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NEW! Additional Programs added for 5-6th graders
SCIENCE EXPLORERS: LAKE COUNTY
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SCIENCE EXPLORERS: CARBONDALE
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Challenge your inquiring mind all summer long at the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy! Grounded in imagination and inquiry, Summer@IMSA offerings are unique. Retain your sense of wonder as you put academic concepts to good use by solving real-world problems. You can always count on IMSA for competency-driven, inquiry-based and problem centered learning experiences! And while we may keep the program names the same – the topics, activities and fun are new and fresh every year!
Questions? Call 630-907-5950 or e-mail summerprograms@imsa.edu
Need-based scholarships are available. Scholarship information SCHOLARSHIPS ARE NO LONGER BEING TAKEN!
Got your confirmation of registration? Download required forms.
Day Programs
Grade Level (Fall 08) | Program Title |
Teachers |
Cost |
Program Dates |
| Entering 3rd-4th grades | Science Explorers, Jr.
BOTH WEEKS ARE FILLED |
IMSA Students | $225.00 | June 16-20 or June 23-27 | Entering 3rd-4th grades | Science Explorers, Jr. |
IMSA Students | $225.00 | July 28 - August 1 (Springfield) |
| Entering 5th-6th grades | Science Explorers PROGRAM FILLED |
IMSA Students | $225.00 | July 7-11 |
| Entering 5th-6th grades | Computer Explorers | IMSA Students | $225.00 | June 16-20 THIS WEEK IS FILLED OR June 23-27 |
| Entering 5th-6th grades | Computer Explorers Springfield |
IMSA Students | $225.00 | July 28 - August 1 (Springfield) |
| Entering 6th-9th grades | Summer Sleuths | Teachers in the PBL Network; IMSA Students Assist |
$225.00 | July 21-24 |
| Entering 6th-7th grades | Investigating Chaos Theory | Teachers from E2K+ Schools | $275.00 | July 21-25 |
| Entering 7th-8th grades | Investigating Chaos Theory PROGRAM FILLED | Teachers from E2K+ Schools | $275.00 | July 7-11 |
| Entering 7th-9th grades | Jazz Explorers | Teachers and IMSA Students | $275.00 | June 23-27 |
| Entering 7th-8th grades | CSI: IMSA E2K+ Style Springfield |
Teachers from E2K+ Schools | $275.00 | July 28 - August 1 (Springfield) |
Lunch, Snack, T-shirt, and Supplies are included for each program.
Science Explorers, Jr. ALL PROGRAM SITES FILLED
This year at Science Explorers, Jr., your curious young
scientist will practice modern medicine, recreate the famous
experiments and inventions of great scientists throughout
history, explore the vast, foreign world of outer space, make
some explosions during an investigation of chemical
reactions, and dissect insects, all in the name of science.
The program is developed and taught by IMSA high
school students.
Aurora BOTH WEEKS ARE FILLED
June 16-20, 2008 or June 23-27, 2008
(Both weeks are the same)
8:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Cost: $225
Springfield PROGRAM FILLED
July 28 - August 1, 2008
8:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Cost: $225
Science Explorers PROGRAM FILLED
Come unlock secrets of the past during this year’s Science
Explorers! Students will explore agricultural and geological
mysteries of ancient cultures around the world. Through
inquiry-based experiences, students will navigate through a
dense jungle, supply water to a desert farm, and build the
8th wonder of the ancient world. This camp is designed and
taught by IMSA students with the help of IMSA staff.
July 7-11, 2008
8:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Cost: $225
Computer Explorers: Code, Investigate, and Discover
Participants will discover the mysteries of computers and
technology through interactive applications and activities.
This week-long experience will feature coding through
software programming, puzzles, and examining the clues
left for all to discover. The mystery will be solved during
web design and gaming.
Aurora
June 16-20, 2008 THIS WEEK IS FILLED or June 23-27, 2008
(Both weeks are the same)
8:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Cost: $225
Springfield
July 28 - August 1, 2008
8:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Cost: $225
Summer Sleuths
Join the team to search for a solution to a real-world
problem posed by NASA scientists. Investigate information
from experts, experiments, and the Internet with help from
IMSA students and teachers experienced in Problem Based
Learning.
We provide teachers and resources for bilingual-Spanish
students (Investigaciones).
Check our web site (www.imsa.edu/programs/pbln/
sleuths) for information on last year’s problem when IMSA
students challenged the Sleuths to consider the best future
use of the IMSA pond.
July 21-24, 2008
9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. daily
Cost: $225
Investigating Chaos Theory
This program uses a wide variety of mathematics and
science activities to give students a basic overview of
the relatively new concept of chaos as it applies to
dynamic systems. For centuries scientists believed that
mathematics and science could accurately predict
long-range outcomes. We now understand that accurate
predictions can only be made in the short-term, because
dynamic systems are non-linear and indeterminate.
Students will engage in hands-on team work to investigate
many chaos theory concepts by playing the Chaos Game,
creating fractals such as the Sierpinski Tetrahedron and
the Dragon, manipulating complex systems, and solving
other problems.
Participants for this program must either meet or exceed
standards in math or science on their most recent ISAT
results, or place in the upper 20% of their class on
another test.
Grades 7-8 – July 7-11, 2008 PROGRAM FILLED
Grades 6-7 – July 21-25, 2008
8:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Cost: $275
Jazz Explorers
Experience Jazz on a new level at IMSA. Using small
group and big band settings, musicians will develop skills
in improvisation and music technology. This program is
taught collaboratively by IMSA students and staff. This
program culminates in a Friday afternoon concert.
Two years of experience and a music teacher recommendation
is required for this program. Please note there
is a special teacher recommendation that needs to be
downloaded off the Summer@IMSA web site.
June 23-27, 2008
8:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Cost: $275
CSI: IMSA E2K+ Style
This program will engage participants in inquiry and
problem solving using forensic science techniques. CSI:
E2K+ Style embeds students in a problem-centered crime
scenario, which they are challenged to solve. In the process
they must learn and apply an array of concepts that integrate
mathematics and science. Communication and collaborative
team work are a focus as the students work together to find
out “Who Done It?”
Participants for this program must either meet or exceed
standards in math or science on their most recent ISAT
results, or place in the upper 20% of their class on another
test.
Springfield Only
Grades 7-8 - July 28 - August 1, 2008
8:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Cost: $275
Residential Programs
| Grade Level (Fall 08) |
Program Title | Teachers | Cost | Program Dates |
| Entering 8th-9th grades | Math@IMSA PROGRAM FILLED |
Teachers and IMSA students | $600.00 | July 13-18 |
| Entering 8th-9th grades | Science@IMSA for Girls | Teachers and IMSA students | $600.00 | July 6-11 |
| Entering 8th-9th grades | Science@IMSA for Boys PROGRAM FILLED | Teachers and IMSA students | $600.00 | July 20-25 |
| Entering 9th grade | BioTech Residential Program BOYS REGISTRATION FILLED |
Teachers and IMSA students | $650.00 | July 13-18 |
| Entering 9th grade | Promise Program | Teachers and IMSA students assist | June 15-27 |
Math@IMSA PROGRAM FILLED
Explore IMSA mathematics through this hands-on,
minds-on program taught by IMSA faculty and students.
Participants will be student and teacher in their own math
investigations of concepts such as numbers, patterns and
discrete math. The participants will use small and large
groups to discover the excitement in math. During this
co-ed program, participants live in the IMSA residence
halls and enjoy free time and organized activities in
the evening.
Student Participant Personal Statement Needed:
Math is Everywhere. . . Describe where you “see” math in
the real world and how it affects your life and the world
around you. Please write a 250 word essay on this subject
and explain the mathematics that completes your
description.
July 13-18, 2008
Cost: $600
Science@IMSA for Girls and Boys
This program is a single sex experience for middle school
students, taught by IMSA staff and students. This year
participants will delve into science both in the lab and
outdoors, looking at the micro to macroscopic features
of IMSA’s water ecosystem as well as the engineering of
IMSA’s building. Participants live in the IMSA residence
halls, enjoy free time and organized activities in the
evening.
Student Participant Personal Statement Needed:
In 2050, the President of the United States has given you an award for your contributions to the field of science for
the betterment of the people of the world. They ask you to submit your biography, limited to 250 words. Write that
biography.
Girls: July 6-11, 2008
Boys: July 20-25, 2008 PROGRAM FILLED
Cost: $600
BioTech Residential BOYS REGISTRATION FILLED
Get your feet wet as part of this 9th grade immersion
program. Students who are thinking of applying to IMSA’s
residential high school program will get on track with this
one of a kind co-ed IMSA experience. Participants will
attend a week-long Biotechnology course, exploring DNA
and enzymes taught by IMSA faculty and students. This
program will have evening work that applies to the next
day’s classes. In addition, there will be some free time and
organized activities in the evenings.
Two Student Participant Personal Statements Needed:
1. Write an acrostic poem using the word BIOTECH.
2. The 2050 Nobel Selection Committee has awarded you the Nobel Prize in Biotechnology. They ask you to submit
your biography, limited to 250 words. Write that biography.
July 13-18, 2008
Cost: $650
PROMISE Program
Co-ed program for students entering 9th grade. Talented
underrepresented and economically disadvantaged students
enjoy an intense two-week, summer residential opportunity
on the IMSA campus that stimulates interest and develops
skills in math, science and English through group inquiry
and problem-solving, and promotes interpersonal as well
as academic growth.
In addition, there will be some free time and organized
activities in the evenings.
This selective program requires submission of a
separate application.
June 15-27, 2008
Program does not include a weekend residential experience.