideas with.

Either way, Cogito is just the place for you. On Cogito, you can read news and features on topics ranging from global warming and biostatistics to cold fusion and bioethics, and beyond. You can explore the intersection of science and the arts, from computer animation to science fiction. You can find great resources including book reviews, "Best of the Web" guides, and listings and reviews of summer and distance-education programs, internships, and academic competitions. And if you are a member, you can participate in online interviews with experts in various fields and in discussion forums with other members like you. Membership also grants you access to the Cogito virtual library where you can find a wide variety of research materials and a librarian dedicated to helping you.

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