IMSA FUSION is an after school enrichment program for Illinois students (grades 4th-8th) who are talented, interested and motivated in mathematics and science, with a special emphasis on students who are historically underrepresented and underserved. IMSA specialists provide training and support to participating teachers. In 2010-2011, 67 schools are hosting 82 programs, reaching nearly 2,000 students and 200 teachers statewide.
In your area
- Two IMSA FUSION 4th-5th grade programs are being held in the Rock Island Center for Math & Science. FUSION is currently accepting online applications for 2011-2012 partner schools.
Problem-Based Learning (PBL) is an educational model that organizes curriculum and instruction around carefully crafted situations adapted from real-world issues. IMSA’s PBL Network provides numerous opportunities for teachers to learn to design PBL classroom units, improve classroom implementation of PBL, assess the impact of PBL in their classrooms and collaborate with other PBL practitioners. Educators can enroll in summer institutes at IMSA, or districts can sponsor PBL professional development at their sites.
In your area
- PBL participants in Rock Island region have recently included educators from the Rock Island Center for Math and Science, Moline High School and United Township High School (East Moline).
Programs for Preservice Teachers IMSA with the Golden Apple Foundation and a number of Illinois universities to deliver professional development to university students who are preparing to become mathematics and science teachers. Known as preservice teachers, these students participate in IMSA programs to receive training in curriculum planning and inquiry-based instruction. Preservice teachers apply what they have learned through hands-on teaching experiences with students enrolled in IMSA programs.
In your area
- In March, IMSA and BlackHawk College are engaging preservice teachers in a hands-on professional development program at the Rock Island Center for Math and Science (RICMS). Together with IMSA staff, preservice teachers will offer inquiry-based experiences to RICMS students enrolled in Science – I Dig It, an intersession program about the archeological and geological mysteries of ancient cultures. IMSA will also engage RICMS students in a second program, Kidsplorations in Technology which explores connections between computers and engineering.
For more information contact the Rock Island Center for Math and Science at 309-793-5995.
Other IMSA Programs: