Registration Open for IMSA Kids Institute Fall Enrichment Workshops

For Immediate Release, September 2002
For comment, contact Brenda Buschbacher at (630) 907-5033

(Media note: Please do not run story AFTER September 28, 2002 as slots fill up quickly. Thank you for your attention to this matter).

AURORA—The Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy (IMSA) Kids Institute is now accepting student registrations for its new fall enrichment workshops. These enrichment programs, held on the IMSA campus in Aurora, are offered to all students in grades 2-8 from the Fox Valley and Chicagoland areas.

The new fall enrichment workshops will offer a variety of program topics on Saturday afternoons, as well as a new after-school pilot on Wednesdays.

The following IMSA Kids Institute fall workshops are now available for immediate registration:

Rocket Science (Saturday, September 28 – 1:00 p.m.– 4:30 p.m.)- for students in grades 6-8. Students learn basic physics and principles of aerodynamics then apply them to designs and test flights of water rockets and gliders.

Mysterious Forensics (Wednesdays, October 16, 23, 30 – 4:30 p.m.-6:00 p.m.)- a three-week Wednesday after school series for students in grades 4-5. Hands-on forensic science activities are combined with the reading of From the Mixed Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler by E.L. Konigsburg.

Howl-o-ween Science (Saturday, October 26 – 1:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.)- for students in grades 2-3. Students design and build a goblin catcher and create creepy chemical concoctions, slime, gooey goo and powerful potions.

Field Trip to Mars (Saturday, November 2 – 1:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.)- for students in grades 4-6. Explore the planet Mars through online and hands-on activities. Create your own "dream team" to explore Mars for your mission.

For program registration information, contact The IMSA Kids Institute at (630) 907-5987 or visit the web site to download a pdf program flyer. The IMSA Kids Institute is supported by IMSA, The City of Aurora, BP, 3M, Best Buy Children's Foundation and the William G. McGowan Fund.

Located in Aurora, IMSA is a learning enterprise that builds the capacity of students, teachers and policymakers to improve and transform mathematics and science teaching and learning. IMSA's residential educational program serves Illinois students (grades 10-12) talented in mathematics and science; its professional development Center serves schools, educational systems, teachers and students in Illinois and beyond.