Sensory Engineering in the Field

Goal

The goal of the camp is to expose students to practical applications in engineering, the connections between engineering technology and their own biological sensory systems, to consider emerging careers in coding, robotics, and agricultural engineering, and to meet new friends who share an interest in science and technology.

This July, the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy (IMSA) is joining forces with SIU Carbondale to bring a high-tech, hands-on summer experience to Southern Illinois. Both organizations are devoted to enhancing the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) literacy of the general public as well as the development of future leaders in these fields.

Students will engage in hands-on explorations into engineering lead by staff from the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy (IMSA) and SIU STEM Education Research Center, assisted by future math and science education teachers working toward their undergraduate university degrees. Most of the activity will take place in Pulliam Hall, but students will also have an opportunity to be outside and see other areas of the SIU Carbondale campus.

If your child is entering 6th, 7th, or 8th grade, they are invited to step into the world of Sensory Engineering.

Explore. Code. Create.

At this one-of-a-kind camp, students won’t just learn about technology—they’ll build it. We are bridging the gap between biology and machines to see how the world works.

Master the Senses: Discover the secrets of the five human sensory systems.
Build the "Brain": Use micro:bits (tiny computers) and electronic sensors to mimic human senses.
Level Up in Coding: Learn the essentials of block coding in a fun, accessible environment.
Solve Real-World Problems: Work in teams to program a device that "scans" plants to help farmers grow healthier crops.

The Grand Finale

The week concludes with an epic challenge: The Robotic Field Run. Students will mount their custom-programmed devices onto robotic vehicles to navigate a simulated field of crops, putting their engineering and coding skills to the ultimate test!.

Give your child a head start in science and engineering this summer! Spaces are limited for this prestigious partnership program.

Mark your calendar, bookmark this page, and return when registration opens in March!

Who

Students entering grades 6, 7, and 8.

When

July 20th – 24th, 2026 | 8:30 AM – 12:00 PM

Where

Pulliam Hall, SIU Carbondale Campus

The Experience

Five half-days of innovation, teamwork, and discovery.

Contact Information

Patrick Young

Camp Director & IMSA Innovation Hub Manager

Email:: patrick.young@siu.edu

Rebecca Dycus

For registration questions

Email:: rdycus@siu.edu

For Teachers

Math Teachers - Be sure to register for the ICTM Southern Section 40th annual “Conference on Teaching Mathematics”, presented by SIU Carbondale. This event will be held at John A. Logan College’s Hancock Conference Center in Carterville, IL. This year’s conference is set to take place on Thursday, February 19, 2026. Click HERE for details and registration!

Elementary and Middle School STEM Teachers - In honor of National Engineers Week, consider participating in a free 1-hour online workshop to learn how to introduce your students to the exciting world of Naval Engineering. Your students can use free web-based software (Tinkercad) to design ships and exercise their math skills. If a 3D printer is available, bring those designs to life! May be accompanied by a reading of the book: The Girl with a Mind for Math, about the US Navy’s first female ship design manager. February 25th from 3:30pm to 4:30pm. Click HERE for details and reservations.