Gallimaufry 1993

P r o j e c t X The unique thing about the IMSA Science depart– ment is that the experiments conducted are not restricted to being held in the classroom. From the very beginning, with the pond experiment for the Sophomores through the trip to the Florida Everglades for Seniors and some Juniors, we conduct hands-on experiments. This year, a group of Juniors and Seniors accompa– nied Dr. Hattaway andMr. Sewell to the Florida Ever– glades for a week of experimenting in on of the nation's parks. This year, the experiments were a little different than before, as the Everglades are in a period of re– building, following Hurricane Andrew this summer. The trip gave the group a chance to observe the effects of a natural disaster first-hand. Though Florida is still recovering from the hurricanes, the warmer tempera– tures and sun were a break from the harsh Illinois winter, and were enjoyed by the group. This was the second year that the Academy has participated in the Everglades program, and the underclassmen look for– ward to future trips. Another unique science opportunity that IMSA has is the resource we have available in Dr. Pine. Pine, a research scientist, runs his office out of the Academy, and works with Academy students in areas such as mentorships and Presentation Day projects. He worked with Senior Liz Pine on her Westinghouse-winning project and presentation. Members of the Chemistry team have worked with students on museum exhibits during the past few years. These experiments are "hands-on", and are on display during the week of Presentation Day. The Science team continues to look for new ways to reach out to not only the whole IMSA community, but the outside community as well. They are helping students transfer lab work to practical purposes, something that will better prepare us for jobs. above left: Mrs. Van Verst checks Kristen Ufferman's experiment data, above center: Alan VanPelt is slightly confused after his two-hour long tutorial with Mr. Kawa. above: Sophomore physics students decide whether it was an elastic or inelastic collision, left: Juniors Amanda Kracen and Peggy Kim enjoy themselves among all of the different chemicals they use during their Organic Chemistry lab. A c a d e m i c s