Registration Open for IMSA Middle School Math + Technology Summit

For Immediate Release, October 2005
For comment, contact Brenda Buschbacher at (630) 907-5033

AURORA—The Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy (IMSA) Kids Institute® is now accepting registrations for its November 5, 2005 Middle School Math + Technology Summit. This new one-day science conference is open to middle school students and their teachers and parents. To register visit the website at www.imsa.edu/kidsinstitute to download an application or call (630) 907-5987 or email kidsinstitute@imsa.edu.

The keynote speaker is Dr. David Thornburg, Director of Global Operations of the Thornburg Center. Dr. Thornburg, named one of the 21 "Pioneers of Educational Technology" by the International Society for Technology in Education, will present "Technology and the Beauty of Mathematics."

Following the keynote, hands-on sessions geared for middle school students will be held including "Get SET and GO" (participants learn how to play and master the math game SET) and "Palm Technology in Field Research" (participants learn how IMSA is using digital technology to conduct research in remote areas of the United States). Sessions will be presented by IMSA faculty and local organizations including Fermilab.

Summit registration is limited and the deadline is November 2, 2005. A luncheon Expo will feature booths and interactive activities from area museums and science-related programs, such as IMSA, SciTech Hands on Museum and more. [Science-related organizations interested in participating in the Expo should contact the IMSA Kids Institute at (630) 907-5987 to register].

For directions to IMSA's campus at 1500 West Sullivan in Aurora, visit www.imsa.edu. The cost of the Summit is $50 and includes registration, materials, continental breakfast and a box lunch. Registration begins at 8:00 a.m. and sessions conclude at 4:00 p.m.

The IMSA Kids Institute is supported by the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy, the City of Aurora, BP and 3M.

The Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy® is an internationally-recognized pioneering educational institution created by the State of Illinois to develop talent and leadership in mathematics, science and technology. IMSA's advanced residential college preparatory program enrolls 650 academically talented Illinois students in grades 10-12. Nearly 19,000 teachers and 43,000 students in Illinois and beyond have benefited from IMSA's professional development and student enrichment programs. Located in Aurora in the high-tech corridor west of Chicago, IMSA serves the people of Illinois through innovative instructional programs, public and private partnerships, policy counsel, action research, and the leadership and achievements of its graduates.