February 20, 2009

Unity Point to host summer IMSA science program

by Tim Crosby

CARBONDALE, Ill. -- Grade-school aged students can get a grasp on scientific concepts this summer as instructors from one of the state’s leading education institutions hold a weeklong program at a local school.

The Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy will offer programs for third- through sixth-graders June 15-19 at Unity Point School, 4033 S. Illinois Ave., Carbondale. The IMSA expanded this year’s program, said Tracy Miller, IMSA program coordinator for statewide student initiatives, and she hopes faculty and staff at Southern Illinois University Carbondale take advantage of the opportunity for their children.

“Last year, we found a lot of our participants were part of the SIUC family,” Miller said. “This is the second year IMSA has had a summer program at Unity Point and we hope to see some familiar faces and some new faces.”

This year’s programs include Science Explorers Jr., aimed at third- and fourth-graders, and Science Explorers, for fifth- and sixth-graders. The programs emphasize a hands-on approach to science, Miller said. To see a description of the programs, go to https://www3.imsa.edu/programs.

Programs run 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Cost for the program is $250 per student, and need-based scholarships are available. The program has a limited number of seats available and coordinators will fill them on a first-come basis.

For more information go to https://www3.imsa.edu/programs. To register, go to summerprograms@imsa.edu or call 630/907-5950.

The IMSA also offers residential programs in Aurora and Edwardsville for students in grades seven through 10. More information on those programs also is available online.