text: t ILLINOIS MATHEMATICS AND SCIENCE ACADEMY r^lIVlSA ^ Pioneering Editcalumal Caninuinity Volume 7 No. I •Fall 1992 Renowned Nuclear Physicist Gives Series of Lectures at IMSA Dr. Edward Teller Shares His Views on Science, Politics and History I — or two weeks in No\ember, IMSA Lecture, entitled L~ students, faculty and staff, and -Science From a Political in\ ited guests came face to face with a and Historical Point of niaior figure in world history. View." Teller lauded the Dr. Edward Teller, one of the most eel- .Academy for its role in ebrated physicists of this century . \ isited improving mathematics, the campus October 28-November 1 2 to science and technology present a series of lectures, including the educatitm in Illinois, second annual James R. Thompson "What you are tr\ ing to Leadership Lecture. do at the Academy is Teller, director emeritus of Lawrence incredibly important." he Livermore National Laboratory and said. "We need young senior research fellow at the Hoover people who recognize Institution, has received worldwide that technology is the acclaim for his research in chemical. human future, who molecular and nuclear physics; quantum understand that technolo- mechanics: and thermonuclear reactions. g\ is an absolutely neees- The 84-year-old physicist is perhaps sary component." best known for his work w ith the He also argued that Manhattan Project at Los Alamos research should contmue Scientific Laboratory. His research on to play an important part releasing energy through nuclear fusion in policy making. "I e\ entually led to the first test of the belie\ e that know ledge hsdrogen bomb in 1932. and technology are During the Thompson Leadership always desirable." Teller said. "To stop research is not right." Teller, whose views have sparked consider- Admissions Information 3 ,",^",u,"i able debate among leau- Hurricane Benefit Concerts 4 ers in the political and sci- />'. tulunrJ Tdlci entific arenas, met w ith IMSA Math Journal 6 ,^^^^,.^,^,^ ^t^^ent groups during his two- Miss Saieon 4 week visit, including sexeral classes and National Student Conference 3 ' "n':,jdition. approximately 400 guests Survey of IMSA Graduates 6 from throughout Illinois attended one or more of Teller's public lectures on the Trailblazers stnicture of matter, science teaching and Wellness Prosram 8 relatix ity. SIDE IMSA senior Elizabeth Pme of Chicago called Teller's visit "one of the most memorable experiences" of her three years at the .4cadem\. "It was ama/iiig to be able to talk with him." Pine said. "We discussed about e\ery- (ciintinucil mi /'i/yc -f) r^lMSA Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy 1500 West Sullivan Road Aurora. Illinois 60506-1000 708/S0I-6000 BOARD OF TRUSTEES President James D. Pearson President Aurora Industries Vice President Dr. Leon Lederman, Nobel Laureate Director Emeritus Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory Trustees John Baird Teacher of Physics Quincy High School G. Carl Ball Chairman of the Board George J. Ball. Incorporated Dr. Lan7 Braskamp Dean, College of Education University of Illinois at Chicago Fred Conforti President BRK Electronics Sheila GrilTin Director of Corporate Ad\ertismg Worldwide Motorola Incorporated Cars Israel Executive Director Illinois Community College Board Gary D. Jewel Superintendent of Schools Aurora West School District #129 Robert Leininger State Superintendent State Board of Education John McEachern Jr. President Wayne Circuits Incorporated Dr. David Mintzer Professor of Mechanical Engineering. Physics and Astronomy Northwestern University Jesus Manuel Sosa Interdepartmental Manager Department of Language and Cultural Education Chicago Public Schools Marvin Strunk Retired President and Chief Executive Officer Madison Bank & Trust Companv Dr. Richard Wagner Executive Director State Board of Higher Educatron Dr. Benjamin Williams Principal Percy Julian Junior High School. Oak Park NOVA is published quarterly by the IMSA Communications Office. Editor Catherine C. Veal Staff « riter Brenda Busehbacher From the Executive Director Dear Members of the IMSA Community, -^ he Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy has enjoyed a most productive and eventful fall semester. The debut of the IMSA Math Jounial. a resource for students and teachers throughout Illinois, and the historic two-week visit by Dr. Edward Teller are but two of the highlights. Videotapes of Dr. Teller's physics lectures are being produced and will be shared with other schools. In the area of private sector support, we are most grateful to Illinois Bell for helping to underwrite the cost of our 1992 Miss Saigon Gala and for installing fiberoptic cable into our Toyota Video Production Laboratory. This is a critical step in building the infrastructure for IMSA to provide distance learning opportunities via the telephone system to other schools in Illinois. In addition, we are testing a new system for designing integrative curriculum (to be featured in a future issue of NOVA), and we continue to expand the scope of our work in problem-based learning. As we begin to see more and more concrete examples of how the R&D work at IMSA benefits other schools and teachers, I would like to share with you some recent comments by Dr. Donald Kussmaul, superintendent of the East Dubuque Unit District No. 119: You have taken a dream for education in Illinois and made it reality. The East Dubuque School District is located 20 minutes from the "Field of Dreams " and I do feel that the statement "build it and they will come " applies to IMSA. Build the programs and the students will conw. Provide the mindware for the growth of the state and business will come. The Illinois Math and Science Academy should be recognized as the research base for education in Illinois and the Academy lead for quality should be mandated. .\ vision whose time has come. We are heartened by Dr. KussmauTs comments, and we appreciate and share his commitment to quality education for all children in Illinois. Best wishes for the holiday season. Sincerelv. ^-^^-rx^ /jy^d^M K^ Stephanie Pace Marshall, Ph.D. Executive Director 5th Annual NCSSSMST Student Conference Students Collaborate on Bioethics Problem C^J^ tudents iittondlng the ?lh annual ^^ — - National Consortium for Speciaii/cd Secondary Schools of Mathematics. Science and Technology (NCSSSMST) student conference spent a day traveling into the worlds of medicine, science, law, ethics and economics to solve a real-world problem. During the No\'. 12-14 conference at IMSA. students worked togethci- in small groups to develop solutions to a problem of "Mane's Baby." In the ease, a pregnant woman is told that her fetus has encephaly. a condition where part of the brain is missing. Playing the role of Jane's pediatric specialist, students debat- ed possible solutions based on their research. Founded in 19S,S. NCSSSMST consists of specialized high schools throughout the country that serve talented mathemat- ics and science students. The annual stu- dent conferences are designed to acquaint students of similar interests and abilities and to encourage them to work together to solve scientific and technological problems. A total of 200 students from 30 consor- tium schools attended. Each school, including IMSA. could send up to 10 del- egates. IMSA delegate Dave Knol of Princeton said the most rewarding part of the con- ference was being able to interact with other students from similar schools and learn how other schools operate. "A lot of times people think we live in a bubble and to get outside and talk with other stu- dents in similar situations is very mean- ingful." Knol said. Delegate Sandra S. Park of W'heaton added, "It was interesting to work w ilh people from all over the countr\ w ho brought in their own backgrounds, ideas and \alues." Other conference activities included: • trips to the University of Chicago. Northwestern University. Lake Forest College, Shedd Aquarium and Field Museum of Natural History in Chicaso; and SiiiJciil ilclci;<ilcs ilisciiss p( pidhlciu. • a workshop by E\el\ne Delori. the national chapter coordinator for Student Pugwash USA. Student Pugwash USA is a national, non-profit, educational oroanization designed to Ijilc-X nii'Jiiiil iiihl cthiciil help students better understand the social and ethical implications ol science and technology. IMSA established the first high school chapter of Student Pugwash USA in 1988. 1992-93 Admissions Information To help prospective students and par- ents learn more about the Academy's admissions, academic and residential life programs, the following activities are scheduled this fall and winter: • Statewide Informational Meetings (50). Sites include Bradley. Carlinville. Chicago (7), Collinsville. Crystal Lake. Danville. Decatur. Deerfield. DeKalb. Dixon. East St. Louis. Effingham. Elgin. Elmhurst. E\ anston. Freeport. Galesburg. Grayslake. Harvey. Hazel Crest. Hoffman Estates. Homewood. Jacksonville. Joliet. Lincolnwood. Macomb. Marion. Mattoon. Maywood. Moliiie. Mt. Vernon. Normal. Oglesby. Palos Heights. Peoria. Pontiac. Quincy. Robinson. Rockford. Springfield. Urbana. Vernon Hills. Waukegan and West Chicago. • Visitor Information Program Days (2). These will be held at IMSA at 1 :00 p.m. on January 9 and 24. • Application Deadline. The deadline for application to IMSA's eighth sophomore class — the Class of 1996— is March 1. 1993. For more information about the admissions process, statewide inR)rma- tional meetings or VIP Days, call (708) 801-6027 or \n Illinois 1-800-526-1239. IMSA FUND FOR ADVANCEMENT OF EDUCATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS President James R. Thompson Parmer and Chairman of the Executi\ e Committee Winston & Strawn Executive Vice President Donald E. Nordlund Retired Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Staley Continental, Inc. Vice President D. Chet McKee President and Chief Executive Officer Copley Memorial Hospital Secretary/Treasurer Paul J. O'Hoilaren Director General Moose International Directors Linda Anderson Civic Leader Roger E. Anderson Retired Chainnan and Chief Executi\e Officer Continental Bank of Chicago G. Carl Ball Chairman of the Board George J, Bail Compan\ Marjorie Craig Benton President. Chapin Hall Center for Children University of Chicago Michael J. Birck President TclUibs. Inc Richard H Brown President Illinois Bell Willard Bunn III Chairman and Chief Execuli\e Officer Banc One Illinois Corporation Clifford L. Greenw alt President and Chief Executive Officer Central Illinois Public Sen ice Company Susan S. Horwitz President and Chief Executive Officer Aurora National Bank John E. Jones President. Chairman and Chief Executive Officer CBl Industries Dr. Leon M. Lederman. Nobel Laureate Director Emeritus Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory Steven H. Lesnik Chairman and Chief Executne Officer Lesnik and Company Gordon R, Lohman President and Chief Executne Officer Amsled Industries. Inc. James D. Pearson President .Aurora Industries Harry C. Stonecipher President and Chief Executi\ e Officer Sundstrand Corporation William J. White President. Chairman and Chief Execuli\'e Officer Bell & Howell Company Director of Institutional Ad^ ancemcnt Ted Parse Edward Teller lamtm"cdfroi"pai;c H thing from free will to the Strategic Defense Initiative." Sangeeth Peruri of Lake Forest added. "I don't know if I agree with all of his convic- tions, but I liked the way he believes in his convictions." IMSA sludciu writer Sandra S. Park contribulcd to this story. Board of Trustees President James D. Pearson (left) and IMSA Fund Board President James R. Thompson (right) join Dr. Stephanie Pace Marshall in welcoming Dr. Edward Teller to IMSA 's campus. VIDEOTAPES; To order \ideotapes of Dr. Teller's lectures, contact IMSA's alliance office at (708) 801-6989. Miss Saigon Executive Director Dr. Stephanie Pace Marshall (right) presents a plaque to Helen Shumate of Illinois Bell in recognition of the company ' v support of IMSA's I w: Gala. The Miss Saigon event raised S25.00I) for the IMSA Fund. Music Concerts Benefit Hurricane Victims Patrons of IMSA's annual fall music concerts (October 24 and 25) not only enjoyed some wonderful music — they also helped the victims of Hurricanes Andrew and Iniki. Through voluntary donations made at the door, approximate- ly S600 was raised for the American Red Cross" huiricane relief fund. Under the direction of music teachers Dalia Bach and Mark Running, the con- certs featured the IMSA symphonic wind ensemble, symphonic band, and chamber and concert choirs. In addition, student artwork was sold during the intermis- sions, with proceeds also going to the Red Cross. "The music and art teachers and stu- dents felt these benefit concerts would provide an opportunity for students to share their talents in a tangible way by contributing to the needs of others." Bach said. 'fap:- - -il' >y^ ^■^' IMSA seniors, IMSA Fund Board President James R. Thompson, former Governor of Illinois, and his daughter, Samantha, were among the guests for the second annual Thompson Leadership Lecture. (DIG-IT Photographs) Patrick LaMaster, IMSA physics teacher, and Dr. Edward Teller share ideas about science education. (Photo by Cathy Veal) Sophomore Erik Nelson ofBarrington discusses physics theories with Dr. Teller. (Photo by Cathy Veal) IMSA Launches Math Journal for Illinois Teachers and Students IMSA mathematics teachers Titu Andreescu. Charles Hamberg and George Milauskas say "there is something for everyone" in the first issue of the IMSA Math Journal, distributed to secondary schools throughout Illinois this fall. The purpose of the journal, the first issue of which was developed, edited and written by Andreescu, Hamberg and Milauskas. is to share mathematical ideas, observations and approaches with students and math educators. The journal may be duplicated for use both in and outside the classroom. Teachers and students from other schools are invited to submit articles. problems and solutions for publication in future issues. "Our intent is to appeal to a diverse audience." Milauskas said, "so we welcome interesting items of varying degrees of complexity and difficulty." .3x + 9 Concepts in the journal emphasize con- nections among different areas of mathe- matics. For e.xample, in one section. Connections Involving Geometry and hu'Liiuilities. students are asked to think of and solve algebra and precalculus prob- lems in geometrical contexts (see graphic). Several of the articles were generated from ideas developed by IMSA students. "In some cases, student work served as a springboai-d for our articles." Hamberg said. Andreescu added that the journal may enable teachers to identify math talent in students through their submissions. The goal of the journal, according to all three teachers, is "to open the door to new ideas for exploration and discovery." Work on the second issue of the journal, which will be distributed in the spring, is under way. Survey Shows Uniqueness of IMSA Graduates , sur\ey of the Illinois Mathematics ^_ and Science Academy's (IMSA) third graduating class, the Class of 1991, indicates the Academy is producing a dif- ferent kind of learner — one who sees the connections among mathematics, science, the arts and humanities, and who values ethical considerations in making decisions. Results of the survey, part of IMSA's ongoing longitudinal research program, were reported by Dr. Diann Musial, coor- dinator of research, at a recent IMSA board of trustees meeting. For previous studies (Classes of 1989 and 1990). IMSA had used a comparison group of 76 academically talented stu- dents identified by the Talent Identifica- tion Program at Duke University and the Center for the Advancement of Academi- cally Talented Youth at Johns Hopkins University. This year, the comparison group was expanded to include 72 gradu- ates of Illinois school districts with histo- ries of academic excellence and strong honors programs. Interviews were conducted by the Public Opinion Laboratory based at Northern Illinois University. A total of 105 of the 1 15-member Class of 1991 responded to the survey. The survey con- sisted of 41 forced-choice and open- ended questions. Answers were coded by independent readers knowledgeable in the area of gifted education. While there were similarities between the two groups" responses, there also were important differences. Some of these included: • IMSA graduates identified the total res- idential/academic experience and the interaction with other gifted students as the most significant factors in their aca- demic growth. The comparison group graduates identified individual courses and extracurricular activities as the most significant factors in their aca- demic growth. • IMSA graduates described "good courses" and "effective teaching" somewhat differently than did the com- parison group, more often defining the first in tenns of authenticity (relation to real-life issues) and the second in terms of the encouragement of individual thought. • When giving examples of hou' high school improved their critical thinking and research skills, the comparison group cited specific classes while the IMSA graduates cited problem-sohing and experimental opportunities across the curriculum. • IMSA graduates provided many exam- ples describing how IMSA improved their ethical decision-making skills. The comparison group offered only a few examples in this regard. | • Both groups reported satisfaction with I their high school preparation, although IMSA graduates cited more mathemat- ics and science courses. • When asked to identify their biggest problems in college, the comparison group most often cited time manage- s ment and being away from home as their key concerns. The IMSA gradu- ates most often cited concerns about aspects of their college academic en\'i- ronments which they view as inflexible or impersonal. Dr. Stephanie Pace Marshall, IMSA executive director, said the Academy is pleased with the findings. "We belie\e they validate the unusual and often high- risk educational pathway IMSA has cho- sen, a pathway that focuses on integrative thinking, intellectual exploration, creative ^ problem-sohing, leadership development and harmonious li\ ina," she said. T R A L B L A Z State and National Leadership E\ecLiti\c Director Dr. Stephanie Pace Marshall recently gave the keynote addresses at the Illinois Association ol' Super\ision and Curriculum De\ elop- ment (lASCD) annual conference and the Illinois State Board of Education's Accelerated Schools Netv\ork fall conference. Sexeral staff members presented work- shops at the lASCD conference, includ- ing Dr. Diann Musial. coordinator of research. Dr. Marcelline Barron, direc- tor of academic programs; and teachers John Stark. German; Willa Shultz. French; John Thompson. biolog_\ ; and Margaret Park, physics. Dr. Marcelline Barron ga\e a work- shop Oct. 24 at a symposium presented by the Illinois Prairie Girl Scout Council. William Rainey Harper College and the American Association of University Women. The symposium examined the impact of gender equity on achie\enient le\els of girls and wnmen. Biology teacher Dr. Bobby Hattaway presented a workshop at the Illmois Science Teachers Association annual convention Oct. 2. The workshop was designed to help high school teachers plan and implement a low-cost field biol- ogy program. Mathematics teacher Susan Eddins is serving on the editorial panel of NCTM Stiulcut Math Notes, published by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics. Cathy Veal, director of communica- tions, and Barbara Wilson, residential program coordinator, were invited pan- elists at a recent state conference on ser- \'ice learning. The conference, sponsored by the Office of the Lieutenant Governor, was designed to help others learn more about youth community service acti\ i- ties. Community service is an IMSA graduation requirement. Harry Davis, head of instructional technology, presented a session at the International Visual Literacy Association conference Oct. I . Davis also was elect- ed to the association's board of directors. Student and Staff Achievements IMSA students Jenny Deller of Carbondale. Rachel Kopay of Nev\ Lenox. Maggie Lilly of Country Club Hills and .\bbey Scott of Metamora were in\ ited to present their award-w in- ning History Fair project at the Chicago Area Women's History Conference on Dec. 1 2. Their project depicts the impact 20th century American wars had on women. Eighteen IMSA students and three staff members raised more than SI .000 by participating in AIDS Walk Chicag The e\ ent. held Sept. 20. raised more than one million dollars for \ arioiis Chicago AIDS charities. Recipients of this year's innovations and initiativ es mini-grants, cash awards from the IMSA Fund for Advancement of Education, include: Mary Beth Esquibel. secretary; Bernard Hollister and Dr. Jim Victory, social science teachers; Steve (iutierrez. Chantel Schuering and Michelle Sharp, resident counselois; and Christopher Jocius. ref- erence librarian. This |irogram enables Academy employees to develop and implement creative ideas that support IMSA's mission. On Sept. 1 1. the Chiai'^^o Trihiinc report- ed that members of IMSA's Class of 1 992 led the nation w ith an a\ erage American College Test exam scoie of 30.9. A total of 1.^1 IMSA seniors (61% of the class) qualified as semifinalists or received letters of commendation in this year's National Merit Scholarship Coiporation competition. In addition, three seniors qualified as semifinalists in the National Hispanic Scholar Awards Program and one senior qualified as a semifinalist in the National Achievement Scholarship Program for Outstanding Negro Students. Student Michael Hsu of 01\mpia Fields was appointed Concert Master of the Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestra. Hsu pla\s the \ iolin. IMSA sciUiir Eli:iihclh Pint i\ i iin^uiluliitccl hv Dr. Janice .V. Kaliii. prcMilciil <-/ llic Minciiiii III Si iciuc mid liuliisirx. ii\ the w in- ner dl ihc Mu\cnni\ l'-)'-l2 Dul^iinnlin:^ )'<nnii; Siicnlisl niinpcUlid}]. For her achic\cin(itl\. \/;c nin awiinlcd a Irip to the Sohcl Pn:c Ci'remiinu s in Swi'iUii in /)<'i c/ii/'cr. (Photo ciuiilcsv (if ihu .Miisciini of .Science and Indusliv ). G. .Allen .Mayer. '9(1. Lhiiversity of Chicago, was elected Democratic Committeeman in the March primary and was a delegate to the 1992 Illinois Democratic State Convention. Sean Pritchard. '90. West Point, was awarded the Distinguished Cadet Award for ranking in the top 57c academically in his class. He also receixed the Super- intendent's Award for excellence in academic, military and physical de\elop- ment. Erin Lott. '92. Denison Uni\ersit_\. was named one of 55 winners nationally of Denison's Heritage Scholarship. Wellness Program Promotes Healthy Living Eighteenth century EngHsh author Samuel Johnson once said. "Life is very short, and very uncertain; let us spend it as well as we can." Although the definition of wellness has evolved over time, the goal has remained the same. "We want students to make positive decisions today and throughout their lives about maintaining their good health and well-being." said John Martin, well- ness team leader. Beginning this fall, all sophomores are taking IMSA's new wellness course, which was piloted for one semester in 1991. The course addresses the physical. emotional and psychological develop- ment of students through the integration of health and physical education courses. In addition, juniors and seniors partici- pate in one structured exercise program each semester. Principal John Court calls the program an "exciting initiative with far-reaching implications." adding "we want to pro- vide our students with the lifetime skills needed to take on leadership roles, be productive and compete in the global community in the future." In the course, students meet two days for classroom activities and two days for physical activity. Wellness teachers John Martin. Nancy Todnem and Barbara Baber use the cooperative learning approach which de-emphasizes competi- tion. Although a textbook is not used, students are required to maintain a jour- nal and notebook, develop a personal Dr. Grt'ii Miicci lends a class in T'ai Chi. a Cluitese iiumial art eiiipliasizinti rfkixiilion techniques. wellness plan and fitness assessments, and take several exams and quizzes. The curriculum focuses on the whole person including five dimensions — phys- ical, emotional, mental/intellectual, social and spiritual/philosophical. In addition to personal physical fitness, topics include values, ethics, decision- making, stress management, human sex- uality and relationships, consumer and environmental health, nutrition, first aid and substance abuse. IMSA sophomore Elizabeth Liu of Chicago said the program is especially valuable at IMSA. where students need healthy outlets. "Personally. I found the relaxation techniques to be very helpful." she said. "Before taking the class. I never really thought about ways to relieve stress and tension." Social worker Cheryl McGuirk said the program also is designed to help IMSA students make the emotional and social adjustment to being away from home. "Since we're asking students to deal with things we didn't have to deal with until 1 8 or so. we have a special responsibility to help them develop the skills to succeed in a residential setting," she said. Illinois educators who would like to learn more about IMSA's wellness program are invited to attend one of three "Wellness Visitation Days." These will be held March 1 , 3 and 8. To make reservations, contact Jerre Henriksen at 708-801-6058. r^lMSA Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy 1500 West Sullivan Road Aurora. Illinois 60506-1000 NONPROFIT ORG. BULK RATE U.S. POSTAGE PAID AURORA. IL PERMIT NO. 129 Address Correction Requested ILLINOIS MATHEMATICS AND SCIENCE ACADEMY r^llVI^A '^ Pioneering Ediicutional CniuDiiiiiity Volume 7 No. 2 • Winter 1993 UPDATE: School District Partners Report Progress Two years ago. we reported on the new IMSA/Motorola Universin,' initiative to help school districts improve tlieir mathematics and science proi^rams. Recently, we aslied three of the dis- tricts — Alton. Pekin and Mt. Vernon — to reflect on wluit they have accom- plished so far ami w hat they hope to accomplish in the future. r~ /, ichele Maki. Dr. Nick Osborne L^ L and Dr. Peter McFarlane have a lot in common — they love public education, are dedicated to their local school districts, value teamwork and welcome change. They also agree that participating in the IMSA/Motorola University District Learning Leadership Teams (DLLT) initiatise has benefitted their districts. The DLLT initiative, which seeks to improve mathematics, science and tech- nology education through a systemwide restructuring and change process, is being piloted in 29 Illinois school dis- tricts and Northeastern Illinois Uni\ersitv. Each teatii has 10-12 SIDE From the Executive Director 2 Good Morning America. BBC-TV 3 IMSA Fund Highlights 5 National Education Conference 3 Neison Harris S750.000 Grant 4 Recycling Program 6 Trailblazers 7 U.S. Senate Youth Proeram 8 members or "stakeholders" representing all areas of the school district including the board of education, superintendents, teachers, principals, parents, business leaders and community members. Pekin: Decision-Making. Strategic Plan Improve In a recent interview, Maki. director of special programs in Pekin Public School District #108. said participating in the DLLT initiative since October of 1 990 has impacted the way decisions are made at all levels in her district. "People on the team have learned new w ays of interact- ing with others, run- ning meetings and making deci- sions." Maki said. "Virtually everything in the district has changed as a result of this. In addition. Maki said the district's strategic plan is more "far- reaching" because of knowledge gained by participating in the DLLT initiative. Mt. Vernon: School-Community Ties Strengthened Osborne, assistant superin- tendent of Mt. Vernon City School District #80. said his district has learned a lot by involving community members in the decision- making process. "It's an excellent way to link the community to the schools." Osborne said. "Plus, input from this cross-section of community representa- tives lends credibility to our decisions." (continued on page 5) Miuy Lou DiGioia. a teacher in Mt. Prospect District #57. leads discussion during a recent District Learning Leadership Team meeting at IMSA. r^lMSA Illinois Mathematics and Science Academv 1500 West Sullivan Road Aurora. Illinois 60506-1000 708/801-6000 BOARD OF TRUSTEES President James D. Pearson President Aurora Industries Vice President Dr. Leon Ledemian. Nobel Laureate Director Emeritus Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory Trustees John Baird Teacher of Physics Quincy High School G. Carl Ball Chairman of the Board George J. Ball, Incorporated Dr. Larry Braskamp Dean, College of Education University of Illinois at Chicago Fred Conforti President BRK Electronics Forest Etheredge Retired State Senator Instructor, Aurora University Sheila Griffm Director of Corporate Advertising Worldwide Motorola Incorporated Cary Israel Executive Director Illinois Community College Board Gary D. Jewel Superintendent of Schools Aurora West School Distnct #129 Robert Leininger State Superintendent State Board of Education John McEachem Jr. President Wayne Circuits Incorporated Dr. David Mintzer Professor of Mechanical Engineering, Physics and Astronomy Northwestern University Jesus Manuel Sosa Interdepartmental Manager Department of Language and Cultural Education Chicago Public Schools Marvin Strunk Retired President and Chief Executive Officer Madison Bank & Trust Company Dr. Richard Wagner Executive Director State Board of Higher Education Dr. Benjamin Williams Principal Percy Julian Junior High School. Oak Park NOVA is published quarterly by the IMSA Communications Office. Editor Catherine C. Veal Staff Writer Brenda Buschbacher From the Executive Director Dear Members of the IMSA Community, lii~ his continues to be an eventful year for the Illinois Mathematics and Science ■ Academy. In the area of institutional advancement, we recently were honored to receive a major grant from the Neison Hanis Family Foundation along with significant support from other first-time and repeat donors. 1992-93 already has been a record fundraising year, and we still have several months to go! In admissions, we welcomed 1.500 guests to two Visitor Information Program Days in January. It is always a pleasure to introduce prospective students and parents from throughout Illinois to our campus. The deadline for student applications was March 1. E.xternal programs serving educators and students throughout Illinois continue to expand. We have invited students for IMSA Summer "AD" Ventures and have awarded another group of IMPACT II teaching grants. The Center for Problem-Based Learning is engaged in teacher training, and we continue to work closely with a number of District Learning Leadership Teams from throughout Illinois (see cover article). In addition, we have produced videotapes of Dr. Edward Teller's physics lectures at IMSA last fall to share with other schools" science programs. Recently, we also enjoyed hosting the fifth annual conference of the Midwest Consortium of Suburban and Independent Schools and serving as the distance learning classroom for Ameritech's SuperSchooI Project demonstration. Internally, as we look ahead to the spring, I am pleased to announce that NASA astronaut Dr. Mae Jemison will be the speaker at the June 5 Commencement of the Class of 1993. We also are preparing for the annual meeting to update our strategic plan. Much has been accomplished as a result of the plan, and we look forward to our continuing journey. Sincerely, Stephanie Pace Marshall. Ph.D. Executive Director PREVIEW: IMSA To Unveil Innovative Curriculum System at National Education Conference 'n ^ he national education comnuinity l—j once again will have its eyes on the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy as it unveils its new integrative learning system (ILS) at the 48th annual conference of the Association for Supervision and Cuniculum Development (ASCD) March 27-30 ni Washington, D.C. ASCD is the nation's largest education leadership organization. IMSA Executive Director Dr. Stephanie Pace Marshall serves as its president and will preside at the conference. Thousands of educators from Illinois, the nation and several for- eign countries will attend. The ILS provides the framework for the creation of new currriculum for IMSA"s school program and external pro- grams like Summer 'AD'Veutiires. Core courses such as sophomore physics. chemistry. English and mathematical investigations are being revised using the ILS this school year. The system supports cuiricula that foster the development of integrative thinkers who see interrela- tionships across disciplines instead of in isolation. In addition to the ILS. which will be presented by Dr. Michael Palmisano, director of assessment and research, and Dr. Marcelline Barron, director of aca- demic programs, IMSA staff will present: • Umlcrstaiuliiii; the Vision. Meaning anil Language of Educational Transformation. Dr. Marshall • Creating a Conininninity for Discovery: Scientists, Scholars and Stiiilenls. Dr. Peggy Connolly, mentorship coordinator • An Integrated Curriculum Development Project. Susan Eddins. mathematics teacher: John Thompson, biology teacher • A Study of Gender Differences in Mathematics and Science Interest Among Gifted Students. Dr. Diann Musial. coordinator of research; Dr. Banon • Using Students' Ratings of Courses for Improving Curriculum and Instruction, Dr. Palmisano; Dr. Connie Hatcher, director of personnel and planning. In addition, IMSA trustee G. Carl Ball, chairman of the board of George J. Ball, Inc. in West Chicago, has been named an ASCD Distinguished Lecturer and will speak on the topic of life-long alliances and partnerships. Good Morning America and BBC-TV Showcase IMSA Reporters and film crews from ABC-TV"s Good Morning America and BBC-TV's The Money Programme recently roamed IMSA's cor- ridors and classrooms as part of nation- wide features on Dr. Leon Lederman and the U.S. economy. IM.SA physics teacher Fulrick LaMaster looks on as Dr. Lederman sii;us cm uutoiirciph for IMSA junior Elise Sivilax. In December. The Money Programme visited the campus and several businesses in Aurora as part of a documentary on the U.S. economy examining cooperation between the public and private sector. The show aired in Britain Jan. 17 and was sent four times via satellite to Continental Europe, Asia, Africa and Australia. The program featured IMSA physics teacher Patrick LaMaster instructing students at IMSA and off-site at Oswego High School through the two-way, audio-visual Telecommuni- cations InstRictional Consortium system. On Feb. 1 . Good Morning America aired a human interest story on the life and work of Dr. Leon Lederman, vice- president of IMSA's board of trustees. In the segment, Ledemian was shown guest lecturing in IMSA's topics in modern physics class. Good Morning America /;7/h,s Dr. Li lecluriii}; at lALS.A. Icrmun truest Lederman, director emeritus of Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory in Batavia, is a professor at the Illinois Institute of Technology. In 1988, he was awarded the Nobel Prize for Physics. His new book. The God Particle: If the Universe is the Answer, What is the Question?, now is available in bookstores nationwide. IMSA FUND FOR ADVANCEMENT OF EDUCATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS President James R. Thompson Chairman Winston & Strawn Executive Vice President Donald E. Nordlund Retired Chainmm and Chief Exe Slalev Continental, Inc. ^Offic Vice President D. Chet McKee President and Chief Executive Office Copley Memorial Hospital Secretary /Treasurer Paul J. O'Hollaren Director General Moose International Directors Linda Anderson John E. Jones Cnic Leader President. Chairman and Roger E. Anderson Chief Executive Officer CBI Industries Retired Chairman and Chief Executive Office r Dr. Leon M. Lederman, Continental Bank of Nobel Laureate Chicago Director Emeritus G. Carl Ball Fermi National Cliairman of the Board Accelerator Laboratory George J. Ball Company Steven H. Lesnik Marjorie Craig Benton Chairman and Chief President Executive Officer Chapin Hall Center for Lesnik and Company Children Gordon R. Lohman University of Chicago President and Cliief Michael J. Birck Executive Officer President Amsted Industnes. Inc. Tellabs, Inc. Ronald L. Nicol Richard H. Brown Vice President President The Boston Consulting Illinois Bell Group Willard Bunn III James D. Pearson Chairman and Ctiief President Exective Officer Aurora Industnes Banc One Illinois Corporation James T. Schaefer Real Estate Consultant Dr Floyd English Harry C. Stonecipher President and Cliief President and Chief Executive Officer Executive Officer Andrew Corporation Sundstrand Corporation Clifford L. Greenwalt Richard Weliek President and Chief President and Chief Executive Officer Executive Officer Central Illinois Public Varlen Corporation Service Company William J. White Susan S. Horwitz President. Chairman and President and Chief Chief Executive Officer Executive Officer Bell & Howell Company Aurora National Bank Leon Jackson President Multi-Fac Corporation Director of Institutional Advancement 1 Ted Parge IMSA Fund Receives Largest Private Grant In History Tops One Million Mark for 1992'9\ H — he Illinois Mathematics and Li Science Academy has recei\'ed a $750,000 challenge grant from Neison Harris of The Hams Family Foundation to support its national Center for Problem-Based Learning. Harris is chairman of the board and director of the Pittway Corporation in Chicago. This is the Academy's largest private gift, and it marks the first time the IMSA Fund has exceeded the $1 million mark in fundraising in a given fiscal year. Established in 1992. the Center coordi- nates research, teacher training, curricu- lum development, evaluation and infor- mation exchange in this emerging field of innovation for K-12 classrooms. William Stepien, social science teacher, serves as its director. The Neison and Bette Harris Institute within the Center will provide staffing to develop and distribute problem-based learning materials. Nei.son Harris This is the Academy's largest private gift, and it marks the first time the IH^SA Fund has exceed- ed the $1 million mark in fund- raising in a given fiscal year. Problem-based learning first was used in IMSA's award- winning Science, Socien and the Fntiire course, taught by Stepien and Dr. David Workman, physics teacher, and funded by the Hitachi Foundation. This approach organizes the curriculum around "ill structured" prob- lems that require students to use knowl- edge and skills from many subjects in developing solutions. Last year. IMSA's work was featured at a national Wingspread Conference and in several education publications, prompting more than 1.000 inquiries from the U.S. and abroad. The Center now is working with teachers in Illinois and several other states. Harris said he is happy to provide venture capital for the Center. "I am captivated by this highly promising teaching strategy, and I hope my chal- lenge grant will leverage an additional $750,000 for IMSA and the Center from other corporations, foundations and indi\ iduals." he said. Former Illinois governor James R. Thompson, president of the IMSA Fund board of directors, thanked Harris for his contribution and commitment to educa- tional reform, "Not only does his gift rep resent the largest donation in IMSA's hi,'- tory, it also represents a strong commitment to changing the way teach- ing and learning are done in our schools,' he said. IMSA Fund Strengthens Base I II addition to the Neison Harris gi'ant L (see page 4). the IMSA Ftind for Ad\ ancenient of Edueation continues to build on previous successes. Among the recent highhghts: • New corporate and foundation donors of $?()() orniore( August 1. 1992- February 15. 1993) include: Alherto-Cuher Company Andrew Foundation Archer Daniels Midland Company Helen M. Galvin Charitable Trust The Harris Family Foundation Industrial Bank of Japan Ltd. The Interlake Corporation Lindberg Corporation Montgomery Ward and Compan\ . Inc. Novell. Inc. Scott Foresman & Company Sears Roebuck Foundation Washington National Foundation • Caterpillar. Noell. Illinois Bell Support. A $73,000 gi-ant from the Cateipillar Foundation will support unique professional development oppor- tunities for IMSA teachers — opportuni- ties to help them develop innovati\ e approaches to teaching and learning for use at IMSA and in other Illinois schools. Novell donated approximately $56,000 worth of computer software to enable IMSA to upgrade its networking capabil- ities, and Illinois Bell installed fiber optic cable valued at S25.000 in several areas. This increases IMSA's capacity for broadcasting classes, lectures, special e\ents. etc. School District Partners iconunucd from pti'^c I ) The team is exploring ways to increase hands-on applications of technology in the classroom. "One of our action plans calls for establishing computer networks in schools so all classrooms will have access to a file server containing pro- grams to assist instruction in math and science." Osborne said. "Also, we hope to enhance applied math and physics skills in our middle schools using com- puter-assisted programs for technical drafting and drawing." Alton: Technology Plan Takes Shape Technology also is an important issue for Alton Community Unit School District #11. Assistant Superintendent Dr. Peter McFarlane said the team's invohe- ment in the DLLT initiative has led to the development of a five-year technology plan. "The plan involves a systemwide upgrading of technology that will focus on telecommunications, technology- assisted learning, interactive technology and a technology media center." he said. Dinah Simmen. IMSA coordinator for the DLLT initiative, said she is impressed by the progress made by these and other teams in such a short amount of time. "The process for systemic change is by nature slow." Simmen said. "It takes time for people to move through the pain of change to a sustainable vision." Maki agreed. "It's a constant process of re-evaluation and renewal." she said. "We're never going to be there but we always need to strive to get there and redefine what "there' is." Osborne. McFarlane and Maki said that working with IMSA and Motorola University has served their districts and communities well. "IMSA has made it very clear that they have a commitment to improve instruction across the state." Osbome said. "We appreciate their com- mitment and look forward to continuing our partnership in the future." Ainocci C(irp<iniliiin Si-iiinr Riwcanh Associate Dr. G. J(>'.fph Rci\ aiul Murv Win \'cr\t. IMSA (.hcniislrv Icmher. discuss uiiclair nuitiiictic resoiuiiicc instrumeiiuitiim. This mnl otiicr suitc-ot- thc-arl ci./iiipiiicnt arc iivuiliMc to sliulcins in IMSA 's Amoco Or'^amc Cliemi\tn- Lob(>rot(>n. Recycling Program Revisited, Refined, Revitalized By Sandra S. Park, Student Writer r\ ^^ oving from consideration to ,V_ L commitment, campiiswide recy- cling now seems alive and well at IMSA. The idea for campuswide recycling came from two former students who were members of IMSA Student Pugwash. Student Pugwash USA is a national orga- nization designed to help students better understand the social and ethical implica- tions of science and technology. IMSA established the first high school chapter of Student Pugwash USA in 1988. Today, the IMSA recycling program is picking up steam with more manpower, more resources and more efficient ser- vice. This year, the number of recycling work service students increased by a third, with one student responsible for each residence hall and 14 students responsible for the academic building. Their duties include transporting materi- als from indoor recycling bins to outdoor bins which are collected free of charge by Able Disposal and Recycling Services in West Chicago. Recycling bins are located at numerous locations campuswide. Last year, only aluminum cans, cardboard and high- grade paper could be recycled. However, this year the Wal-Mart Foundation donat- ed permanent recycling bins that hold glass, metal, plastic and aluminum cans. (Other businesses or individuals interest- ed in donating bins should call Ted Parge, director of in.stitutional advance- ment at 708-80 1 -6040. ) Noah Rosenberg, a recycling work ser- vice student, said there is a heightened awareness of recycling and a change in attitude among students and staff. "Now. if people see a recycling bin, they will usually walk over to it instead of throw- ing something away in the garbage can next to them," he said. Currently, IMSA is required to include 25% recycled paper in its paper purchases. By the year 1996, this figure will increase to 40% of the total paper bought. Resident Counselor Andrea Swenson, who supervises the recycling work ser- vice students, noted that such laws present a challenge for society. "We need to continue to find more markets for recycled goods," she said. "Otherwise, we will be recycling materials that won't be used for anything later." Santlra S. Park, a senior from Wliearon, is CI work ser\'ice student in the IMSA conuminications office. Why recycle? Just consider a few statistics... • Only 107f of all trash is recycled. • Each ton of high-grade paper recy- cled saves 7000 gallons of water. • 25-32% of the energy utilized to make glass is saved by recycling glass • $1 of every $1 1 Americans spend on food is for the packaging. Source: The Recxciers' Handbook. J 990. Up, Up and Away... Randy Clark of Adventures Aloft in Woodstock demonstrates an application of thermodynamics for IMSA students and staff. T R A I L B L A Z E State and National Leadership Executive Director Dr. Stephanie Pace Marshall gave two presentations. The Panulii^ni Change Required in Ediieation and Learning Conunitnities and a case study of IMSA. at the Singapore Annual General Meeting and Mini-Conference of the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development Feb. 8-14. William Stepien, director of the Center for Problem-Based Learning, also presented a session. Dr. LuAnn Smith, director of admis- sions, and Ogden Spruill, head academic advisor, presented Programs for Enhancement and Achievement of Academic Goals Among Minority- Youth at the second annual national conference of the Quality Education for Minorities in Mathematics, Science and Engineering Network Feb. 12-14 in Washington. D.C. Deborah Guffy, dean of student ser- vices, ga\ e the keynote address at the Dec. graduation ceremony of the College of Health, Physical Education. Recreation and Athletics at Eastern Kentucky University. Recent presentations b\ mathematics teachers included: Chuck Hamberg, Integrating Discrete Mathematics into the Secondary Math Curriculum (National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, Las Vegas): and Sue Eddins, From Attributes to Insights. George Milauskas, Learning Through Problems, and Titu .Andreescu. Matliematical Induction: An Elegant and Poweiful Method (fourth annual Metropolitan Mathematics Club Conference, Flossmoor, IL). Mark Running, music teacher. v\as inaugurated as president of District VII of the Illinois Music Educators Association during the recent all-state music festival in Peoria. Social worker Cheryl McGuirk and biology teacher Dr. Susan Styer present- ed Girls and Self-Esteem and Trends in Math cmd Science Feb. 6 at a conference co-sponsored by the American Association of University Women and St. Charles C.U.S.D. #303. Student Achievements A total of 65 IMSA seniors have qualified as finalists in this year's National Merit Coiporation Scholarship competition. Kani Ilangovan of Palos Heights was chosen from 6.4(.)() artists nationwide to participate in ARTS |F Week "93 in Miami Jan. 6-10. There, she was awarded 3rd place and a scholarship in the writing com- petition by the National Foundation for Advancement in the Arts. Sixteen students were named to this year's all-state band, orchestra and chorus by the Illinois Music Educators Association. A computer games program. BeiujiWars. written by senior Steve Crutchfield of Chicago, is featured m the book MacArcade: Don Rittner's Top Shareware Game Picks published this year by Ventana Press. The book and accompanying floppy disk feature the top ten games nationally; Crutchfield's game receixed the tiiird place award. Two days after his 16th birthda\. IMSA student Niccolo Delia Penna of Mokena received a student pilot certifi- cate to operate a powered aiiplane in solo flight. .A team of six students finished first in the third annual Greater Decatur Invitational Scholastic Bowl Tournament held in Dec. against .54 other high schools. IMSA student Noah Rosenberg of Chicago was the top scorer in the tour- nament. A team of 15 students finished first in Illinois in the Knowledge Master Open competition held in December. The team placed 10th out of 1.614 schools in the nation. Adam Duston of Palatine. Genevieve Lakier of Deeifiekl. Toshio Kimura of Des Plaines and Abbey Scott of Metamora, were named outstanding dele- gates at Model United Nations at the University of Chicago Jan. 28-31. Only 48 students out of 1800 nationwide were so named. Gregg Worrell (right). IMSA director of business and finance, is "arrested" for "overworking his office staff. " His bad raised immev for the March of Dimes. Alumni Achievements Deborah Shepard. '41, University of Illinois-Urbana, was appointed as Region 4 Student Representati\'e for the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) representing 59 universities and colleges in the world. Walter Lee, '92, George Washington University, was one of four student rep- resentatives elected to serve on the 14- member Student Pugwash USA Board of Directors. Anthony Tosi, "90, Beloit College, w as aw aided a 1 992 PICAS Student Language Fellowship for Japanese and is attending Kansai Gaidai University in Osaka, Japan, this semester. Nancy Young, '89. University of Illinois-Urbana. received the Outstanding Graduate in East Asian Studies Award. Mr. Pritchard Goes to Washington MSA senior Matt Pritchard said he wasn't the only person in Washington, D.C., who enjoyed mixing poHtics with music. "Suiprisingly, there were a lot of other student delegates who also played the tenor sax," he joked. Pritchard, a Hinckley resident, recently returned from a weeklong trip to Washington as one of two Illinois dele- gates to the 31st Annual United States Senate Youth Program Jan. 30-Feb. 6. Pritchard was chosen based on his aca- demic record and involvement in student government. This year he is IMSA's student council president. During his trip. Pritchard visited numerous Washington landmarks includ- ing the White House, the Lincoln Memorial and the Capitol. However, he said his most memorable experience was watching politics in its truest form during one of the most heated Senate floor debates in recent history The issue was gays in the militai> In addition to sightseeing and intensive sessions on the federal government, Pritchard met First Lady Hilary Clinton, Supreme Court Justice Anthony Kennedy, and Senators Paul Simon, Carol Moseley Braun. John Keiry ind Pete Domenici. r^lMSA Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy 1500 West Sullivan Road Aurora, Illinois 60506-1000 NON PROFIT ORG. BULK RATE U.S. POSTAGE PAID AURORA, IL PERMIT NO. 129 Address Correction Requested 'Em ILLINOIS MATHEMATICS AND SCIENCE ACADEMY r'^^IIVI^A '^ Fioiiecriiig Ediiccitioinil Cdniiuuiiity Volume 7 No. 3 • Spniiy 1993 IMSA Senior Wins Prestigious Westinghouse Science Talent Search Competition PMSA senior Elizabeth Pine appeared "'cool as a cucumber" speaking about mushrooms to a nationwide audience during an interview with CBS anchor Paula Zahn the morning of March 9. At an awards banquet the night before, however. Pine was anything but "coor" after winning first place and a $40,000 scholarship in the 52nd Westinghouse Science Talent Search competition. "This is past exciting," she said. "This is shock!" That evening. Pine became the eighth female to win first prize in the nation's oldest science competition for high school students. In her award-winning research project, "A Mushrooming Expose," Pine used DNA sequencing technologies to demonstrate that two kinds of fungi which now are classified separately and appear very different are in fact each other's closest relatives. As one of 40 national finalists. Pine attended a five-day Science Talent Institute in Washington, D.C. March 4-9 where she was judged by a board of eight distinguished scientists. One was Nobel Laureate Glenn Seaborg who said the competition looks to recognize outstand- SIDE Admissions Invitations 3 IMPACT II Teacher Network 3 Mentorship Research 6 Miss Illinois American Coed 8 Special Events 4. 3 Summer 'AD' Ventures 3 Trailblazers 7 ing research and predict future success. "We are looking for the person's potential as a scien- tist." he said. "I look for the ability to think: a certain mini- mal amount of knowledge, of course, but more important, creativity, if I can discern it." (Phares, 1990) Many previous w inners ha\e gone on to positions of national and international leadership in their respective fields. Pine now joins the ranks of previous Westinghouse winners who have won five Nobel prizes, two Fields Medals in mathe- matics, eight MacAnhur Fellowships and two National Medals of Science. In addition. 28 Westinghouse winners are members of the National Academy of Sciences, three are members of the National Academy of Engineering and 51 are Sloan Rese;u'ch Fellows. The days following the competition proved to be a "mushrooming" experience for Pine as she was interviewed by state, national and international media. Since then the public attention has subsided, but the effects of being a Westinghouse winner may vei7 well last a lifetime. "Winning the Westinghouse Scholarship made all the difference in my life," .said Dr. Paul Teschan, the first winner, 1942. "Even more impoiiant, however, winning gave me an absolutelv tremendous sense that it was EHziihetli Pine deiiion^iitiii ii'sc'dich Icchii'uiiu's. iwurd-winning possible for me to achieve success in sci- ence," he said. (Phares, 1990) Pine, who will attend Harviud Univer- sity, plans to major in biological research. Phares. T. ( 1990). Scckm}^ and Fimlmii Scieiia Taleni: A 50-year Hisioiy aj the Wextiimlioiise Scieiiee Taleni Search. Pittsburgh: Westing- house Electric Corporation. r^lMSA Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy 1500 West Sullivan Road Aurora. Illinois 60506-1000 708/907-5000 BOARD OF TRUSTEES President James D. Pearson President Aurora Industries Vice President Dr. Leon Lederman, Nobel Laureate Direcrcr Emeritus Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory Trustees John Baird Teacher of Physics Quincy High School G. Carl Ball Chairman of the Board George J. Ball. Incorporated Dr. Larry Braskamp Dean, College of Education University of Illinois at Chicago Fred Conforti President BRK Electronics Forest Etheredge Retired State Senator Instructor. Aurora University Sheila Griffin Director of Corporate Advertising Worldwide Motorola Incorporated Cary Israel Executive Director Illinois Community College Board Gary D. Jewel Superintendent of Schools Aurora West School District #129 Robert Leininger State Superintendent State Board of Education John McEachem Jr. President Wayne Circuits Incorporated Dr. David Mintzer Professor of Mechanical Engineering. Physics and Astronomy Northwestern University Jesus Manuel Sosa Interdeparttnental Manager Department of Language and Cultural Education Chicago Public Schools Marvin Strunk Retired President and Chief Executive Officer Madison Bank & Trust Company Dr. Richard Wagner Executive Director State Board of Higher Education Dr. Benjamin Williams Principal Percy Julian Junior High School. Oak Park NOVA is published quarterly by the IMSA Communications Office. Editor Catherine C. Veal Staff Writer Brenda Buschbacher From the Executive Director Dear Members of the IMSA Community. As we prepare to complete the Academy's seventh school year. 1 would like to report on several recent highlights. This spring, the Academy's strategic planning team reconvened to complete another annual review and update of our strategic plan. The new plan, which is now in draft form, strengthens the institution's commitment to the transfonnation of mathematics and science teaching and learning. Faculty, staff, parents, students and community members will work this summer and fall to develop action plans: afterwards, the entire strategic plan will be presented to the board of trustees for consideration and approval. After that, more information on the new plan, which proposes several significant changes, will be shared in NOVA. In terms of private sector support. I am delighted to report that this has been a record year for the IMSA Fund for Advancement of Education. With several weeks remaining in this fiscal year, the IMSA Fund already has raised approximately $1.2 million, surpassing the previous record (last year) of $964,000. More information on the IMSA Fund's success will be reported in the next issue of NOVA. We enjoyed hosting CNN Science and Technology News May 5. CNN filmed several labs and classes for a feature on IMSA and science education. On a personal note, as we bid a fond farewell to the Class of 1993. 1 would like to thank our seniors and their parents for their support and commitment during the past three years. Members of the Class of 1993 have distinguished themselves in many ways, and we wish them happiness and success in all their future endeavors. Sincerely. Stephanie Pace Marshall. Ph.D. Executive Director k^ IMPACT II Teaching Network Expands; IMSA Sponsors Network Conference In addition to serving Illinois students and teachers through Summer 'AD'Veutures. the IMSA-administered IMPACT II network has awarded adaptor and disseminator teaching awai'ds to anoth- er 248 Illinois teachers. For the first time, many IMPACT II teachers presented their award-winning projects at a statewide Teacher's Network Conference May 22. IMPACT II. a national program, began in 1979 and now operates in 26 sites throughout the country. Its purpose is to promote excellence in elementary and secondary education by networking teachers and their innovative ideas. Nearly 800 teachers are members of Illinois' IMPACT II program which focuses on mathematics and science education and is funded primarily by the State Board of Education. IMSA also receives support for addi- tional grants from the private sector. Donors include Continental Bank (Chicago). Central Illinois Public Service Company (Springfield). Gary-Wheaton Bank (Aurora). Household International. Inc. (Prospect Heights) and Washington National Insurance (E\'anston). This spring. 57 disseminator awai'ds were given to 1 10 teachers and 65 adaptor awLii'ds were given to 138 teachers. Some of the awards went to individual teachers, while others were given to teams of teachers. Disseminator awards enable public school elementary and secondary teach- ers to share their successful programs with colleagues through annual catalogs, workshops, conferences, and interschool visits. Adaptor awards support other teachers who want to use these programs in their classrooms. For more information on IMPACT II. contact Martha Taylor at (708) 907-5100. Siciind gnulers from Hull Sclnml in An. Iciini about Illinois nnnnnials from cm n \\inni}ig IMPACT II program tlcvclopa, llii'ir teacher. Lenorc Nicr IMSA Invites Students to Summer 'AD'Ventures; Adds Teacher Training Workshop This summer IMSA once again will welcome 180 Illinois students to its Summer AD'Veiitures iit Mathe- matics. Scietice and Techitology program. The first session, for 80 students entering grades 7-8. will be held at IMSA July 7-16. The second, for 100 students entering grades 9-10, will be held at Eastern Illinois University in Charleston July 6-18. Eastern, which first was used as a test site last year, is part of IMSA's ongoing study of the potential for off-campus programming. Summer also will be an "adventure"' for teachers and administrators as IMSA holds its first Sunuuer 'AD'Veutures Teacher's Workshop. The workshop will feature a five-day seminar and a fi\ e-day field experience. In the seminar. June 28-July 2, participants will study the design and development oi Summer 'AD'Veutures curiicukmi and learn how thinking logs can be used for instruction and assess- ment purposes. In the field experience, July 6-July 10. participants will observe Summer 'AD'Veutures in action and practice an instructional task assignment which thc\ designed durins: the seminar. IMSA Invites 8th Sophomore Class A total of 230 students from throughout Illinois ha\ e been invited to enroll this fall as members of the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy's (IMSA) eighth sophomore class. Chosen from a total of 714 applicants from 399 schools. the invited Class of 1996 represents 170 schools and 132 communities throughout the state. Students offered admission include 1 10 girls and 120 boys. The ethnic distribu- tion of the invited class is Hispanic 7%, black 1 3%, Asian 26% and white 54'^. This reflects continued progress in recrnidng and admitting a greater number of underrepresented minorities. The average SAT mathematics and verbal scores for the invited class are 635 and 535 respectively. This compares to the national average for college-bound seniors of 476 and 423. IMSA FUND FOR ADVANCEMENT OF EDUCATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS President James R. Thompson Chairman Winston & Strawn Executive Vice President Donald E. Nordlund Retired Cliairman and Chief Executive Offic, Staley Continenta], Inc. Vice President D. Chet McKee President and Cliief Executive Officer Copley Memorial Hospital Secretary/Tri PaulJ. O'HoUaren Director General Moose International Linda Anderson Civic Leader Roger E. Anderson Retired Chairman and Chief ExecMive Office Continental Bank of Chicago G. Carl Ball Chairman of the Board George J. Ball Company Marjorie Craig Benton President Chapin Hall Center for Children University of Chicago Michael J. Birck President Tellabs, Inc. Richard H. Brown President Illinois Bell Willard Bunn 111 Chairman and Cliief Executive Officer Banc One Illinois Corporation Dr. Floyd English President and Chief Executive Offiicer Andrew Corporation Clifford L. Greenwalt President and Chief Executive Officer Central Illinois Public Service Company Susan S. Horwitz President and Chief Executive Officer Aurora National Bank Leon Jackson President Multi-Fac Coiporation Director of Institutional .Advancement Ted Parizc John E. Jones President. Chairman and Chief Executive Officer CBI Industries Dr. Leon M. Ledemian. Nobel Laureate Director Emeritus Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory Steven H. Lesnik Chairman atid Chief Executive Offiicer Lesnik and Company Gordon R. Lohman President and Chief Executive Officer Amsted Industries, Inc. Ronald L. Nico! Vice President The Boston Consulting Group lames D. Pearson President Aurora Industries James T. Schaefer Real Estate Consultant Hany C. Stonecipher President and Chief Executive Officer Sundstrand Corporation Richard Wellek President and Chief Executive Officer Varlen Corporation William J. White President. Chairman and Chief E.xecutive Offiicer Bell & Howell Company Hundreds Attend Special Events (See photos on page 5) Friends and supporters of the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy enjoyed several special events this spring. Examples included: • On April 20. IMSA welcomed donors and members of the local business and civic community to the dedication of the Grainger Inventors" Workshop. The workshop, funded by a grant of $325,000 from The Grainger Foundation of Skokie. provides an area for students to "tinker" and build equip- ment needed for their research. • On May 3. IMSA hosted a State-of-the- Academy reception in Springfield for Illinois legislators, legislative staff members and other government offi- cials. The reception, supported by the IMSA Fund, was held in the Illinois State Librarv Atrium. • On May 4. Dr. Richard Garwin. IBM Fellow at the Thomas J. Watson Research Center in New York, gave the second annual Richard L. Horwitz Lecture on Ethics for IMSA seniors, staff members and alumni, and friends and family of Rich Horwitz. The lecture series is held in memory of Auroran Rich Horwitz. IMSA's first legal counsel, who died in August 1990. Garwin is a consultant to the U.S. government on military and health care technologies, arms control, and science and public policy. • On May 14, Nobel Prize- winning physi- cist Dr. Leon Lederman held a book- signing for IMSA students, staff members, parents and alumni. He auto- graphed copies of his new book. The God Particle: If the Universe is the Answer. What is the Question'.' IMSA Fund Board Annual Meeting IMSA E.u'ctilive Director Dr Srepliciiuc Ptu e Mai sluill {a tilt i ) tlwiil<s retiriiti; IMSA Fund board iiienilwrs Linda and Roi;fr Ander.sim fot titeii } eai s of leadt i ship and serviced Dr. Stephanie Pace Marshall. IMSA executive liircdcr, tercels Sen. Kenneth Hall (left) and attorney Vaii.qlin Barber at a recent IMSA eception for Illinois Iciiislators ami other i^ovcrnnicnt ofjiciaLs. Mathematics teacher Sii^an [uhlins Ji\iii\ses the accomplishinents of IMSA 's diverse student body with Illinois Iciiislalors. Dr Richard Garuni chats null IM.S.\ '.cnioryh'lhnvin:^ his /<■< /((, "Ethics in .Action lor Ethics Inaction). " Dr. Leon Lcdernuin siy.ns copies of Ins new hook for admiring IMSA fans. Grainger Inventors' Workshop Dedication |m Pholiiv by Cathv Veal Mentorship Students Dazzle University Researchers and Undergraduates I MSA's mentorship program has turned out to be a match made in heaven. ..the ideal mairiage between classroom learning and real-world research. For the second year in a row. students involved in IMSA's mentorship program were the only high school students in the country invited to partici- pate in the National Conference on Undergraduate Research, held March 25-27 at the University of Utah. This year, 12 students presented their research at the conference (see right). These and 107 other students conducted their research in IMSA's mentorship program, an optional cocunicular acti\ i- ty. In this program, students work on site every sixth school day with scientists and scholars in coiporations. educational institutions and laboratories in the Chicagoland area. Mentorship coordinator Dr. Peggy Connolly said it is an honor for IMSA students to present their work alongside students from major research universi- ties. "It is very gratifying to see students recognized for their work by authorities in the research field," Connolly said. "What better way to top off the year than with a celebration before fellow students and researchers who value their dedica- tion, tenacity, curiosity and contributions to the field of research." The National Conference on Undergraduate Research brings together more than 1 .000 undergraduates and faculty advisors who are involved in scholarly and scientific research. Representatives from more than 200 colleges and universities attended the conference. Students introduced their research in oral and poster presentations and artistic peiformances. The IMSA students' projects covered topics in ecology and evolution, physics, astronomy, computer technology, immunology and other fields. IMSA Mentorship Program Grows Over the past few years, the number of mentorship sites, students and mentors has increased significantly. When the Joseph Arias Rachel Bun We\t Biookhu Rovkford Beth Guerra Vernon Hills Apinya Lertratanakul Darien Otinar Pnnce\ ac Matt Pritchaid Chicago HunUcx Tanya Reddick Rebecca Reichert Cnstiil Lake Sophia Williams Cliicago Jim Young Bourhonnais program began in 1989-90. 28 students participated. This year. 1 19 students participated in 38 sites. Some of the new sites this school year included Aurora University. Central DuPage Rehabilitation Center. Tellabs. Chicago College of Pharmacy. Numerical Algorithms Group. Wyler's Children's Hospital and the Dial Coiporation. At several mentorship sites, research opportunities continue during the summer months. Loyola University, which pilot- ed the si.\-week summer mentorship in 1 990. expanded its program to support six students this summer in various research positions. In addition. Southern Illinois University Medical School and Argonne Labs will support IMSA students in summer research positions. Students Reap Rewards of Research Sophia Williams, a senior from Chicago, participated in mentorship under the guidance of mentor Dr. Jeffrey Doering. biology department. Loyola University. Williams worked on genetic mapping studies of chromosome 21 in hopes of better understanding why Down Syndrome occurs. Williams said working on site with researchers differs from classroom learning because the effects are more far-reaching. "You feel like you have a responsibili- ty and that what you do effects other people and not just yourself." Williams said. "Your work has to be quality and your experiments can not be rushed." She also said that working with a mentor really makes her feel part of a team. "The mentor doesn't know what's going to happen or what kind of results should be produced." Williams said. "So in a sense you're both working through it together." T R A L B L A Z E R S State and National Leadership Dr. Stephanie Pace Marshall, execu- tive director, was one of six international experts interviewed by The Wall Street Journal for a special section on "nurtur- ing high-tech genius." published May 24. Mathematics teacher Titu Andreescu has been appointed a staff member at the four-week training session of the United States Mathematical Olympiad. Training will be held at the United States Militan Academy at West Point. NY. June 8-July 6. Biology teacher Dr. Susan Styer co- presented a workshop entitled Can You Make Sense of This? for middle-school girls March 13 at Waubonsee Community College in Sugar Gro\e. IL. Mike Fraga, social science teacher. was a panelist on the Work-in-Progress Roundtahle On American Indian History at the annual conference of the Organization of American Historians April 15-16 in Anaheim. CA. John Thompson, biology teacher, presented Alternate Assessments in Science Instruction at a Burbank School District #111 professional development program April 27. Ph> sics teacher Dr. Mark Horrell presented Tropical ami High Latitude Climates and Vegetation Patterns of the Late Cretaceous: EMainples From a Globally Warmer Earth at a special session of the American Geophysical Union May 24-28 in Baltimore. Md. Latin teacher Rose Moore conducted several immersion classes for first-year high school Latin students at Globalfest "93 in Bloomington. IL. March 20. Globalfest is designed to expose students to various languages and the cultures of their countries. Rick Bryant, coordinator of the office of college counseling/career develop- ment, recently was elected to a three-year term on the board of directors of the National Consortium for Specialized Secondary Schools of Mathematics. Science and Technology. Mathematics teacher Charles Hamberg has been appointed to the COMAP (Consortium for Mathematics and Its Applications) Advisory Board. He will serve as the NCTM (National Council of Teachers of Mathematics) representative to the board which publishes many mathematics materials at the secondary and college level. Dr. Raymond Dagenais, coordinator for professional development, recently was installed as president of the Delta Epsilon Chapter of Kappa Delta Pi. an honor society in education. Student and Staff Achievements Foi' the third year in a row. a team of 15 IMSA students won the 1993 Illinois Science Olympiad state championship held April 3. Dr. Stephanie Pace Marshall, execu- tixe director, received the VanMilier Distinguished Scholar Practitioner Award April 15 in Springfield. She is the first woman to receive the award named in honor of Dr. Perry Evander ( Van) Miller, a leading scholar in the field of school administration. A team of four IMSA students — Kurt Gimbel of Sparland. Ashley Morgan of Carpenters\ille. Ryan Pierce of Aurora and Russell Simmons of Barrington — is one of 16 national winners in the 1993 SuperQuest supercomputing competition. English teachers Martha Regalis and Soon-Heng Lim both were awarded six-week summer fellowships from the National Endowmenl for the Hiunanities (NEH). IMSA students received the highest team score in the nation on the American High School Mathematics Exam. In addi- tion, eight students were among the 150 nationally who qualified to take the USA Mathematical Olympiad (USAMOl: two of these — Chris Jeris of Naper\ ille and Stephen Wang of St. Charles — are among the final 24 nationwide chosen for summer training for the USAMO. On .April 24. a team of 27 students captured first place in the 1993 Illinois Council of Teachers of Mathematics (ICTM) State Math Contest. IMSA junior Jenny Deller of Carbondale was one of only 75 high school students nationwide to receive a 1993 Younger Scholars award sponsored by the National Endowment for the Humanities. The award will support nine weeks of full-time research this summer at Southern Illinois Uni\ersity in Carbondale. IMSA junior Kristina Cook of Vernon Hills was awarded a Mazda National Scholarship to live as an exchange student in Japan for eight weeks this summer. Alumni Achievements Michael Peil, "90. Wake Forest University, was appointed to a one-year term as editor-in-chief of the Old Gold and Black, the WFU student newspaper. In addition, he received a research grant to study "Urban Societies in Transition" in Beijing. Moscow. Warsaw. Prague. Berlin. Amsterdam and London this summer. Amanda Kabak, '92. Boston University, w as selected to head a study to find the best medium in which to grind ceramics that will be used in space-based applications. Kabak is working under a grant awarded to BU's Precision Engineering Laboratcjry. IMSA Senior Crowned Miss Illinois American Coed By Sandra S. Park, Student Writer Senior Joy Peters of Decatur said it was so unlike her to compete in any type of beauty pageant. Then why do it? Her response: "I just decided to try it." As it turns out this was a good deci- sion, for on May 1 Peters was crowned Miss Illinois American Coed. "I would encourage anybody who was interested in this kind of opportunity to compete, it's an incredible feeling." Peters said. She won a $1000 scholarship and an ail-expense paid trip to Hawaii to compete this summer in the national pageant. Peters also won the Academic Achievement award. Miss American Coed is not an ordinary beauty pageant. Contestants are judged on their poise and modeling of evening gowns, while one half of their overall score is based on a personal interview and an application that includes an academic transcript. Peters was first runner-up in last year's pageant. Her interviewers asked a variety of questions, including three words that best describe her ("intelligent, athletic, out- going"), the most influential person in her life ("mv mother") and her coals if she were to win the crown. "I told them that I would like to speak out on issues like education." Peters said. "When I wear the crown, people take notice and listen to what I have to say." This year at IMSA. Peters was named Female Athlete of the Year for her outstand- ing contributions to the Softball, volleyball and basketball teams. She will continue to play Softball at the University of Kansas in Lawrence, where she has been accepted to the honors program. Although she character- izes herself as a self-assured woman, she notes. "The whole competition ga\ e me even more confidence in talking to other people. Communication and articu- lation are so important." Sdiuira S. Park, a senior from Wlieaton. is a work service student in the IMSA commitnicutions office. Joy Peters. Miss Illinois American Coed, sports a ir/;»i/)i.? smile for IMSA Trustee Dr. Leon Lederman. r^lMSA Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy 1500 West Sullivan Road Aurora, Illinois 60506-1000 NONPROFIT ORG. BULK RATE U.S. POSTAGE PAID AURORA, IL PERMIT NO. 129 Address Correction Requested Althoiiiih we strive for iicciinicy. if you see an error in your mailin!^ label please call the communicalicms office at (708) 907-5033. k ILLINOIS MATHEMATICS AND SCIENCE ACADEMY riEIMQA A Pioneering Educational Co. Volume 7 No. 4 • Suniiiicr 1993 IMSA Student On USA Mathematical Olympiad Team Wins Silver Medal in international Competition It was the icing on the cake for the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy's math team when this summer Stephen Wang of St. Charles was one of six students in the nation to make the USA Mathematical Olympiad team. As a result, Wang participated in the International Mathematical Olympiad in Istanbul. Turkey. July 13-24. The U.S. team competed against 7 1 other coun- tries, placing 7th overall with two gold, two silver and two bronze medals. Wang, v\ ho was the first IMSA student selected lor the USA IMO team and the only Illinois representative this year, received one of the silver medals. In addition to Wang, another IMSA siLident, Chris Jeris. was among the 24 finalists nationwide chosen to train for the team this summer at the United States Military Academy in West Point, New York. In addition, IMSA math teacher Tilu Andreescu was appointed a staff member at the four-week training session and traveled with the U.S. team to Turkey. "It was a great experience to see such young students deal with advanced problems that even would challenge a professional mathematician." Andreescu SIDE Ameritech Senior Open 5 Class of 1993 Commencement 3 In Memoriam 8 IMSA Fund 1992-93 Highlights 4 IMSA Leadership Conference 6 NevN Donors 5 Trailblazers 7 34. ULUSLARARASI MATEMATIK OLIMPiYATI ISTANBUL, 17.7.1993 said. "They are all very talented so 1 expected such results." This latest achievement capped the most remarkable year yet for IMSA "mathletes" in local, state and national competitions (see box on page 6). What made the 1992-93 school year so successful? Mathematics teacher Susan Eddins said much of the credit belongs with the home schools across the state that provide IMSA students with a strong math background. "In Stephen's case, St. Charles was very supportive and gave him a sound foundation. When he entered IMSA he already was at a high math level," Eddins said. Andreescu agreed, adding that in addition to background preparation, this year's mathletes demonstrated an luuisu- ally strong desire to do well. A third factor, according to Eddins, relates to IMSA teachers" experience coaching at the national and international levels. Andreescu. for example, is a fomier coach of the Romanian Math- ematical Olympiad team. "We've been very fortunate to hire people who have been especially geared toward coaching math contests at the higher level." Eddins said. "They have complimented the coaches we already have and brought (continued on poge 6) r^lMSA Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy 1500 West Sullivaii Road Aurora, Illinois 60506-1000 708/907-5000 BOARD OF TRUSTEES President James D. Pearson President Aurora Industries Vice President Dr. Leon Lederman. Nobel Laureate Director Emeritus Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory Trustees John Baird Teacher of Physics Quincy High School G. Carl Ball Cliciirman of the Board George J. Ball, Incorporated Dr. Larry Braskamp Dean, College of Education University of Illinois at Chicago Fred Conforti President BRK Electronics Sherry R. Eagle Superintendent Aurora West School District #129 Forest Etheredge Retired State Senator Instructor, Aurora University Sheila Griffin Director of Business Assessment Motorola Incorporated Gary Israel Executive Director Illinois Community College Board Robert Leininger State Superintendent State Board of Education John McEachem Jr. President Wayne Circuits Incorporated Dr. David Mintzer Professor of Mechanical Engineering. Physics and Astronomy Northwestern University Jesus Manuel Sosa Interdepartmental Manager Department of Language and Cultural Education Chicago Public Schools Marvin Slrunk Retired President and Chief Executive Officer Madison Bank & Trust Company Dr. Richard Wagner Executive Director State Board of Higher Education Dr. Benjamin Williams Principal Percy Julian Junior High School, Oak Park NOVA is published quarterly by the IMSA Communications Office. Editor Catherine C. Veal Writer Brenda Buschbacher From the Executive Director Dear Members of the IMSA Community, /a\ s we complete our seventh year and begin our eighth. I would like to review ^i^ some of the summer highlights at the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy. We enjoyed hosting students in grades 7-10 from throughout Illinois for our Summer "AD' Ventures in Mathematics. Science and Technology program. For the second year, this program was held in two sites-at IMSA and at Eastern Illinois University. In addition to Summer 'AD'Ventures students, we enjoyed hosting students from Chicago, East St. Louis and Joliet, participants in our Challenge programs for talented minority students. In August, the Center for Problem-Based Learning sponsored the week-long Neison and Bette Hairis Institute on problem-based learning. We are deeply grateful for the support from The Harris Family Foundation which has enabled the Center to expand teacher training and research. Internally, as we welcome our new sophomores, the Class of 1996. we also are engaged in a search for a new principal. This summer, Mr. John Court, who served with great distinction as IMSA's principal from 1987-1993. accepted a new position at Glenbrook South High School. Mr. Court's leadership and service will be greatly missed by our community. While our search for a new principal is under way. we are delighted that Mr. Harold Burshtan. former principal of Wheaton North High School, has joined our staff as interim principal. This fall, members of the IMSA community will develop new action plans to address changes in the strategic plan proposed last spring by the strategic planning team. Most significantly, the new strategic plan strengthens IMSA's commitment to the transformation of teaching and learning in mathematics and science. We welcome the challenges that lie ahead and look forward to working in partnership with others throughout our state and nation who share the dream. Sincerely, > ■-Tx^to y^yi^. Stephanie Pace Marshall, Ph.D. Executive Director Class of 1993 Celebrates Commencement Proud parents, relatives and friends packed Aurora's Paramount Arts Centre June 5 to see members of the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy's (IMS A) largest graduating class receive their diplomas. Nobel Laureate and IMSA trustee Dr. Leon Lederman gave the commencement address to the 2 1 3-member Class of 1993. Lederman. one of IMSA's founding fathers, spoke of his hopes for the future through his comments from the past, made during the ground-breaking cere- mony for the first IMSA residence hall in 1986. "If we do things right, they will be aware of what we really e.xpect of them: to be creative scientists-yes; to be superb engineers-of course: to be brilliant neuro- surgeons and research the origins of life and aging, to advance the technology of Artificial Intelligence and Robotics, to help our industries compete in an ever more challenging environment--all this. But we expect more— we want to cultivate an awareness of the social and political deeds required of them." Lederman said. In addition. Lederman advised gradu- ates to be selective when choosing their college courses. "Look for scientists who teach science in the light of the history of human thought. Look for humanities teachers who have the broader view-- who recognize that Faraday was at least as influential in human history as Wordsworth or Napoleon-but that we cannot come to grips with our heritage without having an appreciation of all the intellectual cunents that shape our world." he said. Reflecting on the past three years at IMSA. Executive Director Dr. Stephanie Pace Marshall noted some of the special opportunities the Class of 1993 enjoyed. "This senior class benefitted greatly from new and expanded resources and programs made possible by state and private sector support— resources such as the ProQuest computer system, the Toyota Video Production Laboratory, the Grainger Inventors" Workshop, the Strategies for Success Center, the Natural Helpers program, and yes. a new cafete- ria," she said. Student speakers Liv Gjcstvang of Rockford and Andrew Pitcher of Morrison credited IMSA for creating an environment that enabled them to learn from their fellow classmates. "At IMSA I learned to sit back and listen, not because I should but because I wanted to. and I was amazed by the voices of my peers: voices from all over Illinois: cultures from all over the world, of all colors and styles and beliefs." Gjestvang said. Pitcher added, "The cultural perspec- tives they (my classmates) brought to the (Continued on ptii^e S) IMSA finidiiiiti'.s Jasmuiv Huang of JoUct and Jennifer Soiiaito ofPalos Park. IMSA FUND FOR ADVANCEMENT OF EDUCATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS President James R. Thompson Chairmon Winston & Strawn Executive Vice President Donald E.Nordlund Relived Cluvmuui and Chief Executive Officer Slaiey Continental, Inc. Vice President D. Chet McKee President and Chief Exec itive Offiicer Copley Memorial Hospit 1 Secretary /Treasurer PaulJ. O'Hollaren Director General Moose International Directors Linda Anderson* Dr. Leon M, Ledemian. Civic Leader Nobel Laureate Director Emeritus Roger E. Anderson* Fermi National Retired Chairman and Accelerator Laboratory Chief Executive Offlcet Continental Bank of Steven H. Lesnik Chicago Chief Executive Officer G. Carl Ball Kemper Lesnik Chainnan of the Board Organization GeorgeJ. Ball, Inc. Gordon R. Lohman Marjorie Craig Benton President President and Chief Executive Offiwer Chapin Hall Center for Amsted Industries. Inc. Children Ronald L. Nicol University of Chicago Vice President Michael J. Birck The Boston Consulting President Group Tellabs. Inc. James D. Pearson Richard H. Brown President Vice Chairman Aurora Industries Ameritech Corporation James T. Schaefer Willard Bunn III Real Estate Consultant Chainnan and Chief Susan S. Schanlaber Executive Officer Banc One Illinois Chairman of the Board and President Corporation Aurora National Bank Dr. Floyd English Harry C. Stonecipher President and Chief Chainnan. President and Executive Officer Chief Executive Officer Andrew Corporation Sundstrand Corporation Clifford L. Greenwalt Richard Weliek President and Chief President and Chief Executive Officer Executive Offiicer Central Illinois Public Varlen Corporation Service Company William J. White Leon Jackson President. Chainiuvi and President Chief Executive Offiicer Mulli-Fac Corporation Bell & Howeti Company John E. Jones Chairman of the Board. President ami Chief Executive Officer CBI Industries Director of Institutional .Advancement | Ted Parge *Honorary Members IMSA Fund Tops $5 Million; Exceeds $1 Million in 1992-93 ^ ~ he Illinois Mathematics and L, Science Academy Fund for Advancement of Education raised a record $1,365,762 from the private sector in 1992-93, a 41% increase over last year's total. This included the Academy's largest private sector grant to date, $750,000 for the Center for Problem- Based Learning from The Harris Family Foundation of Northbrook. The record fundraising year pushed the Fund over the S5 million mark for its history. Among other Fund-related highlights in 1992-93, Ted Parge, director of institu- tional advancement, cited the following: • Public lectures given by world- renowned physicist Dr. Edward Teller attended by some 1000 Illinoisians. • Dedication of the Grainger Inventors' Workshop attended by donors and members of the local business and civic community. • State-of-the-Academy reception held in Springfield for Illinois legislators. legislative staff members and other govemment officials. ' Mini-grants totaling 57,000 for IMSA employees to implement their creative ideas that support IMSA's mission. ' Contributions ($8,000) from five Illinois corporations to fund IMPACT II teaching grants for educators in their service areas. ' Pre-curtain reception and benefit performance of Miss Saiiion attended by 400 guests. ' $75,000 grant from the Caterpillar Foundation to support unique profes- sional development opportunities for IMSA teachers ' $60,000 in computer software from Novell, Inc., to upgrade IMSA networks ' $25,000 in fiber optic cable from Illinois Bell to increase IMSA's capacity to broadcast classes and special lectures Supported by The Horns Fmnily Fdiduliilion. the Center for Prohleii}-Biised Leaniiiii; .spon- sored a teacher tniiiiiiii; institute in Chictiifo this summer attended In' educalins from Illinois and other states. Ameritech Foundation Awards $30,000 to IMSA Golf Tournament Contribution to Enhance School Technology The Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy was one of three not-for-profit organizations named to share a $90,000 contribution awarded by the Ameritech Foundation in connec- tion with the 1993 Ameritech Senior Open golf tournament. The tournament, held the week of July 12 at Stonebridge Country Club in Aurora, featured golfing legends Arnold Palmer and Chi Chi Rodriquez. In addi- tion. Chicago Bulls superstar Michael Jordan teamed up with Palmer to pla\ in the pro-am event. IMSA. the Chicago Child Care Sociei> and the Jane Addams Hull House Association each received S30.000 from the Ameritech Foundation, which has made contributions during the golf tour- nament for the past five years. "Ameritech shares with these groups a commitment to make the Chicago area a better place by strength- ening families and educating the young." said Richard H. Brown, presi- dent of the Ameritech Foundation and board member of the IMSA Fund for Advancement of Education. "We are focusing our philanthropic support entirely in the Chicago area so we can make a more profound and dramatic impact on the quality of life in the community." he said. Ted Parge. IMSA director of institu- tional advancement, thanked Ameritech for recosnizins IMSA as a leader in Bti.skcrhtill Mipeiskir Michael JurUiii ,lrc\v iraml cmwiLs in the IW3 Anicihcch Senior Open pni-am event. IMSA was one oj tliree Clneai;(i area iiri:ani:inii)ns to benefit from tliis year's tonrnanient. piloting the use of telecommunications technology. "Our goal is to use telecommunications technology as a tool to transform teach- ing and learning in mathematics and science." Parge said. "By using this tech- nology. IMSA's academic and external programs could reach more students and teachers across the state, thereby making a greater impact on mathematics and science education." Ameritech. founding sponsor and orga- nizer of the Senior PGA Tour event, this year increased the first-place prize from $75,000 to $90,000. thereby increasing its charitable contribution. IMSA Fund Welcomes New Donors The IMSA Fund welcomes the following first-time coiporate and foundation donors of $500 or more (February 15-Jul\ 30. 1993) to the Council for Educational Distinction in Illinois: ' Ameritech Corporation ' Computer Associates International. Inc ' Consolidated Communications. Inc. ' Helene Curtis Industries. Inc. ' Lachman Technology ' RJR Nabisco Foundation ' The NutraSweet Company Charitable Trust Olympiad Team {vontunwd fiom page 1) additional strength at the higher level." The winning combination of home school preparation, student desire and talent, and IMSA faculty support paid off in big ways in 1992-93. Led by Wang, Jeris and Patrick Keenan of McHenry. IMSA had the highest team score in the nation on the American High School Math Exam. Although competitions are not the primary focus of IMSA's math program, Eddins said they are good opportunities for growth. "There is a lot of learning that goes on in an interesting and fun way during competitions," Eddins said. "We have students who are the strong leaders but also have students who are very supportive of one another during competitions." Andreescu believes the future is bright. He said he hopes Wang and Jeris will use their firsthand experience to help coach IMSA students for interna- tional competition next year. He predicts they will do as well or better, but says they need to work on a few areas first. "We need to work on our geometry," he said. "The Eastern Europeans and Chinese excel in this area and we do not stress it as much in the United States." 270 Educators Attend IMSA Leadership Conference Organizational change, personnel motivation, integrative teaching and learning, quality review and parent- ing were just some of the topics explored by 270 Illinois educators during IMSA's 1993 Leadership Conference June 23-24 in Naperville. Teachers, principals, superintendents, board members, parents and other partici- pants in the IMSA/Motorola University District Learning Leadership Team (DLLT) initiative came from all areas of Illinois to attend the conference entitled "Expanding Capacity for Continuous Improvement." The DLLT initiative seeks to improve mathematics, science and technology education through a systemwide restruc- turing and change process. During the conference, topics were presented in many different formats including group workshops, concurrent sessions, issue sessions and team sessions. In addition, four general sessions were held by prominent educa- tors from throughout the country. Other speakers during the conference included educators from various Illinois school districts and representatives from Motorola and the American Association of School Administrators. Following the conference, participants were asked to evaluate the sessions and speakers. In addition, they were asked to provide recommendations on how to improve future conferences. As a follow-up to the conference, a proceedings document will be mailed to all participating district teams. T R A I L B L A 2 E R S State and National Leadership Dr. Stephanie Pace Marshall, execu- tive director, traveled to Russia July 12- 25 to investigate possible collaborations among the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development. Russian educators and IMSA. In addition, a possible partnership between IMSA and a similar residential school for mathemat- ics and science in Novosibirsk. Siberia, was explored. In August, the Center for Problem- Based Learning. IMSA. sponsored a five- day workshop at the Chicago Hilton and Towers Hotel. Approximately 80 educa- tors from across the country attended the summer workshop to learn how to design and implement problem-based learning activities for K-12 classrooms. Social science teaclie Bernard Hollister received the Oliver S. Foster Award from lite Illinois State Historical Society for outstanding contributions to the study and teachini; of state and local history in Illinois. He is con- \ gratiilaled by Carolyn Kelly, last year's recipient. Physics teacher Margaret Park gave a presentation entitled Biophysics an Aesthetic Experience: Breaking Conventional Discipline Boundaries in the Sciences at the 1993 International Faculty Development Conference June 28- July 7 in Colorado. Dr. Christian Nokkentved. social science teacher, is serving on the World History Curriculum Development Project at the Uni\'ersity of Illinois - Chicago. Student and Staff Achievements Physics teacher Patrick LaMaster was one of ten teachers to receive the Illinois Science Teachers Association Award of Excellence in Secondary Science Teaching. He was selected by a committee of science teachers, professors and professionals based on his teaching achievements in 1993. A team of 15 students captured fifth place in the 1993 National Science Olympiad held May 21-22 in Pueblo. Colorado. One student received 2nd place in the nation in the qualitative anal- ysis category and another received 3rd place in the designer genes categoiy. The IMSA Titan Dance Squad received three trophies at the Universal Dance Association competition held August 3-6 at Augustana College. As a result, the team qualified for the national championships at SeaWorld in Orlando. Florida, in February. Joseph Arias of West Brooklyn was one of only 60 juniors nationwide chosen to attend a 1993 Telluride Association summer program at Cornell University. Alumni Achievements Jennifer Mawdsley. '90. University of Illinois, was awarded a summer intern- ship at the Solid State Technology Center in Pennsylvania through the Summer Research Program at AT & T Bell Laboratories. Sendhil Revuluri. '90. University of Chicago, was appointed a staff member at the training session of the United Slates Physics Olympics, held at the College of William and Mary. July 6-18. Laura Kozlevcar. '89. graduated from Purdue University and received a fellow- ship from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute to pursue graduate work in microbiology at the University of California-San Diego. She was one of only 25 students to receive the fellowship. CommenCeiTieilt (contiiuicil froin jnii;e 3) conversations we had were so different from my own. that they forced me to examine my own behefs. Learning from the great diversity of people here made me a better person, a much more complete person."" Following certification by Principal John D. Coim that members of the Class of 1993 had met graduation requirements, students received diplomas from IMSA Trustee Jack McEachern and commencement medallions from Dr. Marshall. ^^^HJ^PTTj^^^^l This issue of NOVA HE '^^1 is dedicated in loving memoiy of f-'/H DANIELLE J. MCTEE, IMSA Class of 1993 iiiiiniT iiiTT July?, 1975-Aiigitst 10, 1993 .^ /A/.V.\ '.luilciils ciijoy the Rachel E. Szech Meiiuinul I'liiyi^nniiul. Szech. wild died in 1992. was a member of IMSA 's Class of 1993. The playground, fimded by her family and friends, was dedicated in the spring. r^lMSA Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy 1500 West Sullivan Road Aurora. Illinois 60506-1000 NON PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAID AURORA, IL PERMIT NO. 129 Address Correction Requested Although we strive for accuracy, if you sec an error in y<mr mailing label please call the communications office at ( 7()S) W7-5033.