Copyright 2012 Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy

Dual Statewide Charge for Illinois: Offer a unique, challenging high school education to students gifted in mathematics and science Stimulate further excellence in mathematics and science teaching and learning throughout the State of Illinois Founded 25 years ago Copyright 2012 Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy

IMSA: I GNITING AND N URTURING C REATIVE, E THICAL, S CIENTIFIC M INDS THAT A DVANCE THE H UMAN C ONDITION Illinois Public High School Tuition-free 3 year program 10 th to 12 th grade Selective, competitive Students must apply and qualify Residential All students live on campus in Aurora, IL Promote Excellence in Education in Illinois IMSA Professional Field Services Problem Based Learning Kids Institute Statewide Student/Educator Initiatives 3 Field Offices: Chicago, Rock Island and Metro-East IMSA FUSION Copyright 2012 Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy

IMSA FUSION  Award-winning program recognized nationally as a "Best Practice" K12 STEM Education Program by Bayer Corporation’s “Making Science Make Sense” Initiative  Ranked among the top STEM programs in the U.S. by “Change the Equation STEM Works”, a national coalition committed to identifying and supporting effective STEM programming 111 programs in 84 schools throughout the state of Illinois  Started by the Illinois General Assembly with 7 pilot sites in 2000 and now has 111 programs in 84 schools throughout the state of Illinois Copyright 2012 Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy

What is IMSA FUSION? After-school math/science enrichment program for talented, motivated students in 4-8 th grade 64 hours of student contact time per year Schools apply to partner with IMSA Curriculum for 2 units of study per year with materials/equipment provided by IMSA 5.5 days of teacher professional development per year Data-driven program; research and evaluation shows that both students and teachers are positively impacted by FUSION Copyright 2012 Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy

IMSA FUSION locations across Illinois Copyright 2012 Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy

IMSA FUSION Goals  Increase student interest, involvement, literacy in science and math  Enhance knowledge and skills of teachers  Promote excellence in school math and science programs  Help increase access to programs for students historically underrepresented in math and science and in all areas of the state Copyright 2012 Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy

FUSION IS FUN… NO homework…NO tests!!! Curriculum is Integrated: Curriculum is Integrated: Math and science (other academic subjects) are connected in units; technology is used when appropriate Lessons are Problem-Centered: Lessons are Problem-Centered: Students work together, in teams, to solve real-world, complex problems; new, creative ways of thinking emerge Activities are Inquiry-based: “Hands-on, Minds-on”: Activities are Inquiry-based: “Hands-on, Minds-on”: Students ask their own questions and explore solutions to problems Units are Content Focused/Competency-Driven: Units are Content Focused/Competency-Driven: Student understanding of complex concepts comes through application-labs, data collection, analysis; content reflects state/national math and science standards Copyright 2012 Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy

IMSA FUSION FUSION embeds 21 st Century Skills into the program… Lifelong skills we ALL need… Solving Problems Communicating Using Technology Working on Teams Making Connections Copyright 2012 Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy

More IMSA FUSION STUDENT Opportunities  STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) Research and Career Webinars  Problem of the Month  Cameroon-Illinois Biodiversity Project  Field Trips Copyright 2012 Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy

Student Selection  Grade 4-5 or Grade  Meets or exceeds on ISAT, or top 20% of class in math or science  Recommendation from a math or science teacher  Student-written essay  Applications for both new and returning students Copyright 2012 Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy

Student Commitment Participate in all scheduled IMSA FUSION sessions and activities during the year—good attendance! Continue in the program until the end of 8th grade MOST IMPORTANT REQUIRMENT… Visit the IMSA FUSION website Visit the IMSA FUSION website …HAVE FUN LEARNING! …HAVE FUN LEARNING! Copyright 2012 Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy TIME FOR A FUSION ACTIVITY…

ORDER IS IMPORTANT!! The object of this activity is to move the chips so that the red chips and the yellow chips switch positions in the fewest number of moves. But you MUST follow all the rules! Copyright 2012 Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy

Copyright 2012 Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy THE RULES: 1.BEGIN WITH THE CHIPS AS ABOVE. 2.RED CHIPS CAN ONLY BE MOVED TO THE RIGHT. 3.YELLOW CHIPS CAN ONLY BE MOVED TO THE LEFT. 4.CHIPS CAN MOVE ONLY ONE SPACE AT A TIME AND CANNOT BE FLIPPED OVER. 5.A CHIP CAN JUMP A CHIP OF THE OTHER COLOR AND CAN ONLY JUMP ONE CHIP AT A TIME, LANDING IN A SPACE NEXT TO THE JUMPED CHIP. 6.COUNT EACH MOVE THAT YOU MAKE UNTIL YOU HAVE THE CHIPS AS SHOWN BELOW. GOOD LUCK!!

Program logistics… …day of the week, time, location, snacks Participation fees Application process and deadline Program start date Special events Units of study for this year FUSION at YOUR SCHOOL… Copyright 2012 Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy ®