IMSA Seeks Student Applications for Summer Program

For Immediate Release, May 1999
For comment, contact Brenda Buschbacher at (630) 907-5033

AURORA -- The Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy® (IMSA) is now accepting applications for its fourth annual Summer Sleuths Program to be held at IMSA July 19-22.

Brochures and applications for the 1999 Summer Sleuths Program were delivered last month to middle schools in Aurora and Naperville. Interested students who will be entering the 7th, 8th or 9th grade are eligible to apply and can receive an application by contacting these resources or calling 630-907-5957 (email: dgerdes@imsa.edu). The deadline for completed applications is June 15. The Summer Sleuths Program also will be offered this year at a second site at East Peoria High School June 28-July 1. For more information contact Bryan Chumbley at the Mid-Illini Educational Cooperative at 1-800-553-7256.

In the program, students work in teams to identify the best possible solution to a real-world problem. In the past, students have studied the problems of tobacco use among teens, deformed frogs and city flooding. During their investigation, students gather reliable data, talk with experts, interview people affected by the problem, conduct experiments, record observations, "surf the net", share information and present final solutions to a panel of experts.

As self-directed learners, students also develop critical thinking skills, communications skills and collaboration skills while investigating real-world problems that include activities in science, social science and mathematics.

Located in Aurora, Illinois, the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy® (IMSA) is an internationally-recognized pioneering educational institution created by the State to develop talent and stimulate excellence in teaching and learning in mathematics, science and technology. IMSA's advanced residential college preparatory program enrolls 650 academically talented Illinois students in grades 10-12. More than 14,000 teachers and 20,000 students in Illinois and beyond have benefited from IMSA's professional development and enrichment programs. IMSA serves the people of Illinois through innovative instructional programs, public and private partnerships, policy leadership and action research.