STEM Programs
STEM Education
IMSA West’s mission is to transform communities one mind at a time with real-world engagement and continue to inspire generations through a STEM-focused education that successfully prepares students for tomorrow. IMSA Science teachers and administrators encourage students to participate in STEM events to accomplish these visions and missions.
Concept Schools Science and Engineering Fair
CONSEF is driven by a mission to ignite awareness and engagement in STEM education, empowering every student—regardless of age, background, or interests—to develop critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and real-world connections. Aligned with this vision, IMSA North aims to shape communities one mind at a time through a dynamic STEM-focused education that inspires curiosity and prepares students for future challenges. With the support of dedicated science teachers and administrators, students are encouraged to participate in engaging STEM events that foster innovation, growth, and a lasting passion for discovery.
School Science Fair
IMSA West organizes an in-school science fair each year in the first or second week of December. It is open to all 4th – 8th grade students. Preparing a science fair project and attending the in-school science fair are required for 5th – 8th graders. After the judging and caucusing process, 20 middle school students (5th – 8th graders) are nominated for the CONSEF Preselection process. Also, three students per grade (4th – 8th graders) are nominated for the regional science fair (CIRSEF).
Regional Science Fair
Regional Science Fair – CIRSEF (Central Indiana Regional Science and Engineering Fair) is sponsored by the Science Education Foundation of Indiana (SEFI) and hosted by Marian University on the first or second Saturday of March. It is open to 4th through 12th grade students. Each school can nominate only 3 students per grade. After the judging process, top 2-3 students from each grade can be advanced to the state science fair from the regional science fair.
School Science Fair
Twelve regional science fairs nominate 2 students from each grade level to the Indiana State Science Fair. Indiana State Science Fair is named “Hoosier Science and Engineering Fair – HSEF” and sponsored by Science Education Foundation of Indiana, Inc. The state science fair is held either on the last Saturday of March or the first Saturday of April. Top 3 students are advanced from state science fair to International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) from 9th – 12th graders.
PLTW Engineering Courses
We currently offer a Project Lead The Way (P.L.T.W.) Launch and Gateway classes. Students do hands-on activities that incorporate critical thinking, and collaborative skills to solve real-world problems. The skills students learn through this program can be used in any career field they may choose to pursue.
PLTW Offering Courses
IMSA West will offer the following courses during the 2020-2021 school year:
- PLTW Launch is required for all KG – 3rd graders
- PLTW Gateway – App Creator: Elective course for 6th – 8th graders
- PLTW Gateway – Medical Detectives: Elective course for 6th – 8th graders
- PLTW Gateway – Flight & Space: Elective course for 6th – 8th graders
Robotics
The VEX Robotics Competition provides schools and students with an affordable education based platform and competition experience that inspires and creates interest in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math fields. Combining an educational experience with a sports-like atmosphere that also promotes the development of social and teamwork skills in addition to academic STEM skills, the VEX Robotics Competition is an exciting, engaging and affordable program for all schools and students enjoy.
Elementary School Robotics
IMSA West offers VEX IQ club activity for 3rd – 5th graders. Club members will participate in 3-5 regional competitions before the state tournament. Please contact the coach for meeting dates and times.
Middle School Robotics
IMSA West offers VEX IQ club activity for 6th – 8th graders. Club members will participate in 3-5 regional competitions before the state tournament. Please contact the coaches for meeting dates and times.
Math Competitions
Our students in the Middle and High school will be competing nationally against other schools, showing off their Math Skills.