The Institute for Chemical Education (ICE) works to improve science (specifically chemistry) education both in schools and in informal venues.

Description:
ICE has two major volunteer-operated endeavors: SPICE (Students Participating in Chemical Education) and SCI ENCountErs.

SPICE is an organization comprised primarily of undergraduate and graduate students at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. SPICE provides demonstration programs and hands-on activities throughout Dane County and beyond. Most requests for programs come from elementary and middle schools, branch libraries, and scouting troops. Training is offered on an ongoing basis, so a significant background in science is not required to participate.

SCI ENCountErs is a science club for teens within the Boys & Girls Clubs of Dane County, Taft St. location. Sessions are held every other Thursday from 4:30-6:00 PM or 6:30-8:00 PM. Transportation is provided between the UW-Madison campus and the Boys & Girls Club.

History:
ICE was established in 1983 to provide a center for science educators to develop and disseminate ideas. ICE is national in scope and has led the drive to help teachers revitalize science in schools throughout the United States.

In addition to teacher workshops, kits and publications that support science education, ICE sponsors several informal science education outreach projects. ICE has hosted summer chemistry camps at the UW-Madison chemistry building every year since 1985, and SPICE has provided chemistry demonstration shows and hands-on activities for over 15 years. SCI ENCountErs is a new initiative, and has been operating since the fall of 2005.

Contact people:

Jenny Powell, Program Coordinator, (608) 262-1511, (email) Cheryl Hansen, Administrative Assistant, (email)

Office fax number: (608) 265-8094

Address:

1101 University Ave Madison, WI 53706 (See a map)

Web Site: http://ice.chem.wisc.edu

Directions:

Nearest Bus Stop: University and Mills or Charter and Johnson or Mills and Johnson, 1 minute walk