The Sizzlin' Summer Science Program is a twelve-year-old outreach effort designed to involve elementary and middle-school students in the processes of science through hands-on activities in sessions one or two weeks in length meeting five days per week for two hours. Both general and specific topics in mathematics, natural science, engineering, and computer technology are available for students of all ages from all over the service area. The program is tuition-based with some scholarships available for students needing financial support. Brochures are available from public and nonpublic schools annually in March, or you may contact the KAMSC office at 269-337-0004 to receive a brochure in the mail. For more program information please e-mail or call Susan Fisher at 269-337-0031.

A health conference, designed specifically for ninth and tenth grade students. It is an annual collaborative effort between KAMSC, Kalamazoo College and Bronson Hospital. The purpose of the health conference is to utilize local area healthcare experts to present updated concepts in the field of health care. The first health conference was held in 1987 and themes have included "Holistic Health", "Diseases", and "Health Hazards."

Mindspheres are science demonstration programs for elementary and middle school students designed to create positive images of science by encouraging students to think of science as fun. Its goal is to develop, in students, a good mind set about science by observing creative eye-catching and mysterious demonstrations. Skills such as observing, collecting facts, developing methods of solving problems along with proper safety procedures are an integral part of the program. Some demonstrations involve teachers and students. Rewards and prizes are given to students who participate.

Mindsphere Programs

Dr. Hot and Dr. Cold
Demonstration involving an integrated approach to the study of temperature and energy.

Crazy Science
Demonstrations involving a variety of physical and chemical activities.

Mountains and Mudpies
Demonstrations introducing earth science concepts

Details

When: Mindsphere programs are available throughout the academic year. The best times for presentations are in the morning until 11:00 AM or after 2:00 PM.

Program Length: 30 - 45 minutes

Cost: $75 per presentation Math and Science Center and the Kalamazoo Public Education Foundation.

How to Schedule: Each program should be scheduled individually at least two weeks in advance by contacting Dr. John Goudie by e-mail or by phone at 269-337-0004.

Professional development courses and workshops are conducted throughout the school year and the summer. They are facilitated by KAMSC staff and other consultants. The workshops cover such areas as hands-on science in the classroom to explore life science, physics, ecology and environmental issues.

Workshops are open to all teachers in the KRESA and St. Joseph County Intermediate School District.

KAMSC also hosts the traveling instrumentation program. If you are interested in the loan program, please contact KAMSC.

Program Design

The Kalamazoo Area Mathematics and Science Pre-college Engineering Program (KMASPEP) is an intervention program designed to motivate and encourage underrepresented students to pursue careers in engineering, mathematics, science and science related fileds. KMASPEP enhances the preparation of students in the science and mathematics to successfully matriculate at the high school level. The KMASPEP program has three components: in-school science/engineering exploration classes (presently in 2 elementary schools); Saturday enrichment classes in science and technology; & a five-week summer enrichment.

Program Objectives

• Increase the interest and participation of underrepresented students in math and science classes.
• Increase the number of underrepresented students enrolled in algebra in the eight grade.
• Increase the pool of underrepresented students eligible for admission to the Kalamazoo Area Math and Science Center at the ninth grade.
• Increase the student and parent awareness of options in math & science.

Programs

In-School Component: 5th & 6th only

This component focuses on:

• Minority scientists and engineers through research, media and role models.
• Process of "doing" science.
• Completion of science fair projects.

Saturday Component: Two 8 week sessions

Project based science classes with emphases on problem sloving and team building.

Summer Component: one 5 week session

Students recieve instruction in mathematics, computers, and engineering concepts and applications. Students are exposed to engineering/science career options and career planning via field trips and guest presenters. The summer culminates with students completing group science/engineering projects.

Mathematics topics range from spatial visualization to selected topics in algebra and geometry with students using the graphing calculator as a problem solving tool.