Opportunities
to learn about IMSA
[NOV.
16, 2000]
Located
in northern Illiinois, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy offers a
rigorous residential educational program for Illinois students in grades 10
through 12. It is a program that must be begun as a sophomore. Students are then
invited back after successful completion of each year. Entrance is competitive.
Acceptance is based on a combination of recommendations, student achievements,
grades and SAT scores.
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There
are currently two special opportunities to learn more about the program: local
informational meetings and "Saturday Live," a visit to the campus
located in northern Aurora.
Informational
meetings
IMSA
invites students, parents, and educators who are interested in learning more
about the educational opportunities available at the academy to attend an
informational meeting. The admission team strongly encourages any students who
are intending to apply to the academy to attend an information meeting in their
area with their parents. The program will include a video followed by a
discussion with an admission counselor about IMSA's academic program,
residential life and the admission process.
Upcoming
informational meetings will be at the following places and times:
Peoria
— Washington School, 3706 North Grand Blvd.; Dec. 4, 6:30 p.m.
Normal
— Chiddix Junior High School 300 S. Walnut; Dec. 5, 7 p.m.
Springfield
— S.I.U. School of Medicine, 801 N. Rutledge; Dec. 13, 6 p.m.
Decatur
— Millikin University, 1184 W. Main; Dec. 14, 7 p.m.
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‘Saturday Live at
IMSA’
The
Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy opens its doors to prospective students
and parents on the first Saturday of every month from November through May of
2001 to provide information about its programs.
During
the sessions, called "Saturday Live at IMSA," admissions counselors
will be available from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. to answer questions about the
admissions process and provide information about IMSA's academic and residential
programs. Tours will also be available, as well as opportunities to speak with
current IMSA students.
Space
is limited and advance reservations are required for the Saturday visits. Please
call the IMSA Office of Admission at (630) 907 5027 or 1-800-500-IMSA (4672) to
schedule your visit. Lunch tickets are also available for $4 per person
The
Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy is located at 1500 W. Sullivan Road,
Aurora.
For
more information visit the IMSA website: http://www.imsa.edu.
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‘Science,
Non-Science, and Nonsense’
[NOV.
9, 2000]
The
news media presents science in 30-second sound bites. Television produces shows
and sitcoms designed to entertain, but many in our society can’t distinguish
entertainment from fact. How do we get students to think critically about the
growing body of scientific information that is increasingly misrepresented in
today's popular culture?
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A
dialogue presented for middle-school students by Lawrence
Krauss, Ph.D. will address this issue. His presentation, "Science,
Non-Science, and Nonsense," will be Dec. 5, from
noon to 1:45 p.m., at the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy auditorium,
1500 W. Sullivan Road, Aurora.
Krauss
will explore examples from the news, advertisements, TV shows and movies, as
well as from his latest book, to discuss the difference between science and
fiction and to explore how the distinction between sense and nonsense is
becoming blurred in popular discourse.
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The
lecture will be part "tour" through the fascinating world of modern
physics, part fun-filled examination of video clips, and part sober discussion
of the various dangers facing modern society if we fail to learn the lessons
science has taught us about the world. One message is that we should not be
timid about offending sensibilities when those sensibilities are based on
nonsense.
This event is
on a first come, first serve basis because of limited seating. People interested
are advised to register early. Schools should call (630) 907-5040 if they would
like to attend or e-mail Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy at Greatminds@imsa.edu.
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