Earth And Space Science Project Abstract
IMSA ON WHEELS: ECOSYSTEMS
Presenter:
Linda M. Pinto, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy, 1500 West Sullivan Road, Aurora, IL, 60506; lpinto@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:
"IMSA on Wheels" began last year as an inquiry looking at the feasibility of starting a mobile science education unit for schools in the community. The program's goal is to make science exciting and engaging for all students and to feature IMSA students as mentors for younger learners. Implementation of the pilot program began this year by designing two programs "States of Matter," an assembly show for elementary schools, and "Ecosystems," a hands-on program for middle school students. The middle school "Ecosystems" show visited eleven schools and over three hundred students, including five schools from central Illinois during spring break. When writing the "Ecosystems" program it was important to study how students learn in order to create a program that would be effective and fun. The nintey minute "Ecosystems" program focuses on interconnections in ecosystems and is presented with hands-on labs where students ask questions to reach conclusions of their own. Lesson plans were available for teachers to use after the program with the intent to reinforce and build on concepts presented. Following each show, surveys were given to teachers to obtain input to help improve the current curriculum.