... Imagine a program where students converse with one of the greatest paleontologists of our time, both in person and via live video-streaming. Imagine being so inspired by the presence of the author of October Sky that you build and launch your own rocket. Imagine a program where leaders in thought convene for a dialogue regarding the future of science and mathematics education. This is the IMSA Great Minds Program® of the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy.
About the IMSA Great Minds Program ®
The IMSA Great Minds Program® was launched in 1998 by IMSA Founder, Resident Scholar, and Nobel Laureate, Dr. Leon Lederman. It provides IMSA students and faculty, Illinois educators and students, and the public with opportunities to learn from, interact with and be inspired by the “greatest minds” of our time. Serving as a catalyst to stimulate the creation of a new system of teaching and learning, the program’s purpose is to “fan the imagination” and stimulate the curiosity of young people and adults about the limitless possibilities of the future. The IMSA Great Minds Program® advances IMSA’s learning agenda and positions IMSA at the forefront of learning as a recognized leader and exemplar in mathematics, science and technology, through:
- Innovative initiatives and unique learning experiences that raise awareness, increase understanding and promote leading edge programs;
- Intergenerational learning experiences that connect national and international leading minds with young people interested in impacting the world in creative ways;
- Strategic partnerships with national and international leaders in thought on the frontiers of knowledge & creativity;
- Opportunities for Illinois educators & students to interact with the most influential thought leaders of our time.
This program has attracted over 80 of the best minds in the world to IMSA, and these intellectual resources have been shared throughout Illinois. These thought leaders have shared their expertise, experience, observations and research on numerous topics in the areas of mathematics, science, the arts and humanities.
Since its inception, the IMSA Great Minds Program® has served over 10,000 individuals (community members, educators, and students) through its dialogues, interactive seminars, and community lectures. These events happen at IMSA, other sites in Illinois, and through video streaming. The creation of products and services has resulted in increased understanding of scientific, mathematical and technological world issues: publication of two books (Portraits of Great American Scientists and Science Literacy for the Twenty-First Century) and proceedings documents, which are available in .pdf format on this website, along with archived videotapings of the events, too.
If you would like to be added to our mailing list, please send your name, mailing address, and postal codes to greatminds@imsa.edu.