ILLINOIS MATHEMATICS AND SCIENCE ACADEMY
r1— IIVI^A ^ Pioneering Educational Community
Volume 8 No. 1 -Fall 1993
IMSA Crosses Traditional Boundaries of Learning
By Tina Yee, Student Writer
This is the first in a two-part series
reporting on innovative courses initiated
for sophomores this year. Both used the
IMSA Integrative Learning System (ILS)
as a framework for curriculum develop-
ment. The system is designed to foster the
development of integrative thinkers who
see connections within and among disci-
plines instead of subject-area knowledge
in isolation.
e^\ Where in the state can a group
of high school students take
chemistry, physics and biology
at the same time, in one class?
/a_
At the 1
Science
linois Mathematic
Academy.
and
For the next two years, 36 IMSA
students are taking part in an experimen-
tal course called Integrated Science. This
is another example of how IMSA is blaz-
ing new trails to transform science
education.
SIDE
Admissions Information 3
ASCD/IMSA Consortium 8
From the Executive Director 2
Hitachi Grant 4
Maya Angelou 4
National Student Conference 3
Statewide Initiatives 6
Trailblazers 7
Wolf Tracking 5
Students in IMSA 's Integrated Science class make a triangulation measurement of the distance to
a foul pole.
Integrated Science blends information
from "core" sciences (physics, chemistry,
and biology) with additional material not
usually covered in the three required
classes, such as nucleosynthesis and
solid-state physics. Introduced after
several years of development, the course
is taught by Drs. Donald Dosch. John
Eggebrecht and David Workman. Over
the summer, incoming sophomores were
able to request the class and the 36 were
randomly chosen from 1 19 applicants.
By presenting science as a unity rather
than compartmentalized courses, the
teachers hope to help transform science
education and stimulate student interest
in all sciences.
"We want students to think without
boundaries." Eggebrecht said. "In tradi-
tional science classes, you've imposed a
threshold which students can't pass."
Workman agreed, adding "science is
taught in most school systems as separate
entities, but in the 'real world' everything
is connected."
Problem-based Approach
To anchor the curriculum. Integrated
Science uses a problem-based approach
as a method to show the relationships
among physics, chemistry and biology.
Using problem situations, students gain
broad-based knowledge while solving
specific problems.
"Problems provide a context where
learning takes place, " Workman said.
"Students are motivated by taking owner-
ship of the problem." Dosch added.
For example, students have determined
that overpopulation is going to be a
significant problem in the early 21st
century. Consequently, they are studying
the characteristics and dynamics of popu-
lations as preparation for dealing with
this problem. One of their objects of
study is the goldenrod plant. "We
launched into a series of activities and
extensive study to understand what the
(continued on page 5)
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
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
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
Cary Israel
Executive Director
Illinois Community College Board
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
Dr. Sally Pancrazio
Dean. College of Education
Illinois State 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
Writer
Brenda Buschbacher
From the
Executive
Director
Dear Members of the IMSA Community.
s we embark on our eighth school year, the Academy enters an ambitious new
era. one characterized by increased service to Illinois education through
expanded partnership initiatives with schools and teachers throughout our state.
The Academy is engaged in organizational redesign and redeployment of resources to
strengthen our commitment to our primary customers — Illinois educators. This fall,
staff, students, parents and community members are writing action plans to move us
forward in this regard. The "new" strategic plan, anchored by a mission to transform
teaching and learning in mathematics and science, will be considered by the board of
trustees in January, and we will report highlights in a future issue of NOVA.
We are very excited about some of our new partnership initiatives. In November,
we began a distance learning partnership with Walter Dyett Middle School in Chicago,
made possible by the generous support of Ameritech. Plans for the IMSA electronic
learning community are well under way, thanks in large part to support from the
Hitachi Foundation. The Academy also has begun working with schools in Illinois
and other states, members of the new ASCD/IMSA Consortium for Interdisciplinary
Teaching and Learning. ASCD, the Association for Supervision and Curriculum
Development, is the nation's largest education leadership organization.
Internally, we remain engaged in a search for a new principal, while staff continue
to pilot promising new programs such as Integrated Science. Our students continue to
excel, as evidenced by their research accomplishments, classroom projects, cocurricular
achievements and test scores. For example, the Chicago Tribune recently reported that
IMSA"s Class of 1993 achieved the highest ACT scores in the nation. This is quite an
honor and tribute to our students and to those, including parents, home school teachers,
mentors and IMSA staff, who have nurtured their academic development to date.
We look forward to an eventful second semester and remain grateful for your
continuing support. Best wishes for the holiday season.
Sincerely
^V/^o /N^/^
k_^
Stephanie Pace Marshall. Ph.D.
Executive Director
IMSA Students Study Local History
at National Conference in Alabama
Ten students from the Illinois
Mathematics and Science
Academy took a step back in time during
the sixth annual student conference of the
National Consortium for Specialized
Secondary Schools of Mathematics.
Science and Technology (NCSSSMST)
October 21-24 in Mobile. Alabama.
The theme of the conference was
"Researching Local History." Hosted by
the Alabama School of Mathematics and
Science, the conference included visits to
historical places in the Mobile area
including Fort Gaines, Dauphin Island
Sea Lab and archaeological sites.
Students also visited local corporations
including the Scott Paper Company and
Ciba Chemical Corporation.
Repesenting IMSA were Josephine
Aung of South Barrington, Rachel
Burrell of Rockford, Michele Casey
of Wheaton. Andy Cox of Batavia.
Don Elmore of Murphysboro. Maritza
Gamboa of Hillside. Omar Latif of
Glendale Heights. Deborah Linksvayer
of Springfield, James Randall of
Chicago and Raymond Wee of Lake
Forest. Students from 23 other consor-
tium schools throughout the country
also attended.
Elmore said one of the most
interesting activities was the
visit to the archeological site
on Dauphin Island. "Even
though some of the artifacts
I found seemed small or
seemingly insignificant, they
turned out to be important
clues to the history of the
excavation site," he said.
Following their research,
students produced a written
narrative of the Mobile area
emphasizing the evolution of
infrastructures and their
impact on the environment.
Founded in 1988. the
consortium consists of
specialized high schools
with advanced programs for
talented mathematics and
science students. IMSA is
a charter member of the
consortium. The annual
student conferences are
designed to acquaint students
of similar interests and abili-
ties and to encourage them to
work together to solve
science-related problems.
IMSA students take time out for sightseeing in New Orleans
while researching local history at the sixth annual
NCSSSMST student conference.
1993-94 Admissions Information
To help prospective students and parents learn more about the Academy's admissions, academic and residential life programs,
the following activities are scheduled this fall and winter:
• Statewide Informational Meetings (51). Sites include Bolingbrook. Carlinville, Chicago (7). Collinsville, Country Club
Hills, Crystal Lake, Danville, Decatur, DeKalb, Dixon, East St. Louis, Effingham, Elgin. Elmhurst, Evanston, Freeport,
Galena. Galesburg, Grayslake, Harvey, Hazel Crest, Hoffman Estates, Jacksonville, Joliet, Kankakee, Macomb. Marion.
Mattoon, Maywood, Moline, Mt. Vernon, Normal, Northbrook, Oglesby, Olney, Palos Heights, Peoria, Pontiac, Quincy,
Rockford, Springfield. Urbana. Vernon Hills, Waukegan. West Chicago.
• Visitor Information Program Days (2). These will be held at IMSA at 1 :00 p.m. on January 29 and February 20.
• Application Deadline. The deadline for application to IMSA\s ninth sophomore class- the Class of 1997- is March 1, 1994.
For more information about the admissions process, statewide informational meetings or VIP Days, call (708) 907-5027 or in
Illinois 1-800-500-1MSA.
IMSA FUND FOR
ADVANCEMENT OF EDUCATION
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
President
James R. Thompson
Chairman
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'Hollaren
Director Genera!
Moose International
Linda Anderson*
Civic Leader
Roger E. Anderson*
Retired Chairman and
Chief Executive Office
Continental Bank of
Chicago
G. Carl Ball
Chairman of the Board
George J. Ball, Inc.
Marjorie Craig Benton
President
Chapin Hall Center for
Children
University of Chicago
Michael J. Birck
President
Tellabs, Inc.
Richard H. Brown
Vice Chairman
Ameritech Corporation
Willard Bunn III
Chairman and Chief
Executive Officer
Banc One Illinois
Corporation
Dr. Floyd English
President and Chief
Executive Officer
Andrew Corporation
Clifford L. Greenwalt
President and Chief
Executive Officer
Central Illinois Public
Service Company
Leon Jackson
President
Multi-Fac Corporation
John E. Jones
Chairman of the Board,
President and Chief
Executive Officer
CBI Industries
Dr. Leon M. Lederman,
Nobel Laureate
Director Emeritus
Fermi National
Accelerator Laboratory
Steven H. Lesnik
Chief Executive Officer
Kemper Lesnik
Organization
Gordon R. Lohman
President and Chief
Executive Officer
Amsted Industries, Inc.
James D. Pearson
President
Aurora Industries
James T. Schaefer
Real Estate Consultant
Susan S. Schanlaber
Chairman of the Board
and President
Aurora National Bank
Harry C. Stonecipher
Chairman. President and
Chief Executive Officer
Sundstrand Corporation
Richard Wellek
President and Chief
Executive Officer
Varlen Corporation
William J. White
President, Chairman and
Chief Executive Officer
Bell & Howell Company
Hitachi Foundation Awards
$159,500 Grant to IMSA
Director of Institutional Advancement
Ted Parge
•Honorary Members
The Illinois Mathematics and
Science Academy Fund for
Advancement of Education received a
three-year, $159,500 grant from The
Hitachi Foundation to further the
Academy's distance learning initiatives.
Ted Parge, director of institutional
advancement, said the grant will support
Academy plans for an interactive elec-
tronic learning community. "'By using
telecommunications tools such as video
conferencing, elec-
tronic bulletin boards
and electronic jour-
nals, we can expand
partnerships with
schools, teachers and
students throughout
Illinois and the
nation," he said.
Such tools will
enable teachers to
exchange curriculum
ideas while creating
important partner-
ships and building
collaborative
networks of students
and teachers.
Plans for 1993-94
include establishing the IMSA link on
INTERNET, the international computer
network; establishing a project coordina-
tor; piloting and testing the use of an elec-
tronic journal and bulletin board for
teachers, students, mentors, scientists and
community leaders engaged in problem-
based learning; and piloting a problem-
based video conferencing consortium with
"The format. ..will
make it possible for
all students to
experience success
in learning."
Elliot Richardson
Chairman
The Hitachi Foundation
the Center for Problem-Based Learning.
Activities of the video consortium will
include consulting services, student inter-
active network opportunities, teacher
training, and research and development
collaborations.
"The format will help students practice
the skills of problem identification,
research and analysis, synthesis, analysis
of public policy and its applications and
implications, and ethical and moral deci-
sion-making," said
Elliot Richardson,
chairman of The
Hitachi Foundation's
board of directors.
"It will make it
possible for all
students to experi-
ence success
in learning."
The network also
can be used in the
future to access
information about
IMSA's admissions
and alumni programs.
"This grant will
play a key role in
establishing IMSA
as one of the 'stops' on the information
'superhighway', breaking the boundaries
of time and space," said Executive
Director Dr. Stephanie Pace Marshall.
"It will give educators more meaningful
opportunities for professional develop-
ment, in turn enriching the learning
experiences of their students. The possi-
bilities are endless."
Third Annual James R. Thompson
Leadership Lecture
December 2, 1993
Featuring Maya Angelou
Story in the next issue of NOVA
Students Track the "Big Bad Wolf"
^? airy tales such as Goldilocks and
l_ the Three Bears didn't stop ecol-
ogy students from their quest to find the
"big bad wolf in the Boreal Forest of
Ely, Minnesota.
As an optional extension of the preda-
tion unit in John Thompson's class, 12
seniors headed to northern Minnesota for
a wolf-tracking expedition October 22-26.
"Before the trip, students examined
prejudices against wolves and the fairy
tales which in part perpetuate those prej-
udices," said Thompson, IMSA biology
teacher.
During their expedition, students stud-
ied the natural habitat and territory of the
wolf by using a tracking system coordi-
nated by the International Wolf Center.
"A radio collar was attached to a male
wolf and we tracked him for a 24-hour
period using radio telemetry equipment
in vans at two different locations with
antennas and receivers." Thompson said.
Student Amanda Kracen of Sycamore
said she thought the whole night would
be spent "on the go" but discovered the
process was much slower. "Instead, we
spent most of the time just observing.
We had to take readings every 15
minutes and it took five minutes just to
calculate the wolf's exact location."
Staff members from the International
Wolf Center also gave students wolf
howling lessons. "One night we canoed
to an island and howled at the wolves and
they actually howled back!" Kracen said.
Ecology students Jenny Deller and Aimee Chong oj Carbondale im
den during their wolf-tracking trip to Ely, Minnesota.
Kracen and Heather McKee of Batavia
both agreed that the experience taught
them to be more observant of their
surroundings. "We had to memorize
certain types of twigs and how they
would come off of a branch." Kracen
said. "You had to be observant of the
small things." McKee added.
In addition, students surveyed the local
residents of Ely and gathered data on
their attitudes toward the wolf. A survey
also was taken of the attitudes of people
in Yorkville. Illinois, and a comparison
study will be conducted.
In the future. Thompson plans a tele-
conference for students with Dr. David
Meech, world-renowned expert on
wolves and biologist with the U.S. Fish
and Wildlife Service.
Reflecting upon the expedition.
Thompson said the best part was watch-
ing the students react to the natural habi-
tat of the wolves. "They had a sense of
what real ecoloeists are like." he said.
IMSA Crosses Traditional Boundaries .
(continued from page I)
other forces are that cause the plants to
distribute themselves in a certain way."
Eggebrecht said.
At the same time, students are studying
the distribution of atoms in crystals and
stars in the sky. In all cases, the focus is
on the kinds of useful information that
can be obtained from careful characteriza-
tion and study of populations.
Some students, especially juniors and
seniors, question whether the two-year,
double period integrated science program
will adequately prepare students for high-
level electives and achievement tests.
There also are some concerns that the
opposite could happen and students will
cover too much material.
However, most sophomores in the inte-
grated class seem to think it is a wonder-
ful learning experience. "It's less the
teachers teaching us than us teaching
ourselves," said sophomore Rose Barlow
of Oak Park. "Since there is no set
curriculum, we have a lot of freedom and
input into what we're learning."
Dr. Mareelline Barron, director for
integrative teaching and learning
initiatives, notes. "We are trying a series
of different experiences from which we
will find a good blend of core courses."
Integrated Science, she said, is an impor-
tant example of IMSA's ongoing R&D
work to transform teaching and learning
in mathematics and science.
Tina Yee. a junior from Naperville, is a
work service student in the IMSA commu-
nications office.
IMSA Seeks Applicants for Statewide Programs
rhe Illinois Mathematics and
Science Academy is accepting
student applications for its 1994 Summer
'AD'Ventures in Mathematics, Science
and Technology program and applica-
tions for IMPACT II mathematics and
science teaching awards.
The Summer 'AD' Ventures program
consists of two sessions. The first, for
160 students entering grades 7-8 in 1994.
will be held at IMSA July 5-15. The
second, for 120 students entering grades
9-10 in 1994. will be held at Eastern
Illinois University July 6-17.
Informational brochures for both
sessions were mailed to all Illinois
schools with grades 6-9. Interested
students can receive an application by
returning the form enclosed in the
brochure or calling 708-907-5989.
The deadline for completed applications
is January 10, 1994.
IMSA also is seeking applications for
this year's IMPACT II mathematics and
science disseminator awards. All public-
school mathematics and science teachers
in Illinois are eligible to apply. The
purpose of IMPACT II is to promote
excellence in elementary and secondary
education by networking teachers and
their innovative ideas. Nearly 800 Illinois
teachers are members of the IMPACT II
network which IMSA administers.
Disseminator awards enable teachers to
share their successful programs with
colleagues through annual catalogs,
workshops, conferences and interschool
visits. The deadline for completed
applications is February 7. 1994.
Applications are included in the 1993
IMPACT II catalog of teaching ideas,
which was mailed to all Illinois public
schools and Educational Service Centers.
Teachers also may call 708-907-5950
for information.
1 ■
Witness
j^h HH 91
Registration
Ik.- 2^1
*'*' '-- '<•■■■ ■■■- ''-^'i"*-
Wm
^K' -fli
Gray Wolf
EIS
i
i Hearing
'If !W
IMSA graduates Elizabeth Pine and Katy Kobyluk ( '93) testified at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service hearings in Washington. D.C. in September on
the environmental impact of re-introducing wolves into Yellowstone National Park and central Idaho.
T R A I L B L A Z E R S
State and National
Leadership
Executive Director Dr. Stephanie Pace
Marshall presented Understanding the
Vision, Meaning and Language of
Educational Transformation to the
Massachusetts affiliate of the Association
for Supervision and Curriculum
Development Sept. 30 in Milford. MA.
Presentations by mathematics teachers
at the annual meeting in Springfield of
the Illinois Council of Teachers of
Mathematics October 22-23 included
Chuck Hamberg. Using the Coordinate
Plane to Teach Junior Higli Math; Sue
1 (Id ins. Mathematical Investigations:
Enhancing Interests and Insights; Ruth
Dover, Exploratory Approach to Taylor
Series; Titu Andreescu, Tips From an
Olympic Apprentice Coach; George
Milauskas, Opening the Door to
Interconnections in Pre-Algehra
Mathematics; Rich Kick, The Pendulum:
An Unlimited Resource for Mathematical
Investigation; and Ron Vavrinek, Using
Technology to Explore Real Data.
Dr. Richard F. Dods, chemistry
teacher, authored the audio cassette
Pathophysiology for Chemists available
nationwide in December. The audio
cassette, a second in a series, was
produced and marketed by the American
Chemical Society to clinical laboratories,
hospitals, universities and medical
schools across the country.
Physics teacher Edward Moyer
presented a pre-conference session.
Alternative Assessment, at the annual
convention of the Illinois Science
Teachers Association Sept. 29-Oct. 1 in
Collinsville, IL.
Bernie Hollister, social science teach-
er, wrote Using Social Studies Learning
Logs to Assess Student Learning for the
October issue of The Councilor, a publi-
cation of The Illinois Council For The
Social Studies.
Joseph Prieto, college/career coun-
selor, presented Stress Management:
Practice It and Live the Dream at the
1993 conference of the National
Association of College Admission
Counselors Oct. 7-10 in Pittsburah. PA.
Dr. Peggy Connolly, mentorship coor-
dinator, presented Becoming A Catalyst
in Local and Statewide Partnerships at a
conference of the Association of
Community College Trustees Sept. 28-
Oct. 3 in Toronto.
Dr. Diann Musial. research specialist,
and Linda Torp, curriculum and action
research specialist, co-presented with Dr.
Susanna Finnell of Texas A & M
University Articulation Issues:
Transitioning from Specialized High
Schools to Institutions of Higher
Learning at the annual conference of the
National Collegiate Honors Council
Oct. 29 in St. Louis. MO.
George Smith, supervisor of the
Grainger Inventors' Workshop, is serving
on the advisory panel for the DuPage
Children's Museum's Kids Design
Engineering Lab and Travelling Program.
The program is funded by the State of
Illinois Center for Scientific Literacy.
Student and Staff
Achievements
A total of 132 IMSA seniors (63% of
the class) qualified as semifinalists or
received letters of commendation in this
year's National Merit Scholarship
Corporation competition. In addition,
four seniors qualified as semifinalists in
the National Achievement Scholarship
Program for Outstanding Negro Students
and four seniors qualified as semifinalists
in the National Hispanic Scholar Awards
Program.
Recipients of this year's innovations
and initiatives mini-grants, cash awards
from the IMSA Fund for Advancement
of Education, include: Michelle Sharp,
resident counselor; Dalia Bach, choral
director: Margaret Park, physics teacher;
John Stark, foreign language teacher;
Jean Bigger, technical services assistant;
Sue Eddins, Chuck Hamberg, George
Milauskas and Ron Vavrinek, mathe-
matics teachers: Deb McGrath and
Cheryl McGuirk, social workers; and
Skip Mosshamer, team leader of
computer and network systems. This
program enables Academy employees to
develop and implement creative ideas
that support IMSA's mission.
On Nov. 15. the Chicago Tribune report-
ed that members of IMSA's Class of 1993
led the nation with an average American
College Test exam score of 30.6.
Social science teacher Hilary Rosenthal
and Center for Problem-Based Learning
Director William Stepien received The
1992 Paper of the Year Award from the
Gifted Child Quarterly for their article
The Effects of Problem-Based Learning.
They co-authored the article with Dr.
Shelagh Gallagher, assistant director for
measurement in the longitudinal study of
American youth at the Chicago Academy
of Sciences.
Thirty-two IMSA students and seven
staff members raised $ 1 500 by participat-
ing in AIDS Walk Chicago. The event,
held Sept. 5. raised nearly one million
dollars for various Chicago AIDS chanties.
Scott Pfister, '89, Cornell University,
received a full one-year scholarship from
the Japanese government to study at
Kanazawa University in Japan. He will
complete the last year of a five-year
program there, majoring in computer
science engineering and Asian studies.
David Wochner, "92. Georgetown
University, was awarded an internship at
the Middle East Institute, a nonprofit
organization which promotes knowledge
and understanding about the Middle East
through conference, lectures, etc. He is
working on a guide called Uncommon
Middle Eastern Languages and Dialects.
Terri Willard, '89. was one of only 18
"outstanding Americans" named a 1993-
94 Luce Scholar by the Henry Luce
Foundation. As a result, she will live,
work and study environmental science in
Silang. The Philippines, for one year. The
Luce Scholars Program was founded to
create Asia-aware professionals who will
assume leading roles in American society.
Gregory Draves, '91. New York
University, was elected public relations
director for Political Spectrum, a campus
club at New York University, and presi-
dent of the College Bowl team.
ASCD/IMSA
Consortium for
Interdisciplinary
Teaching and Learning
IMSA senior Amanda
Kracen greets members of
the ASCD/IMSA
Consortium during their
recent visit to the campus.
ASCD recently selected
15 schools nationwide,
including Alan B. Shephard
High School in Palos
Heights and Smith
Elementary School in
Aurora, for the Consortium.
IMSA also will offer multi-
ple partnership opportuni-
ties for other Illinois
educators interested in
advancing the practice
of integrative teaching and
learning.
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
Although we strive for accuracy, if you sec an error in your mailing label
please call the communications office at (708) 907-5033.
7a
ILLINOIS MATHEMATICS AND SCIENCE ACADEMY
r^llVIIjA ^ Pioneering Educational Community
Volume 8 No. 2 • Winter 1 W4
Maya Angelou Urges Students to Look for Heroes
and Sheroes in Their Families and Communities
By Catherine C. Veal
\^— imple yet profound were the words
V__ of a national treasure. Maya
Angelou. who on December 2. 1993,
issued a call to love and courage to
students, staff and guests at the Illinois
Mathematics and Science Academy.
Calling love "the condition which holds
the molecules together.. .and holds the stars
in the firmament," Angelou said, "if you
don't have love, you're not going to be
good mathematicians and good scientists."
Connecting love and courage to
heroism, Angelou spoke fondly of her
poor, uneducated, physically disabled
Uncle Willie, a black man who lived in
the segregated South in the early 1900s.
She told how he, despite the barriers
and the times, inspired her to learn, and
how years later she discovered that
others, including a state legislator and
a mayor, also credited her Uncle Willie
for their success.
•:l Maya Angelou inspi
SIDE
Uncle Willie was "a real hero." not a
pop idol. Angelou said, noting she is
troubled when young people today speak
Book Highlights IMSA .... ....3 of rock" sPorts or movie stars as their
heroes. "Don't look in the National
Chicago School Partnership 4 Enquirer or on MTV. ..look and find
Dateline, USA Weekend 3 heroes-sheroes in your family, your
__ , neighborhood and vour state, and for the
Prom the Executive Director 2 . .- ,-.- , , ,
rest of your lite you can lean back on
National Competitions 6 their legacies." she said.
New Donors 4 Angelou. one of the great voices of
contemporary literature, was at IMSA to
New Fund Board Members 4 give the third James R. Thompson
Pre-Admissions Minority Program 6 Leadership Lecture, an annual event
. named in honor of the former Governor
Principals Visit 8 0f Illinois. Previous years' speakers
Trailblazers 7 were Dr. Carl Sis in md Dr. Edward
fhope, lovi
Teller. This year's event was co-spon-
sored by the City of Aurora's Youth
Services Department.
In addition to IMSA students and staff,
lecture guests included students and
teachers from schools in Chicago. Aurora
and several other suburbs; major donors
to the IMSA Fund for Advancement of
Education; members and friends of the
Aurora Youth Services Department; and
local and state government officials.
An internationally acclaimed poet,
educator, author, historian, artist, actress.
producer and civil rights advocate,
Angelou captivated her audience of
(continued on back cover)
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
Director Emeritus
Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory
Pritzker Professor of Science
Illinois Institute of Technology
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
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
Cary Israel
Executive Director
Illinois Community College Board
Robert Leininger
State Superintendent
State Board of Education
John McEachern Jr.
President
Wayne Circuits Incorporated
Dr. David M
Prof
1 Mechanical Engineering,
Dr. Sally Pancrazio
Dean, College of Education
Illinois State 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
1MSA Institutional Advancement Office.
Editor
Catherine C. Veal
Writer
Brenda Buschbacher
From the
Executive
Director
Dear Members of the IMSA Community.
•— | — he new year is off to an exciting start at the Illinois Mathematics and Science
|_ Academy.
In January, the board of trustees approved IMSA's "new" strategic plan. The new
plan centers on the transformation of teaching and learning in mathematics and science
by developing ethical leaders who forge connections within and among mathematics,
science, the arts and the humanities. We now are redesigning the institution to enable
mutually supportive partnerships with schools and teachers throughout our state to
nourish. While in the past the Academy has served other schools, teachers and students
through initiatives such as IMPACT II and Summer 'AD'Ventures in Mathematics.
Science and Technology, the new strategic plan greatly strengthens our commitment in
this regard. In the process. IMSA's identity is changing-from that of a school to that of
an educational laboratory characterized by research, innovative teaching and service.
One example of IMSA's service to Illinois educators is the IMSA Math Journal.
This features creative, innovative problems by IMSA teachers and students, and guest
authors, that can be used by Illinois teachers to enhance their classroom and cocurricu-
lar activities. The latest edition of the journal recently was mailed to all public high
schools in Illinois. We are grateful to CNA Insurance Companies for producing this
publication.
Another way in which we are expanding our service to Illinois educators is in the
area of research and development. The recent attention to IMSA's calculus-based
physics/mechanics study by Dateline. USA Weekend. Chicago Tribune and others
(see article on page 3), demonstrates the promise of action research-research in
which IMSA, as an educational laboratory for the entire state, should engage.
The results of IMSA's study will be shared with other Illinois educators in the fall.
At this time, as we all look forward to spring. I would like to thank you for your
continuing support of the Academy, and invite you to join us as we begin an exciting
new era in IMSA's history-one dedicated to the transformation of teaching and
learning in mathematics and science.
Sincerel
f-tr^u^
^fi^W,
Stephanie Pace Marshall, Ph.D.
Executive Director
Dateline and USA Weekend Spotlight IMSA Study
^H* hose involved in IMSA's calculus-
|_ based physics/mechanics course
may not have antieipated nor expected
the national attention they would receive,
but national attention they got.
In February. IMSA was featured in USA
Weekend and on NBC-TV's Dateline in
reports on gender equity in education. The
reports centered on the work of David and
Myra Sadkers, professors of education at
American University, and authors of a
new book. Failing at Fairness: How
America 's Schools Cheat Girls.
The Feb. 4-6 USA Weekend, the nation-
wide weekend newspaper insert with
37.? million readers, cited IMSA in a
cover story by the Sadkers. Three IMSA
students — Deneb Bates of Aurora. Kara
Yokley of Chicago, and Eunice Lee of
Naperville — were pictured on the cover.
The Dateline report by anchorwoman
Jane Pauley aired Feb. 8. and featured
comments by science teacher Dr. David
Workman. '93 graduate Elizabeth Pine,
and IMSA senior Deneb Bates.
Dateline film crews were on campus
several days in January.
Both reports featured IMSA's calculus-
based physics/mechanics course, one
section of which was all girls for the fall
semester of the 1993-94 school year. The
all-girls section was part of the first phase
of a year-long study designed to learn
more about how student-teacher, student-
student, and student-content interaction
Seniors Deneb Bates (l)andRebi
with anchor J cine Pauley.
hen in. ami Dr. David Workman tour Dateline
affect learning. Three coed sections of
the same course also were offered. For
second semester (phase two of the study),
all sections of the course are coed.
Numerous Illinois media, including
the Chicago Tribune, also featured
IMSA's study.
The decision to initiate the calculus-
based physics/mechanics study was based
on several factors, including faculty and
staff members" desire to learn more about
how the teaching and learning environment
at IMSA both support and inhibits girls; a
belief that the Aeademv's mission to
transform teaching and learning in
mathematics and science cannot be met
without tackling gender issues head-on;
and a belief that the study will inform
the Academy's efforts to provide the
most appropriate learning environment
for all students — both girls and bo) s —
in the future.
To protect the integrity of the study.
which is still in progress, the Academy
will not report results at this time. The
Academy will analyze the data from the
study during the summer and will publish
results in the fall.
IMSA Featured in New Book; Graduate on Cover
When New York Times education writer Joseph Berger published his new book, it was no surprise to find IMSA featured in
the chapter entitled ""Different Strokes."
The Young Scientists: America's Future and the Winning ofWestinghou.se. copyright 1994. includes a chapter about IMSA
and several other member schools of the National Consortium for Specialized Secondary Schools of Mathematics, Science and
Technology (NCSSSMST).
Nobel Laureate Dr. Leon Lederman, vice president of the IMSA board of trustees, wrote the book's foreword and was quoted
throughout. In chapter seven. Lederman spoke fondly of the Academy using his usual flair for humor. "You're nurturing the
Fort Knox of the country, the most precious thing we have." he said. "One of them is going to cure senility and I need it fast."
In addition to a chapter on IMSA. 1993 graduate Elizabeth Pine is pictured on the cover and is profiled along with 1989
graduate Rowan Lockwood. The book also pays tribute to Executive Director Dr. Stephanie Pace Marshall for her unconven-
tional thinking, creative leadership of IMSA and role in founding the NCSSSMST. Dr. Ronald Pine. IMSA's resident scientist,
also is mentioned in the book.
IMSA FUND BOARD OF DIRECTORS
President
Vice President
James R. Thompson
D. Chet McKee
Chairman
President and
Winston & Strawn
Chief Executive Officer
Copley Memorial Hospital
Executive Vice
President
Secretary /Treasurer
Donald E. Nordlund
PaulJ.O'Hollaren
Retired Chairman and
Chairman of the Executive
Chief Executive Officer
Committee
Staley Continental, Inc.
Moose International
Directors
Linda Anderson*
Dr. Leon M. Lederman.
Civic Leader
Nobel Laureate
Director Emeritus
Roger E. Anderson*
Fermi National
Retired Chairman and
Accelerator Laboratory
Chief Executive Officer
Pritzker Professor of
Continental Bank of
Science
Chicago
Illinois Institute of
Technology
G. Carl Ball
Chairman of the Board
Steven H. Lesnik
George J. Ball, Inc.
Chief Executive Officer
Kemper Lesnik
Marjorie Craig Benton
Organization
President
Chapin Hall Center for
Gordon R. Lohman
Children
President and Chief
University of Chicago
Executive Officer
Amsted Industries, Inc.
Michael J. Birck
President
Robert Malott
Telhibs. Inc.
Chairman of the Executive
Committee
Richard H. Brown
FMC Corporation
Vice Chairman
Ameritech Corporation
Timothy MeCormick
Vice President
Willard Bunn III
Farmer's State Bank of
Chairman and Chief
Emden
Executive Officer
Banc One Illinois
James D. Pearson
Corporation
President
Aurora Industries
Dr. Floyd English
President and Chief
James T. Schaefer
Executive Officer
Real Estate Consultant
Andrew Corporation
Susan S. Schanlaber
Dr. Philip Francis
Chairman of the Board
Vice President
and President
Square D Company
Aurora National Bank
Clifford L. Greenwalt
Harry C. Stonecipher
President and Chief
Chairman, President and
Executive Officer
Chief Executive Officer
Central Illinois Public
Sundstrand Coiporation
Service Company
Richard Wellek
Leon Jackson
President and Chief
President
Executive Officer
Multi-Fac Corporation
Varlen Corporation
John E. Jones
William J. White
Chairman of the Board,
President. Chairman and
President and Chief
Chief Executive Officer
Executive Officer
Bell & Howell Company
CB1 Industries
Director of Institutional Advancement
Ted Parge
■Honorary Members
IMSA Fund Elects
New Board Members
Welcomes New Corporate/Foundation Donors
he board of direc-
tors of the Illinois
Mathematics and Science
Academy Fund for
Advancement of
Education recently elected
three new board members:
Dr. Philip Francis, vice
president of Square D
Company in Palatine:
Robert Malott. chairman
of the executive commit-
tee of FMC Coiporation
in Chicago: and Timothy
MeCormick, vice-
president of the Fanner's
State Bank of Emden.
They began their three-
year terms Dec. 15, 1993.
The IMSA Fund welcomes the following first-time corporate and foundation donors
of $500 or more (July 30. 1993-January 30, 1994) to the Partners for Educational
Distinction in Illinois:
• CNA Insurance Companies • State Farm Insurance
• Eastman Kodak Company • WMX Environmental Monitoring
• Goldman. Sachs & Company Labs Inc.
• Kemper Coiporation • William Blair & Company
• Oil - Dri Coiporation of America • Woodward Governor Company
Ameritech Supports IMSA-Walter
Dyett Middle School Partnership
Joan Harris, president of the Harris Foundation, William White,
president of Bell & Howell Company, and Jane White visit during
a reception following the James R. Thompson Leadership Lecture.
Through the magic of video tele-
conferencing, middle school
students from inner-city Chicago are
learning physics alongside IMSA
students without having to leave the city.
Walter H. Dyett Middle School in
Chicago recently obtained a video telecon-
ferencing unit in one of its classrooms
connecting the school to IMSA students
and teachers for one year. The connection
was made possible through a $300,000
grant from Ameritech.
During this pilot experiment, IMSA
teachers and students are interacting
with Dyett students on physics projects
several times each month. IMSA junior
Eunice Lee of Naperville. who is inter-
ested in pursuing a career in education,
serves as an on-line tutor as part of her
mentorship experience at IMSA.
Dyett science teacher Daucenia Hunter
said the project provides a unique learn-
ing experience for students. "It gives
them a chance to see things they may not
get a chance to see, to interact with
people they may not normally meet, to
mentorship." she said (Chicago Tribune).
1
•^
-\i-'
* Jfc 1
n
M
Ted Purge greets Maya Angelou upon her arrival at IMSA.
Jocelyn Logan and Ms. Angelou get bettei
acquainted following her lecture.
Ms. Angelou takes time to chat with students
Fred Rodger.', oj the Aurora Youth Services Department shares his thoughts on the
lecture with Dr. Marshall.
mm
Platform Party Members: (left to right): Aurora Mayor David Pierce: Executive Director Dr. Stephanie Pace Marshall:
Poet Maya Angelou: Joan Harris, president of the Harris Foundation: Student Council President Jocelyn Logan: and
Ted Paige, director of institutional advancement.
IMSA Students Win National Competitions
W he construction of a mechanical
dinosaur and overall knowledge
led IMSA students to first place in two
recent national competitions.
IMSA sophomore Angela Chiu of
Edwardsville won first place and a
personal computer in the Advanced
Engineer division of the national 1993
Great ERECTOR Construction Contest,
sponsored by Meccano. Inc. The contest,
the first in 30 years, marked the 80th
anniversary of the toy.
Her project, a "mechanical dinosaur on
wheels," took about six hours to build in
the Grainger Inventors' Workshop at
IMSA. The workshop was funded by a
grant of $325,000 from The Grainger
Foundation of Skokie.
Junior Charles Rayburn of Dolton took
5th place for the construction of a carni-
val ride car and sophomore David Buck
of Normal took 9th place for the
construction of a three-wheeler. The
purpose of the ERECTOR Construction
Contest is to develop new and original
models of objects made only with parts
IMSA 's Scholastic B
competition.
hed first in the nation in the Knowledge Master Open
included in the sets.
A team of 15 IMSA students finished
first in Illinois and the nation in the
Dec. 8, 1993, Knowledge Master Open
competition. A total of 58 Illinois schools
and 1.576 schools nationally participated
in this year's event.
The Knowledge Master Open, sponsored
by Academic Hallmarks in Durango.
Colorado, is conducted on Macintosh.
Apple II and IBM computers. The test
covers 15 curriculum areas, and students
are scored on the basis of accuracy and
speed in answering 200 multiple choice
questions. Team sponsors were resident
counselors Bill Berens and Pam Waller.
Pre-Admissions Program Expands Beyond Chicago
To Include Fox Valley Minority Students
A total of 63 Chicago and Fox
Valley ninth graders conducted
wellness assessments and family history
surveys, and learned the fiscal operations
of a town council as part of the IMSA's
1993-94 Early Involvement Program (EIP).
In its fifth year, the program is designed
primarily to help increase the number and
competitiveness of black, Hispanic and
economically disadvantaged students who
apply to IMSA. The program is supported
by grants from the Albert Pick Jr. Fund.
Polk Brothers Foundation and the Alfred
P. Sloan Foundation.
In the past, EIP only served students
from Chicago. This year, Aurora, Elgin
and Joliet students also participated.
Held at Loyola University- Water
Tower Campus and IMSA, the Saturday
sessions (October - February) included
"hands-on" and group problem-solving
activities as well as some preparation for
the Scholastic Aptitude Test. Students
developed research, decision-making and
self-motivation skills while studying
geometry concepts, wellness and
American history, and graphing and
charting data on a computer. In addition
to the Saturday sessions, students attend-
ed an all-day retreat at IMSA Dec. 4.
The sessions were led by IMSA
teachers Vern Strong, mathematics;
Mike Fraga. social science; Soon-Heng
Lim, English; Ed Moyer. physics; and
Barbara Baber, wellness; and public
school teachers Ed Caster (Dunn
Elementary School-Chicago). Bethenia
Salinas (Gompers Junior High School-
Joliet), and Ira Lathan (West Aurora
High School).
IMSA EIP is one of several programs
designed to encourage minority students
who are interested in mathematics and
science. Other programs include IMSA
Challenge. IMSA Sloan Challenge and
Project School Visit. This year, for the
first time, IMSA also held two recruit-
ment weekends in February for 48 minor-
ity students from Springfield and
Rockford. Contacts were made through
the University of Illinois Principal's
Scholars Program.
Elissa Laird, pre-admissions counselor,
said these programs demonstrate IMSA's
commitment to diversity and equity. "We
believe it is critical for IMSA to play a
leadership role in identifying and encour-
aging talented minority students, particu-
larly those from underrepresented racial
groups." she said.
T R A I L B L A Z E R S
State and National
Leadership
Dr. Stephanie Pace Marshall,
executive director, served as
"'Distinguished Lecturer" at the annual
conference of the American Association
of School Administrators (A ASA)
Feb. 12 in San Francisco. CA. She spoke
on Understanding the Vision. Meaning
and Language of Educational
Transformation.
Dr. Marcelline Barron, director for
integrative teaching and learning initia-
tives. Dr. Michael Palmisano, director
for research and design, and Linda Torp,
curriculum/action research specialist,
presented Integrative Learning System:
Building Understanding Through
Interconnections at the Second Annual
National Conference on Curriculum
Integration in Scottsdale. AZ. Jan. 13-16.
Physics teachers Ed Mover and
Patrick LaMaster, social science teacher
Dr. Jim Victory, audio-visual technician
Brian Thornburg. director of statewide
collaborative partnerships Michele
Micetich and Dr. David Barr. director
of information and communication
systems, presented a program on four
integrated technology labs featured in the
"1st Annual Taste of Technology"
sponsored by the Illinois Association
of School Business Officials.
Bernard Hollister. social science
teacher, presented two sessions at the
Seventh Annual Council for American
Studies Education (CASE) Conference
Feb. 25 at The Newberry Library in
Chicago. Doing It By the Numbers and
// You Care Enough to Send the Very
Best: Thinking Logs in the Social Studies.
William J. Stepien. director of the
Center for Problem-Based Learning,
science teacher Dr. David Workman.
and Dr. Shelagh Gallagher of the
Chicago Academy of Sciences co-
authored Problem-Based Learning for
Traditional and Interdisciplinary
Classrooms in the Journal for the
Education of the Gifted, vol. 16. no. 4.
Dr. Raymond Dagenais, curriculum/
action research specialist, wrote
Professional Development of Teachers
and Administrators: Yesterday, Today
and Tomorrow. The Views of Robert H.
Anderson, for the winter issue of Kappa
Delta Pi Record, a publication of the
international honor society in education.
Student and Staff
Achievements
The IMS A Pep Band was one of only
two bands in the state selected to perform
during the Illinois High School Association
State Final AA Boys Basketball
Tournament. The band will perform Mar.
18. This is the first time IMSA has been
invited to play during the event.
An essay by senior Gregory Oleksy of
Chicago. The Reversal of the Chicago
River, was published in the Spring 1994
edition of The Concord Review.
Junior Sam Vagan of Bourbonnais
was one of 340 students nationwide
chosen to attend the National Young
Leaders Conference Oct. 26-31 in
Washington. D.C.
lMSA"s Dance Squad (see photo)
qualified for the Super Sectionals May 5
at William Fremd High School in
Palatine after receiving a "Superior"
rating at the Plainfield Invitational
Jan. 22. The team also won first place
at the Rockford Lutheran Invitational
competition
Feb. 5. Team
sponsors are
admissions
office secre-
taries Phyllis
Chesnut and
Re nee
Krienitz.
Dr. Marcelline Barron, director for
integrative teaching and learning initia-
tives, was invited to perform in Ft.
Meyers Beach, FL, Dec. 22-26. Barron,
a baroque contralto, sang selections from
Handel's Messiah. Bach's Christmas
Oratorio and other classical pieces for
the holiday season.
Sophomore cellist Jason Wang of St.
Charles received an honorable mention at
the Fox Valley Symphony's 20th Annual
Young Artists Competition Jan. 22 at
Aurora University.
Alumni Achievements
Bryan Dunne. '91. Rice University,
was one of 12 students nationwide select-
ed to participate in a program sponsored
by the federal government laboratories.
He will serve as a research assistant at
Los Alamos National Laboratory in
California in the fall of 1994.
Terri Willard. '89. was one of only
32 students nationwide selected to
receive the Rhodes Scholarship this year.
The scholarship, named for British
philanthropist and colonial pioneer Cecil
Rhodes, provides two years of study at
the University of Oxford in England.
G. Allen Mayer. '90, has accepted a
position as legislative aide to Illinois State
Rep. Laurel Lunt Prussing (D-Urbana).
Angelou Urges Students
(continued from page 1)
1,600 with song, poetry and a powerful
message of opportunity and hope. In
conclusion, she urged students to "dedi-
cate yourself to the most noble cause of
all, the liberation of the human mind and
spirit, beginning with my own."
For years, Angelou has been in great
demand on the lecture circuit, never more
so than in 1993 following her stirring
rendition of the inaugural poem. "On the
Pulse of Morning." when President
Clinton took office.
Lecture guests, who knew they were
in the presence of a literary giant and
remarkable human being, gave Angelou
three standing ovations.
Dietra Gibson, a junior at Waubonsie
Valley High School in Aurora, came to
the lecture as a member of a new multi-
cultural club at her school. "I'm very
family-oriented and I think her saying
that more people need to look for heroes
in their families is good advice,"
Gibson said.
IMSA senior Philip Huang of
Arlington Heights said he was surprised
by Angelou's effective speaking skills.
"I expected her to move people, but I
didn't quite know the effect that she
had." Huang said. "It was a lot more
than what I expected."
Following Angelou's performance,
IMSA Executive Director Dr. Stephanie
Pace Marshall presented her a commemo-
rative portfolio containing IMSA
students' reactions to Angelou's life,
work and writings.
Dr. LuAnn Smith, director of admissions, and Naperville North High School Principal Dr.
Bruce Cameron exchange ideas at a forum for Chicago area high school administrators.
The forum. "Let's Talk Curricular Improvement & Collaborative Partnerships. " attracted
administrators from 65 schools to IMSA in November.
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
Although we strive for accuracy, if you see an error in your mailing label
please call the institutional advancement office at (708) 907-5033.
ILLINOIS MATHEMATICS AND SCIENCE ACADEMY
r1-^ IIVI^A ^ Pioneering Educational Community
Volume 8 No. 3 • Spring 1994
Students Fulfill Disney Dream for Six-Year-Old
Leukemia Patient
^^P his spring. IMSA students
|_ "finessed" their way to a $5,000
grand prize in the 4th Annual Create
Your Dream Prom Contest sponsored by
YM (Young and Modern) magazine and
Finesse hair care products. They then
decided to donate half of the grand prize
to the Make-A-Wish Foundation of
Northern Illinois.
The foundation fulfills the wishes of
children who suffer from life-threatening
illnesses. IMSA's donation enabled
six-year-old Brittany Peluso of Naperville
to travel to Disney World in Florida
May 7-12. Brittany, who suffers from
leukemia, traveled with sisters Natalie
and Gina and her parents. Ken and
Debbie Peluso. The family also attended
a party at IMSA on May 4.
In the nationwide contest. IMSA prom
committee members were asked to
write an essay describing "what you
would do to make your school's prom the
most amazing night of your life." Their
essay, selected for its innovation and
creativity, described a prom night held at
SIDE
Brittany Peluso h
person. Brittany
following IMSA s,
ibbles over with joy at the thought of meeting Mickey and Minnie Mouse in
vas able to travel to Disney World with her family (mom Debbie pictured)
niors' $2500 donation to the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
From the Executive Director.... FAO Schwartz toy store m Cnicag0
Horwitz Lecture on Ethics 4 with underprivileged children as guests:
, , , ■ ^ , As we begin our journey as adults, we
Integrative Humanities Course 6 , ,,",.,,
do not want to neglect the cherished
New IMSA Fund Board Member 4 lessons ofouryouth. Those who hove been
Redbook Award S less fortunate must not be forgotten, and
we hope that some of these children will be
Statewide Partnership Initiatives 5 Me tl)jom ,„ „, ourmoment 0f magic.
Strategic Plan Update 3 IMSA's entry was written by
Josephine Auns of South Barrington,
Teacher Recognition Day 8 „ . , T, . cn ,, XT ,
J Rajesh Keswani ot Roselle. Naresh
Trailblazers 6. 7 Kilaru of Juliet and Chulee Santilukka
of Red Bud.
Hssa\s were judged by a panel
comprised of YM's advertising and
promotion department.
Students on the committee said they
were happy to share their good fortunes
with someone less fortunate.
"We wanted to be able to help some-
one in our own backyard." Aung said.
Santilukka agreed, adding, "it allowed us
to be able to meet Brittany and establish
a personal relationship with her."
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
Director Emeritus
Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory
Pritzker Professor of Science
Illinois Institute of Technology
Trustees
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
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
Cary Israel
Executive Director
Illinois Community College Board
John McEachem Jr.
President
Wayne Circuits Incorporated
Dr. David Mintzer
Professor of Mechanical Engineering,
Physics and Astronomy
Northwestern University
Dr. Sally Pancrazio
Dean. College of Education
Illinois State 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 Institutional Advancement Office.
Editor
Catherine C. Veal
Writer
Brenda Buschbacher
From the
Executive
Director
Dear Members of the IMSA Community.
(^— pring is always an eventful time of year at the Illinois Mathematics and Science
V ., Academy, and this year is no exception.
Recently, the Academy initiated long-term, mutually supportive partnerships with
49 Illinois schools. These represent the Academy's expanding work with other
educators in our state on issues related to the transformation of teaching and learning in
mathematics and science. The new partnerships supplement other statewide program
initiatives already under way (for example, the IMPACT II teachers network. Summer
'AD'Ventures in Mathematics, Science and Technology, and the IMSA Math Journal).
Internally, we are looking forward to the graduation of our sixth senior class, the
Class of 1994, and are delighted that Governor Jim Edgar will be our commencement
speaker. The Class of 1994 has distinguished itself in many ways, and we will miss
their leadership and commitment. Of special note is their recent decision to donate half
of their grand prize prom money to the Make-A-Wish Foundation to enable an ill child
and her family to go to Disney World. As proud as we are of our students' many
achievements, this particular one may say the most about their character and compas-
sion, and I for one am heartened by their decision.
I am also extremely pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Gregory Sinner as
IMSA's new principal. Dr. Sinner, who currently serves as principal of New Challenge
School in Port Charlotte, Florida, has enjoyed a distinguished 22-year career in
education as a principal, assistant principal, and science and math teacher. Dr. Sinner
received his B.S. in pharmacy from the University of Minnesota. M.S. in education
from Antioch College and Ph.D. in molecular biology from Dartmouth College.
We look forward to his arrival on July 1. At the same time, I also want to acknowledge
the service of Mr. Harold Burshtan, former principal of Wheaton North High School,
who came out of retirement to serve as our interim principal through April 1 . We are
grateful for his many contributions and wish him all the best as he re-retires!
V^J
Stephanie Pace Marshall. Ph.D.
Executive Director
Organizational Redesign Anchors IMSA's
Future and "New" Strategic Plan
/ ^>— uided by a bold commitment to
V ,,_ transform mathematics and
science teaching and learning through
interconnections, IMSA's recently-
approved "'new'" strategic plan calls for
expanded attention to statewide partner-
ship initiatives. In order to leverage
resources for the future, and continue
transforming its identity from that of
"school" to that of "educational laborato-
ry/resource for the entire state," the
Academy needed to radically redesign
its organizational structure.
Some changes already have been made,
and others are coming. What will the new-
organization look like? Gone is the tradi-
tional, hierarchical, linear organizational
chart. Instead, the emerging structure
looks like a kaleidoscope and features
five flexible, dynamic, interdependent
systems. The systems, classified as either
"driving" or "enabling." include:
• Teaching and Learning System
("driving" system)
• System for Partnership Initiatives
("driving" system-see story on page 5)
• Institutional Advancement System
("enabling" system)
• Integrative Information and Technology
Support System ("enabling" system)
• Strategic Leadership and Infrastructure
Support System ("enabling" system)
"In the context of organizational
redesign, although strategic initiatives are
guided primarily by the work of one
system, they are informed and often
collaboratively led by those in another
system," said Executive Director Dr.
Stephanie Pace Marshall. "Our intent is
to expand our creative capacity by
connecting people and ideas in fluid
structures rather than isolating them in
hierarchical ones."
The entire strategic plan is designed to
enable the Academy to move forward
towards accomplishing its objectives
which are:
• There will be a generally accepted
paradigm for teaching and learning
mathematics and science that embodies
interconnections as the basis for
understanding.
• The achievement of Illinois students in
mathematics and science will be defined
and assessed by a new system of
indicators.
• Materials and methods inspired or
developed by IMSA and its partners
will be so good that they will be the
choice of Illinois educators for the
foundation of their mathematics and
science programs.
The Academy's initial strategic plan
was designed in 1989. Since then, it was
modified in 1992 and again in 1993
following annual review sessions. This
year, the Academy embraced a new
mission, which serves as the nucleus of
the strategic plan:
The mission of the Illinois Mathematics
and Science Academy, a pioneering
educational community, is to transform
mathematics and science teaching and
learning by developing ethical leaders
who know the joy of discovering and
forging connections within and among
mathematics, science, the arts, and the
humanities by means of an exemplary
laboratory environment characterized by
research, innovative teaching, and service.
IMSA As A Kaleidoscopic Enterprise
v Strategic
Leadership
and Infrastructure
Support System
Integrative **
Information and
Technology
Support System
Institutional
Advancement
System
Transformation Through Connections
IMSA FUND BOARD OF DIRECTORS
President
Vice President
James R. Thompson
D. Chet McKee
Chairman
President and
Winston & Strawn
Chief Executive Officer
Copley Memorial Hospital
Executive Vice
President
Secretary/Treasurer
Donald E. Nordlund
Paul J. CTHollaren
Retired Chairman and
Chairman of the Executive
Chief Executive Officer
Committee
Staley Continental, Inc.
Moose International
Directors
Linda Anderson*
Steven H. Lesnik
Civic Leader
Chief Executive Officer
Kemper Lesnik
Roger E. Anderson*
Organization
Retired Chairman and
Chief Executive Officer
Gordon R. Lohman
Continental Bank of
President and Chief
Chicago
Executive Officer
Amsted Industries, Inc.
G.Carl Ball
Chairman of the Board
Robert Malott
George J. Ball. Inc.
Chairman of the Executive
Committee
Michael J. Birck
FMC Corporation
President
Tellabs. Inc.
Timothy McCormick
Vice President
Willard Bunn III
Farmer's State Bank of
Chairman and Chief
Emden
Executive Officer
Banc One Illinois
James D. Pearson
Corporation
President
Aurora Industries
Dr. Floyd English
President and Chief
James T. Schaefer
Executive Officer
Real Estate Consultant
Andrew Corporation
Susan S. Schanlaber
Dr Philip Francis
Chairman of the Board
Vice President
and President
Square D Company
Aurora National Bank
Clifford L. Greenwalt
Harry C. Stonecipher
President and Chief
Chairman, President and
Executive Officer
Chief Executive Officer
Central Illinois Public
Sundstrand Corporation
Service Company
Richard Wellek
Leon Jackson
President and Chief
President
Executive Officer
Multi-Fac Corporation
Varlen Corporation
John E. Jones
William J. White
Chairman of the Board,
President, Chairman and
President and Chief
Chief Executive Officer
Executive Officer
Bell & Howell Company
CBI Industries
Dr. Leon M. Lederman
Douglas Whitley
President
Ameritech Illinois
Nobel Laureate
Director Emeritus
Fermi National
Accelerator Laboratory
Pritzker Professor of
Science
Illinois Institute of
Technology
Director of Institutional Advancement
Ted Parge
•Honorary Members
IMSA Fund Welcomes
New Board Member
louglas Whitley,
president of
Ameritech Illinois,
recently was named a
new board member to the
Illinois Mathematics and
Science Academy Fund
for Advancement of
Education.
Prior to working for
Ameritech Illinois.
Whitley served two years
as director of the Illinois
Department of Revenue
under Governor Jim
Edgar and 1 3 years as
president of the
Taxpayers' Federation of
Illinois. In addition, he
has served as a political
commentator for Illinois
Public Radio and a columnist for
Crain 's Chicago Business.
His many memberships include the
Illinois Distance Learnin" Foundation,
William Weiss (right), retired chairman of the hoard of
Ameritech Corporation, and physics teacher Patrick LaMaster
discuss IMSA's telecommunications technology. Weiss visited
IMSA March 3 and presented a seminar on the reinvention and
transformation of Ameritech.
Illinois Business Roundtable and Chicago
Central Area Committee.
Whitley, a central Illinois native, is a
resident of Batavia.
Dr. Laurel Burton
presented Leadership:
The Role of Personal
Values in Health Care
Ethics timing the third
annual Richard L.
Horwitz Lecture on
Ethics held at IMSA
April 28. Burton is
associate vice president
for values and human
resources at Rush-
Preshyteriun-St. Luke 's
Medical Center in
Chicago.
IMSA and Illinois Schools Partner for Progress
L- 1 — he Illinois Mathematics and
H Science Academy and 49 elemen-
tary and secondary schools across the
state are joining forces in a bold experi-
ment to advance mathematics and science
teaching and learning.
Through its new System for Partnership
Initiatives, IMSA has initiated 49
'"mutually supportive, school-based
partnerships" (see box). The themes of
the new partnerships were determined by
a market study and focus group research
involving educators throughout the state.
In March and April, planning meetings
were held to determine the outcomes,
activities and expectations for each of the
six partnerships. The ends of each is the
same — transformation of mathematics
and science teaching and learning. The
means by which this transformation will
occur is grounded in "connections within
and among mathematics, science, the arts
and the humanities."
Schools participating in the first group
of partnerships were chosen based on
their previous participation in IMSA's
external programs.
Partnership Initiatives
Integrative Approaches to
Pre-Calculus Mathematics
New IMSA Partnerships
Partners
Belleville Township H.S.
Breman Community H.S. District '.
Bowen H.S., Chicago
Champaign Central H.S.
Crete-Monee H.S.
Foreman H.S., Chicago
Lake Park H.S., Roselle
28, Midlothian Maine West H.S.. DesPlaines
Proviso West H.S.. Hillside
Quincy Senior H.S.
Robinson H.S.
Tampico H.S.
Interdisciplinary Learning
Experiences Involving
Mathematics, Science and
Technology
Addison Trail H.S.
Arlington Heights S.D. #25
Barrington H.S.
Batavia H.S.
Benjamin Middle School, West Chicago
Charleston Junior H.S.
Coultrap Middle School. Geneva
Elgin U-46 (K-12)
Elmwood Park Comm. Unit S.D. #401
Joliet Central H.S.
Larkin H.S.. Elain
Lemont H.S.
Lyons Township H.S.. LaGrange
Morrison H.S.
Morton West H.S., Berwyn
Oak Lawn Community H.S.
Proviso West H.S., Hillside
Walter R. Sundling Junior H.S., Palatine
Riverside-Brookfield H.S.. Riverside
Wheaton North H.S.
Willowbrook H.S., Villa Park
Problem-Based Learning
Applications in Mathematics
and Science
Authentic Assessment in
Mathematics and Science
Aurora East S.D. #131
Glenview C.C.S.D. #34 (K-12)
Harper H.S., Chicago
John Hersey H.S., Arlington Hts
Evanston Township H.S.
Glenview C.C.S.D. #34 (K-12)
Lake Park H.S.. Roselle
St. Charles H.S.
North Shore Country Day School. Winnetka
Palisades Middle School, Burr Ridge
Warren Township H.S., Gurnee
Wheeling Elementary S.D. #21
Integrated Science
Gender Issues in Mathematics
and Science Education
Addison Trail H.S.
Cary-Grove H.S.. Cary
Glenbard East H.S., Lombard
Mt. Vernon City S.D. #80
North Shore Country Day School. Winnetka
YorkvilleC.U.D. #115
T R A I L B L A Z E R S
State, National and World
Leadership
Executive Director Dr. Stephanie Pace
Marshall attended the Governor's Summit
on Technology April 19. The statewide
steering committee on which she served
will make recommendations to the gover-
nor on technology planning for education
in Illinois. Dr. David Barr. director of
information and communication systems,
is serving on the working committee for
technology and infrastructure.
Dr. Michael Palmisano. director for
research and design, and Dr. Marcelline
Barron, director for integrative teaching
and learning initiatives, presented several
workshops at the 1994 Educators'
Conference of the Japan Association for
Supervision and Curriculum
Development Apr. 23-25 in Tokyo.
Russian teacher Julia Husen and
Barrington High School Russian teacher
Laura Hagist co-presented Student-
Centered Russian I High School
Curriculum at the Central States
Conference of Foreign Languages
April 21-24 in Kansas City. MO.
German teacher John Stark recently
was elected to the executive council of
the American Association of Teachers of
German (AATG). He will represent the
Midwest region which includes Illinois
and nine other states.
Sue Eddins, mathematics teacher, co-
authored "Geometric Transformations -
Part I" and "Geometric Transformations -
Part II" in the March and April issues of
The Mathematics Teacher (the journal of
the National Council of Teachers of
Mathematics).
Mathematics teacher Charles Hamberg
presented Patterning, Discovering and
Connecting Produces Better Problem
Solvers to high school and middle school
math teachers at the National Council of
Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM)
Regional Conference in March in
Bismark. ND.
(continued on next page)
Students Examine History through
the Study of Literary Documents
By Tina Yee, Student Writer
'— I — his is the second in a two-part
■ series reporting on innovative
courses initiated for sophomores this
year. Both used the IMSA Integrative
Learning System (ILS) as a framework
for curriculum development. The system
is designed to foster the development of
integrative thinkers who see connections
within and among disciplines instead of
subject-area knowledge in isolation.
Instead of memorizing history through
timelines in traditional textbooks. IMSA
students are re-living history through
literature and creating their own interpre-
tations of the past.
This year. 39 IMSA sophomores are
making history themselves as the first
participants in an integrative humanities
pilot course which combines Sophomore
English and American Studies (tradition-
ally taught as two separate courses).
"In history books, for the most part, the
historian provides the interpretation."
said Soon-Heng Lim. one of the course's
teachers. In this course, to draw their own
interpretation of a period in history.
IMSA students research literary docu-
ments to see how people from the past
dealt with issues as they happened.
For example, the class analyzed the
foundations of the United States as
expressed in Puritan literature. Poetry
and journal entries of prominent colonial
figures like John Winthrop provided
students with a new view of the birth
of a nation.
"We were seeing what John Winthrop
was writing. ..while actually studying
what happened from an objective view-
point and seeing how the accounts
differed." student Jennifer Peterson said.
"Through literature we have been able to
view history, and through history, we've
seen literature," said another student,
Kristin Powell. "It helped me come to a
more complete understanding of the litera-
ture," added classmate Adam Gibson.
Dr. Marcelline Barron, director for inte-
grative teaching and learning initatives.
said the class also is designed to identify
unexamined cultural, historical, and
personal assumptions and misconceptions.
To examine misperceptions. for exam-
ple, students studied indigenous societies
in pre-Columbian North America from
two perspectives. While studying history,
students discovered Native American
world views, origins, and experiences.
While studying English, however, they
examined native myths and oral traditions.
In addition, the study of indigenous
peoples also provided opportunities for
students to explore their own views and
identities. "They discovered how their
specific race, class and gender back-
grounds influenced their views of the
past," teacher Mike Fraga said. "We are
responding to the traditional version of
history by ...underscoring race, class, and
gender ...[and] showing issues addressed
by women and others in the past,"
Lim added.
TRALBLAZERS
Biology teacher John Thompson
and six ecology students present-
ed their research on heavers and
wolves at a general meeting of
the Lake County Audubon
Soviet}- March 7 in Lihertyville.
(John Thompson )
Social science teacher Hilary
Rosenthal gave two panel presentations
at the First Midwest Institute for
Teachers of Psychology Mar. 4-5 at the
College of DuPage in Glen Ellyn, IL
{High School Psychology:
It's Tougher Than You Think and
Advising Students From High School to
Graduate School).
Mathematics teacher George
Milauskas presented Spreadsheets to
Enhance the Underpinnings of Algebra
and Algebra and Geometry Enhance
Each Other - Through Interconnections
and Problem Solving at the annual spring
conference of the Wisconsin
Mathematics Council Apr. 28-30 in
Greenlake. WI. Mathematics teacher
Rich Kick presented Using Computer
Simulation to Stimulate Mathematical
Investigations.
Student and Staff
Achievements
Six students-Christopher Jeris and
Francis Kim of Naperville, Venkatesh
Natarajan of Inverness. Nicholas
Rogers of Belleville. Neil Rubin of
Libertyville and Stephen Wang of St.
Charles were among the 146 nationally
who qualified to take the USA
Mathematical Olympiad (USAMO) exam
which determined the U.S. team for
international competition. Wang is one
of six students in the nation named to
the U.S. team. He will compete in the
International Mathematical Olympiad in
Hong Kong. July 8-20.
IMSA students received a perfect team
score on the American High School
Mathematics Exam and had the highest
number of students in the nation to achieve
national honor and merit roll status.
Senior Eva Schillace of St. Charles
captured first place in the statewide
annual Competition of Spoken Russian
sponsored by the American Council of
Teachers of Russian. As a result, she
won an all-expense paid four-week trip to
Russia in July.
Sixteen IMSA students presented their
research at the Eighth National
Conference on Undergraduate Research
April 14-16 at Western Michigan
University. For the third year. IMSA
was the only high school in the country
invited to participate in the conference.
Junior Gina Song of Peoria won first
place in the '"Books Change Lives"
contest sponsored by the Illinois Center
for the Book and Weekly Reader
Corporation's Read Magazine.
Junior Michele Casey of Wheaton was
one of only 75 high school students
nationwide to receive a 1994 Younger
Scholars award sponsored by the
National Endowment for the Humanities.
The award will support nine weeks of
full-time research this summer at North
Park College in Chicago.
Fourteen IMSA seniors are among
2.600 nationwide named as semifinalists
in the 1994 Presidential Scholars Program.
Senior Elise Sivilay of Elgin received
the overall physical fitness award and
was third runner-up in the 1994 Illinois
Junior Miss Scholarship Program.
IMSA's student literary magazine
Heliotrope received an excellent rating
for its "extremely high quality of writ-
ing" in the 1993 Program to Recognize
Excellence in Student Literary
Magazines, sponsored by the National
Council of Teachers of English.
Alumni Achievements
Kelly Cahill. '89. Vanderbilt
University law school, was one of three
students profiled in the fall issue of The
Vanderbilt Lawyer as a John Wade Scholar.
Mathevv Unterman. '93, Haverford
College, was appointed a representative
to the Haverford president's committee
on diversity.
Jennifer Westerfield. '90. University
of Wyoming, received the Carl A.
Cinnamon Award for the Outstanding
Senior Physics Major.
Jason Trevor. '91, California Institute
of Technology, received the $5,000
McLean Brothers Scholarship awarded
annually to 12 Caltech students for
academic excellence and leadership.
Redbook Cites
IMSA As One of
"America's Best"
LJ? or the second time, the Illinois
Mathematics and Science Academy
has been honored as one of "America's
Best Schools" in a national competition
sponsored by Redbook magazine. The
winning schools were featured in the
April 1994 edition.
A total of 134 high schools were
honored in one of nine categories.
IMSA was one of seven winners in
the "classroom innovation" category.
These schools were cited for "such
creative curriculum ideas such as flexible
scheduling, interdisciplinary courses and
integration of the latest technology into
the classroom." In 1992, IMSA was one
of 16 winners in the "academic achieve-
ment" category.
In addition, social science teacher
Bill Stepien was profiled as one of 1 1
examples of "people who make
schools areat."
IMSA sophomore Nina Chinosornvatana and her former teacher, Bernice Davis of
Fairview South Elementary- School in Skokie, reunite at IMSA 's Teacher Recognition
Day ceremony March 4. Davis was honored with the IMSA Award of Excellence, an
award given annually to home school teachers throughout Illinois for their role in
supporting and encouraging IMSA students ' academic and personal growth.
r^lMSA
Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
1500 West Sullivan Road
Aurora. Illinois 60506-1000
Address Correction Requested
NON PROFIT ORG.
BULK RATE
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
AURORA, IL
PERMIT NO. 129
Although we strive for accuracy, if you see an error in your mailing label
please call the institutional advancement office at (708) 907-5033.
LLINOIS MATHEMATICS AND SCIENCE ACADEMY
r1— IIVISA ^ Pioneering Educational Community
Volume 8 No. 4 • Summer 1994
Distance Learning Propelled
To New Heights
rllinois Governor Jim Edgar had a
big surprise in store for the Illinois
Mathematics and Science Academy
during his commencement address to the
Class of 1994.
"Today I am proud to assist the Illinois
Mathematics and Science Academy
fulfill its mission even better with $1.7
million for new state-of-the-art comput-
ers and other high-tech equipment in the
labs and classrooms." Edgar said.
"These funds will allow the Academy to
continue its efforts to transform math and
science education in Illinois through
partnerships with other teachers, students
and schools."
The $1.7 million released to IMS A
came from unused capital development j
money appropriated for construction C
projects on campus. The funds will be
used to further the Academy's distance
learning initiatives and partnerships with "My administration is investing 75
other schools in Illinois. Edgar said million dollars over hve years ,n that
MSA's gift is part of a bisaer plan to new technology to improve our distance
enhance telecommunications across the leamin§ network." he said. "That
entire state network will allow students in the
farthest reaches of Illinois to share the
great resources of other schools such as
the Illinois Mathematics and Science
Academy."
Admissions Invitations 6 Immediate p|ans call for the expansion
Alumni Reunion 5 of IMSA's Electronic Learning
Class of 1994 Commencement 3 Community by creating transformational
„ , „ . „,. ~ technology labs. These labs will include
From the Executive Director 2 , , ,, ■ , , ■,
electronic bulletin boards, electronic mail
Greeting Card 4 ancj video-conferencing capabilities.
IMSA Fund 1993-94 Highlights 4 The newest of these labs is the Digital
Longitudinal Study 5 Authoring and Training (DAT) Lab.
made possible through a $406,000 in-
Memorial Fund 6 . . , .- c . . , .... ,
kind gitt from Amentech Illinois and a
Summer Challenge 8 $75,000 gift from the Caterpillar
Trnlblazers 7 Foundation. Constructed this summer.
SIDE
the DAT Lab will allow educators at
IMSA and across the state to create
products to enhance classroom learning
using CD-ROM. laserdisc, video and
other technological tools.
Recent projects to be further developed
by IMSA faculty using new equipment
supported through the Caterpillar Faculty
Excellence Fund include:
• Recording and analyzing the vocal-
izations of Rockhopper penguins using
computers and bioacoustical software, in
an attempt to find distinguishable patterns
in pictorial and statistical representations.
• Downloading real-time weather data
via the nationwide computer network.
INTERNET, into visualization software
to analyze the weather data and then
explore the physics for the weather
phenomena such as hurricanes, tornados
and tropical storms, (see photo)
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
Director Emeritus
Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory
Pritzker Professor of Science
Illinois Institute of Technology
Trustees
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
Dr. Sherry R. Eagle
Superintendent
Aurora West School District #129
Forest Etheredge
Retired State Senator
Instructor, Aurora University
Dr. Crisostomo B. Garcia
Senior Vice President
Director of Research
Investment Research Company
Sheila Griffin
Director of Business Assessment
Motorola Incorporated
Cary Israel
Executive Director
Illinois Community College Board
John McEachem Jr.
President
Wayne Circuits Incorporated
Dr. David Mintzer
Professor of Mechanical Engineering,
Physics and Astronomy
Northwestern University
Dr. Sally Pancrazio
Dean, College of Education
Illinois State University
Jesus Manuel Sosa
Interdepartmental Manager
Department of Language and
Cultural Education
Chicago Public Schools
Dr. Joseph A. Spagnolo
State Superintendent
State Board of Education
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 Institutional Advancement Office.
Editor and Writer
Brenda Buschbacher
From the
Executive
Director
Dear Members of the IMSA Community.
ZRk s we complete our eighth year and begin our ninth. I would like to review some
— \_ of the summer highlights at the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy.
First, we enjoyed hosting 280 Illinois students in grades 7-10 for our Summer
'AD'Ventures in Mathematics, Science and Technology program. For the third year,
this program was held in two sites — at IMSA and at Eastern Illinois University.
In addition, we enjoyed hosting 130 students from Aurora, Chicago. East St. Louis,
Elgin, Joliet and West Chicago who were all participants in our Challenge enrichment
program for underrepresented minority students.
Third, the 1994 IMSA Leadership Conference was attended by 300 Illinois
educators June 22-23 in Naperville. Participants in the IMSA/Motorola University
"District Learning Leadership Teams" initiative to improve mathematics and science
education explored topics including school-business partnerships, action research and
the process of change.
In August, the Center for Problem-Based Learning held the second annual Neison
and Bette Harris Institutes on Problem-Based Learning in Chicago. This year, two
separate sessions were attended by 90 educators including an introductory session and
a session for those who participated at last yearis institute.
As we look forward to the start of another school year, we are pleased to announce
that Dr. Sally Ride, a physics professor at the University of California-San Diego and
former space shuttle astronaut, will be IMSA's featured speaker for the fourth annual
James R. Thompson Leadership Lecture on October 18.
At this time, I would like to extend a special congratulations to 1994 IMSA graduate
Stephen Wang and IMSA mathematics teacher Titu Andreescu. This summer, Stephen
competed in the International Mathematical Olympiad in Hong Kong as a member of
the U.S. team which took first place and made history with a perfect team score.
Titu served as a coach for this award winning team and we share in his pride of this
incredible accomplishment.
Looking ahead to the beginning of our ninth school year, we anticipate and welcome
the challenges that lie ahead. We will be meeting those challenges under the guidance
of a new principal. Dr. Gregory Sinner, who arrived on July 1 from New Challenge
School in Port Charlotte. Florida. We would like to welcome him and invite you to
join us in our continued journey to transform mathematics and science teaching and
learning for all Illinois students.
"TX-CO
^M4.
Stephanie Pace Marshall. Ph.D.
Executive Director
Governor Jim Edgar Joins Class of 1994
in Commencement Celebration
Were we men and women of courage?
Were we people of judgment?
Were we people of integrity?
And were we truly people of dedication?
— John Fitzgerald Kennedy
Borrowing some "words of
wisdom" from President John F.
Kennedy three decades ago, Illinois
Governor Jim Edgar told members of the
Illinois Mathematics and Science
Academy's (IMSA) Class of 1994 that
courage, judgment, integrity and
dedication are all qualities they should
strive to achieve in their daily lives.
"You must have the courage to stand
up for your convictions. You must devel-
op the judgment that will lead you to the
right decisions ... not the popular
decisions ... as you face uncounted
challenges and choices in your lives.
You must never forget that your integrity
... your moral character ... is a possession
that should be valued and must be safe-
guarded." Edgar said.
On June 4. proud parents, relatives and
friends came to Aurora's Paramount Arts
Centre to see the 206-member class
receive their diplomas and academic
medallions.
IMSA Executive Director Dr. Stephanie
Pace Marshall noted that members of the
Class of 1994 distinguished themselves
in many ways other than academic
achievements.
"These young people raised money for
the American Cancer Society and the
homeless shelter in Aurora. They dedi-
cated hundreds of hours to helping build a
handicap accessible playground at Hope
Wall School in Aurora." Marshall said.
Rajesh Keswani of Roselle and Jocelyn
Logan of Marion were the student
speakers. Logan encouraged fellow
classmates to be compassionate to others
throughout their lives.
"We should take the understanding of
people and life that we have developed and
use it actively to make a difference in
ourselves and in the community. We
should take the compassion we have
exchanged and use it to have compassion
for those who need it the most." Logan said.
Following certification by Dean of
Student Services Deborah Guffy that
members of the Class of 1994 had met
graduation requirements, students received
diplomas from IMSA Board of Trustees
President James Pearson and commence-
ment medallions from Dr. Marshall.
"Tuni adversity into advantage. Challenge into
opportunity. Confrontation into cooperation.
And your education into expertise. " Illinois
governor Jim Edgar advised IMSA graduates.
IMSA graduate Larry Mills
of Chicago celebrates his
achievement with his
younger brother and sister.
(Photo by Brenda Buschbacher)
IMSA FUND BOARD OF DIRECTORS
President
Vice President
James R. Thompson
D. Chet McKee
Chairman
President and
Winston & Strawn
Chief Executive Officer
Copley Memorial Hospital
Executive Vice
President
Secretary /Treasurer
Donald E. Nordlund
Paul J. O'Hollaren
Retired Chairman and
Chairman of the Executive
Chief Executive Officer
Committee
Staley Continental, Inc.
Moose International
Directors
Linda Anderson*
Steven H. Lesnik
Civic Leader
Chief Executive Officer
Kemper Lesnik
Roger E. Anderson*
Organization
Retired Chairman and
Chief Executive Officer
Gordon R. Lohman
Continental Bank of
President and Chief
Chicago
Executive Officer
Amsted Industries. Inc.
G. Carl Ball
Chairman of the Board
Robert Malott
George J. Ball, Inc.
Chairman of the Executive
Committee
Michael J. Birck
FMC Corporation
President
Tellabs, Inc.
Timothy McCormick
Vice President
Willard Bunn III
Fanner's State Bank of
Chairman and Chief
Emden
Executive Officer
Banc One Illinois
James D. Pearson
Corporation
President
Aurora Industries
Dr. Floyd English
President and Chief
James T. Schaefer
Executive Officer
Real Estate Consultant
Andrew Corporation
Susan S. Schanlaber
Dr. Philip Francis
Chairman of the Board
Vice President
and President
Square D Company
Aurora National Bank
Clifford L. Greenwalt
Harry C. Stonecipher
President and Chief
Chairman, President and
Executive Officer
Chief Executive Officer
Central Illinois Public
Sundstrand Corporation
Service Company
Richard Wellek
Leon Jackson
President and Chief
President
Executive Officer
Multi-Fac Corporation
Varlen Corporation
John E. Jones
William J. White
Chairman of the Board,
President, Cliairman and
President and Chief
Chief Executive Officer
Executive Officer
Bell & Howell Company
CBI Industries
Douglas Whitley
Dr. Leon M. Lederman
President
Nobel Laureate
Ameritech Illinois
Director Emeritus
Fermi National
Accelerator Laboratory
Pritzker Professor of
Science
Illinois Institute of
Technology
Director of Institutional Advancement
Ted Parge
•Honorary Members
IMSA Fund Exceeds $1 Million
for Second Year
~~ he Illinois Mathematics and
Science Academy Fund for
Advancement of Education raised more
than $1.1 million dollars for the second
year in a row from the private sector in
1993-94. This included a $406,000
in-kind grant from Ameritech Illinois of
Chicago to further the Academy's
distance learning initiatives.
This successful fundraising year
pushed the Fund over the $6 million
mark for its history.
Among other Fund-related highlights
in 1993-94. Ted Parge, director of institu-
tional advancement, cited the following:
• A three-year $159,500 grant from
The Hitachi Foundation to support the
development of a nationwide network
of K-12 educators trained in problem-
based learning.
• A $25,000 grant from the Forest Fund
of Libertyville for capital programs.
• A two-year $20,000 grant from the
Polk Brothers Foundation of Chicago to
support the Early Involvement Program
for minority students in Chicago.
• A $12,000 grant from the Amoco
Foundation of Chicago to support the
1993-94 IMSA Challenge minority
recruitment program.
A $5,000 grant from Ford Motor
Company of Chicago to support
families of students in financial need.
The Innovations and Initiatives
Program for staff professional
development which awarded mini-
grants totaling $9,500. Employee
contributions to the IMSA Fund
supports this competitive program for
the development of innovative ideas.
A $5,000 in-kind gift from CNA
Insurance Companies of Chicago for
the printing of the IMSA Math Journal.
A $5,000 in-kind equipment gift from
Precision Scientific Inc. of Chicago
including water baths and an incuba-
tor/oven for the new biotech laboratory.
IMSA Class of 1989 Alumni Reunion
at the Holiday Inn in Naperville attend-
ed by 70 Charter Class members and
40 guests, (see photo opposite page)
Poet laureate Maya Angelou presented
the third annual James R. Thompson
Leadership Lecture, co-sponsored by
the City of Aurora's Youth Services
Department. The lecture was attended
by 1600 people including 500 students
from Chicago and area high schools.
IMSA Holiday Greeting Card Available
Friends of the Illinois Mathematics and
Science Academy can show their holiday
spirit and support education by purchas-
ing IMSA's holiday greeting card.
Designed by junior Juanita Garcia of
Chicago, sales of the card will help support
the IMSA Fund which provides "margin of
excellence" investments to support curricu-
lum development projects, statewide
external programs, minority recruitment
programs, laboratory equipment purchases
and special student activities.
For a sample
greeting card
and information
on how to order,
contact the
IMSA Office of
Institutional
Advancement at
(708)907-5040.
Charter Class Holds 5-year Reunion;
First IMSA Graduates Excel in College
X^T^hose involved in the Illinois
Mathematics and Science
Academy's start-up years will never
orget June 10. 1989, for on that special
lay. IMSA graduated its first senior
lass— the Charter Class of 1989.
Five years later, having earned their
indergraduate degrees, these IMSA
jioneers are pursuing graduate studies,
vorking. traveling and starting families.
This summer, on June 18, 70 Charter
Ilass members and 40 guests including
:urrent and former IMSA staff, came
ogether to celebrate IMSA's first five-
rear class reunion at the Holiday Inn in
sfaperville. While some had not seen each
)ther since graduation, one thing was
:lear — the bond was as strong as ever.
Much was expected of IMSA's Charter
riass, the first group of students to
)enefit from the People of Illinois' deci-
iion to invest in the Illinois Mathematics
ind Science Academy. And apparently,
nuch has been delivered.
Some of the results of a recently-
■eleased Class of 1989 Longitudinal Study
Report are shown in graphs to the right.
Other findings include:
■ Significantly more IMSA graduates
najored in mathematics and science than
:he national norm.
• Nearly 25% of IMSA graduates
mentioned academic honors and original
"esearch or work as a point of pride while
3nl\ 1 2% of the comparison students
mentioned academic honors, and none of
[hem cited original work.
Only 1 1% of the comparison students
mentioned merit-based academic recogni-
tions earned in college, while more than
30% of IMSA graduates included schol-
arships, fellowships or research grants in
their responses.
• More than 60% of IMSA graduates
begin college at an intellectual and ethi-
cal level that is typically not achieved
until about the third year of college.
For more information on IMSA's longi-
tudinal study program, contact Dr. Diann
Musial at (708) 907-5070.
IMSA Class of /V.W Officers {left to right) John Ellingson, Andy Oh and Ray Dames hove fun
while presenting awards to fellow classmates.
What Is The Highest Degree You Intend To Earn?
B.A
MA
PhD
Medical
Law
Other
Don't Know
—
Ill
0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45
Class of '89 College Majors
Math
Biology
Engineering
Physics
Chemistry
Comp. Science
Pre-Med
Geology
Anthropology
Pharmacy
Poll. Science
History
Education
Int. Affairs
Psychology
Sociology
Philosophy
Business
English
Other
=-
tm-
—
™
0 2 4 6 8 10
12 14 16 18 20
Family Establishes
Julie Y. Namkung Memorial Fund
".../ was so impressed with her
intelligence, enthusiasm, wonderful
humor, and gentle nature. ..We talked
about the notion that it is best if one
regards life as an adventure, to be lived a
day at a time, and that one should try to
leant from even experience. She struck
me as a very brave and a very sweet
person.. .She was the sort of student whom
an instructor notices immediately... "
— Mark Sheldon. Ph.D.
Julie Namkung' s instructor
in Medical Ethics
Northwestern University
In May. the Illinois Mathematics and
Science Academy community was
saddened by the news of 1991 graduate
Julie Namkung's untimely death.
Julie died of natural causes on May 15,
a week short of her 20th birthday. She
had just completed the Honors Program
in Medical Education (HPME) at
Northwestern University and was looking
forward to attending Northwestern
University Medical School in the fall on
a Navy scholarship. She also had planned
to go backpacking in Europe this summer
with former IMSA roommate and '91
graduate Danielle Pyevich. with whom
she remained close friends following
graduation. Pyevich will be attending
University of Iowa Medical School in
the fall.
To honor their daughter's memory.
Mr. & Mrs. Sunny Namkung of Downers
Grove have established the Julie Y.
Namkung Memorial Fund at the Illinois
Mathematics and Science Academy
(IMSA).
To contribute, please make checks
payable to "IMSA Fund for
Advancement of Education" for
"Namkung Fund."
The address is: IMSA Fund for
Advancement of Education. Illinois
Mathematics and Science Academy.
1500 West Sullivan Road. Aurora, IL
60506-1000.
For more information, call
(708) 907-5040.
"...Julie will always be a
favorite student of mine... "
— Frederick D. Anderson,
Julie's seventh grade mathematics teacher.
Herrick Junior High School,
Downers Grove
Julie Y. Namkung
IMSA Invites 9th Sophomore Class
A total of 230 students from throughout Illinois have been invited to enroll this fall as members of the Illinois Mathematics and
Science Academy's (IMSA) ninth sophomore class. Chosen from a total of 838 applicants from 447 schools, the invited Class of
1997 represents 161 schools and 134 communities throughout the state.
Students offered admissions include 1 12 girls and 1 18 boys. The ethnic distribution of the invited class is white 51.3%, Asian
28.3%, African American 1 1.3%. Latino/Latina 6.1%, and non-reporting 3.0%.
The average SAT mathematics and verbal scores for the invited class are 637 and 525 respectively. This compares to the national
average for college-bound seniors of 478 and 424.
T R A I L B L
State, National and World
Leadership
Mathematics teacher Titu Andreescu
won the 1994 Edyth May Sliffe Award
for Distinguished High School
Mathematics Teaching sponsored by the
Mathematical Association of America.
Mathematics teacher Sue Eddins and
Dr. Peggy House of Michigan Tech
University co-authored the chapter
"Flexible Pathways" in the book
Windows of Opportunities: Mathematics
for Students with Special Needs
published in April.
Dr. Raymond J. Dagenais, curricu-
lum and action research specialist, was
elected 1994-95 president of the Illinois
Staff Development Council (ISDC).
The ISDC provides leadership and
support to educators responsible for
staff development.
Rick Bryant, coordinator of the office
of college counseling and career develop-
ment, was invited and attended the 44th
Annual Pugwash Conference on Science
and World Affairs Towards a War-Free
World June 30-July 6 in Crete. Greece.
Joseph Prieto, college/career coun-
selor, presented The College Selection
Process at the First Annual Pre-
Engineering Career Fair: Building the
Future Through Engineering July 8 at
Chicago State University.
1994 graduate Stephen Wang
receives the USA Mathematical
Olympiad medal from Professor
Donald Kreider, president of the
Mathematical Association of
America, during an awards
ceremony in June. Stephen 's
parents, Drs. Bee-Lan and
Timothy Wang, accompanied him
to the ceremony held in
Washington, D.C. at the National
Academy of Sciences for the six
students selected for the U.S. team.
Student and Staff
Achievements
Executive Director Dr. Stephanie Pace
Marshall received the 1994 Distinguished
Citizen Award from the Boy Scouts of
America, Three Fires Council. She is the
first female to receive the award for the Fox
Valley Region since its inception in 1972.
1994 Graduate Stephen Wang of St.
Charles received a gold medal in the
International Mathematical Olympiad in
Hong Kong July 8-20. He was one of six
students selected for the U.S. team which
took first place and received a perfect
team score, (see photo below).
The poem "Sketch of a Seurat
Afternoon" written by Cheri Long,
instructional program aide in English,
was published in Perspective, the 1994
anthology of The Poet's Guild in
Washington, D.C.
Junior Sarah Song of Northbrook was
one of 350 students nationwide chosen to
attend the National Young Leaders
Conference July 3- 1 3 in Washington, D.C.
IMSA senior Michele Casey of
Wheaton participated in Johns Hopkins
University's 1 994 Center for Talented
Youth Summer Experience Program.
From July 1 1-22, she conducted
research on the effects of a housing
development on groundwater pollution.
Seniors Emily Schafer of Glen Ellyn
and Masum Momaya of Elgin presented
at the First Annual Student Research
Symposium of the National Consortium
for Specialized Secondary Schools of
Mathematics, Science and Technology.
The symposium was held June 9-12 at
Carnegie Mellon University in
Pittsburgh, P.A.
Debby Shepard. '91, University of
Illinois, received the 1994-95 Robert C.
MacClinchie Scholarship for outstanding
engineering students. Students are
selected based on academic merit and
leadership in campus activities.
Timothy Bhattacharyya, '90.
Northwestern University, received a full
academic scholarship for the seven-year
M.D./P.h.D. program at Washington
University.
Erin Lott, '92, Denison University,
was selected to serve as a member of the
University's August Orientation Staff for
new students and parents. Lott will
answer questions, serve on student panels
and act as a group leader.
Students in IMSA 's 1994 Summer
Challenge Program conduct
laboratory experiments as part of
their role as environmental
consultants. As consultants,
students prepared a recommenda-
tion about the placement of a
second landfill in the City of
Geneva. From July 17-22,
130 students participated in this
enrichment program for underrep-
resented minority students.
^IMSA
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
Although we strive for accuracy, if you see an error in your mailing label
please call the institutional advancement office at (708) 907-5033.
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