STEM Programs for Grades 3 – 8
Journey Through the Cosmos
Registration opens Monday, October 20, 2025, 2025, at 12:00 p.m.
November 15, 2025, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
5th & 6th Grade - You Spin Me Round Like a Planet! Gravitational Orbitals
How old are you in Jupiter years? We know it takes the Earth roughly 365 days to orbit the sun, but it would take Jupiter about 11.86 Earth years. Happy 1st Jupiter birthday to some of you! In this team exploration, learn how gravity and the sun create planetary orbits, and see if you can replicate them using Sphero robots. Also, learn how a gravitational slingshot helps us control the direction and speed of a spacecraft midflight!
7th & 8th Grade - Zodiac Quest: Exploring Stars Through STEAM and Culture
Unlock the stars in this exciting journey through the zodiac! In this engaging and creative class, 7th and 8th-grade students will explore the fascinating history, cultural meaning, and scientific facts behind the twelve zodiac constellations. From ancient myths to modern astronomy, students will explore how these star patterns have inspired stories and scientific discoveries throughout time. To bring their learning to life, students will create a unique art project that reflects their research and personal interpretation of a zodiac sign. It's a perfect blend of STEAM, storytelling, and self-expression!
Dream. Design. Develop. Exploring the Innovation Process
February 7, 2026, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
- Innovation begins with imagination. In this hands-on program, students will transform their creative ideas into real, tangible prototypes of potential products or solutions. From identifying real-world problems to brainstorming, building, and testing their designs, participants will discover that invention thrives on experimentation, analysis, and continuous improvement.
BioInvestigators: Science Under the Surface
March 7, 2026, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
- When it comes to anatomy, there’s only so much you can learn from a textbook—sometimes you have to look at the real thing. In this investigative biology experience, students will explore anatomy and physiology through age-appropriate dissections of model organisms. Along the way, they’ll uncover the intricate systems that sustain life—perhaps inspiring future surgeons, biologists, or veterinarians.
STEAMworks Studio: Using Both Sides of the Brain
April 18, 2026, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
- Leonardo da Vinci once said, “To develop a complete mind: study the science of art; study the art of science.” This session invites students to explore how creativity and logic work hand in hand. By combining scientific concepts with artistic design, they’ll discover the math, physics, and engineering principles that artists often use to bring ideas to life—and how STEM can inspire their own creative masterpieces.
*Applying and qualifying for a scholarship does not guarantee an award or registration into the program. To qualify for a scholarship, the student’s family is required to submit proof of financial eligibility: if you qualify for SNAP or Free/Reduced lunch, you qualify, but we need you to submit proof of eligibility. If you do not have a form in your possession or have difficulty getting it from your school or IDHS, you may submit a screenshot showing eligibility. Please contact us at studentenrichment@imsa.edu if you have difficulty with this requirement. Alternatively, a 2023 or 2024 federal tax return showing proof of family income may be submitted.
- Scholarships are awarded on a rolling basis, so it is to your benefit to submit all supplemental forms as soon as possible.
- WATCH YOUR EMAIL and CHECK YOUR SPAM FOLDER! Award recipients will be notified via email and must reply to the scholarship offers within the time period indicated in the email.
- NOTE: You may choose to either pay for program registration OR apply for a scholarship and await award notification. Your scholarship application will not be considered if you also complete a paid registration.
No requests for a registration cancellation/refund will be accepted for all in-person Saturday STEM programming.
