Saturday STEM @ IMSA
Spooky STEM
Join us for a thrilling STEM adventure filled with eerie experiments and spooky science! Students will dive into hands-on activities that explore everything from spiderwebs to genetics, blending Halloween fun with educational discovery. Perfect for curious minds ready for a frightfully fun learning experience!
October 26, 2024
9:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Registration is closed.
3rd & 4th Grade: Web of Wonders: Crafting the Perfect Spiderweb
Explore the science behind spiderwebs! Students will investigate different types of spider webs and use their findings to design and create their own unique, optimized web. A perfect mix of biology and engineering for hands-on discovery!
5th & 6th Grade: Skeleton Hand: Anatomy in Action!
Learn about the anatomy and physiology of the human hand while building a working model of a prosthetic skeleton hand! This interactive activity will challenge students' design skills and teach them how the skeletal system works.
7th & 8th Grade: Monster Lab: Genetic Exploration
Dive into the basics of Mendelian genetics! Students will use their newfound knowledge to create a one-of-a-kind monster, combining fun with the foundational concepts of inheritance and traits. A perfect mix of biology and creativity!
Engineering in Action
Get ready to engineer the future! In this hands-on program, students will see the world of modern engineering through the eyes of various careers, exploring the principles of engineering that shape the modern world.
November 16, 2024
9:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Registration is closed.
3rd & 4th Grade: Dragster Design: The Need for Speed
Rev up your engines! Students will explore the science of aerodynamics and engineering as they design, build, and race model dragsters. It’s a fast-paced challenge where creativity and physics collide!
5th & 6th Grade: Color Lab: Engineering the Perfect Paint
Step into the shoes of a paint engineer! Students will experiment with color mixing and chemical compounds to create custom hues, all while learning about the science of pigments and how paint is engineered for different purposes.
7th & 8th Grade: Roads & Curves: Engineering Safe Speed
Hit the road in this engineering challenge! Students will learn about the science behind road construction, focusing on how curves are designed to keep vehicles safe. They’ll explore the physics of banking and apply their knowledge to create model roads.
Robotics Revolution: Coding, Building, and Beyond!
Ready to build and code your own robot? In this hands-on robotics program, students will explore the world of robotics by creating and programming their own machines. With KIBO, Sphero, and LEGO EV3 robots, participants will tackle real-world challenges through fun, interactive learning that combines creativity, engineering, and technology.
December 7, 2024
9:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Registration Opens November 9th at 12:00am!
3rd & 4th Grade: KIBO Creators: Dancing Robots
Young engineers will dive into robotics with KIBO, a playful, screen-free robot they can build and program themselves. Through fun, hands-on activities, they'll learn the basics of coding and problem-solving as they bring their robot to the dance floor.
5th & 6th Grade: Sphero Challenges: Coding in Motion!
Get ready to roll! Students will explore the exciting world of coding using Sphero robots, using their skills to overcome a number of obstacles.
7th & 8th Grade: LEGO EV3 Masters
Take robotics to the next level with LEGO. Students will explore logic and program their robots to solve real-world challenges.
*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 2021 or 2022 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.