IMSA Innovation Hub – Metro East
The Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy has moved beyond the walls of its internationally recognized Aurora, IL, campus to expand science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) programs and services across Southern Illinois. IMSA’s Belleville and Edwardsville offices offer STEM enrichment programs for area students and professional development programs for educators.
Summer Programs
We are so excited for Summer @ IMSA 2025!
This year, camps will be held in Belleville and O’Fallon for any student interested in hands-on exploration of STEM content!
FEATURED PROGRAM
(in partnership with SIU-Edwardsville, SIU-Carbondale, St. Louis University, and SWIC Police Academy):
Forensics Murder Mystery
Grades 10 – 12
Belleville, IL | June 9 – 13, 2025 | 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
This Murder to Trial program introduces students to the investigation of a possible crime, the processing of forensic evidence and using of the acquired evidence and the results of an analysis of evidence at trial. Students will have to process a mock crime scene where they will learn through experience as they collect evidence. They will complete laboratory analyses and conclude with a mock trial.
Registration details coming soon!
Grades 1-2
Pattern Lab: Where Math and Science Meet! (Grades 1-2)
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BelleValley School, Belleville | June 9 – 13, 2025
9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. | $150.00, Register Now or Apply for a Scholarship -
Ellis Elementary, Belleville | June 16 – 20, 2025 (no program on June 19)
9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. | $120.00, Register Now or Apply for a Scholarship -
Fulton Junior High School, O’Fallon | June 23 – 27, 2025
9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. | $150.00, Register Now or Apply for a Scholarship
Did you know that the wings of a butterfly have patterns that help them blend into their surroundings? In Pattern Lab: Where Math and Science Meet!, 1st and 2nd graders will embark on a fun-filled adventure exploring the magic of patterns through math and science! Campers will uncover how patterns appear in shapes, numbers, and designs all around us. They’ll play exciting games, solve tricky puzzles, and create beautiful art, all while learning how math and science work together to form patterns. With hands-on activities and imaginative creations, kids will use their problem-solving skills to explore patterns in everything from nature to music, discovering that math and science are everywhere, just waiting to be uncovered!
Grades 3-4
Chemistry Quest: Science Detectives (Grades 3-4)
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BelleValley School, Belleville | June 9 – 13, 2025
9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. | $150.00, Register Now or Apply for a Scholarship -
Ellis Elementary, Belleville | June 16 – 20, 2025 (no program on June 19)
9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. | $120.00, Register Now or Apply for a Scholarship -
Fulton Junior High School, O’Fallon | June 23 – 27, 2025
9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. | $150.00, Register Now or Apply for a Scholarship
Ready to become a junior scientist and unlock the mysteries of chemistry? In this exciting STEM-based summer camp for 3rd and 4th graders, campers will dive into the world of chemistry through hands-on experiments and cool investigations! They’ll explore basic chemistry principles, learn how to design and carry out experiments, and become real-life problem-solvers. From testing reactions to analyzing results, campers will take on the role of experts, solving fun challenges and conducting experiments to gather and interpret data. With plenty of chances to apply their new skills in simulations, kids will make evidence-based decisions and share their discoveries in a variety of exciting settings.
Grades 5-6
Heat Seekers: Fire Science and STEM (Grades 5-6)
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BelleValley School, Belleville | June 9 – 13, 2025
9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. | $150.00, Register Now or Apply for a Scholarship -
Harmony-Emge, Belleville | June 16 – 20, 2025 (no program on June 19)
9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. | $120.00, Register Now or Apply for a Scholarship -
Fulton Junior High School, O’Fallon | June 23 – 27, 2025
9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. | $150.00, Register Now or Apply for a Scholarship
Ready to join the Fire Academy Rescue and become a hero in the world of fire safety? In this thrilling STEM-based summer camp for 5th and 6th graders, campers will explore the science of fire, rescue tactics, and the latest innovations in fire rescue! Through hands-on activities, they’ll learn how fire starts, how to control it, and how to think strategically in fire rescue situations. Campers will use math to calculate distances for rescue missions, develop problem-solving skills, and sharpen their writing as they create and analyze shift reports.
Grades 7-8
Lab Rats: Experimenting with Biotechnology (Grades 7-8)
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BelleValley School, Belleville | June 9 – 13, 2025
9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. | $150.00, Register Now or Apply for a Scholarship -
Harmony-Emge, Belleville | June 16 – 20, 2025 (no program on June 19)
9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. | $120.00, Register Now or Apply for a Scholarship -
Fulton Junior High School, O’Fallon | June 23 – 27, 2025
9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. | $150.00, Register Now or Apply for a Scholarship
Get ready for a high-energy adventure where science, strategy, and teamwork come together to save the day! In this exciting STEM summer camp for 7th and 8th graders, campers will dive into hands-on, inquiry-based activities like culturing yeast, separating molecules with gel electrophoresis, and synthesizing and isolating proteins—just like real biotechnologists! Students will explore the basics of DNA, while also learning essential STEM skills like problem-solving, data analysis, and critical thinking. By the end of the camp, campers will have discovered how biotechnology is changing the world—and they’ll be ready to take on the science of tomorrow!
