Chemistry Project Abstract
IMSA ON WHEELS: STATES OF MATTER AND CHEMICAL REACTIONS
Presenters:
Kevin J. Bock, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy, 1500 West Sullivan Road, Aurora, IL, 60506; bock@imsa.edu
Kathleen A. Linder, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy, 1500 West Sullivan Road, Aurora, IL, 60506; klinder@imsa.edu
Advisor:
Ms. Britta McKenna, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy, 1500 West Sullivan Road, Kids Institute, Aurora, IL, 60506; 630-907-5987; britta@imsa.edu
Abstract:
Nontraditional elementary education programs have proven to be effective because they can present topics in new and different ways, making use of materials and methods that elementary teachers typically do not have access to. This inquiry focused on developing and delivering IMSA's own forty-five minute assembly-sized science theater presentation, "States of Matter and Chemical Reactions," as a part of the pilot program, "IMSA on Wheels." Since January, the program has visited eleven schools and over 1,600 students. It features chemistry and physics principles such as physical state changes and indicators of chemical reactions through demonstrations, student participation, and interaction. This fast paced show was designed to spark student interest in science, introduce IMSA to other communities, and involve IMSA students as teachers and role models for younger children. IMSA Inquiry students developed the curriculum utilizing a variety of resources, including assistance from the University of Illinois Physics Van, Sci-Tech Hands on Museum, and Flinn Scientific. In addition, a seventy-five page training manual was created to assist new presenters in learning the material and acquiring basic public speaking skills. To supplement the presentations, pre and post curricula was developed for elementary teachers and featured on a newly created web site at www.imsa.edu/kidsinstitute/wheels.