Science First Application

What is Science First?

Science First is a summer science enrichment program that strives to increase students’ knowledge and appreciation of the environment and how scientists study the environment. Students participate in one of two four-week sessions that take place at the Chicago Botanic Garden Monday through Friday, July 15 – August 9. A school bus provides transportation from designated stops starting as early as 7 a.m. to bring students to the Garden by 9 a.m. Students are provided with all materials they need to participate, as well as a free snack and lunch. Students leave the Garden at 3 p.m. each day.

What do students do?

Learn about plants and talk to scientists who study plants
Explore our display gardens like the Rose Garden or Fruit & Vegetable Garden
Learn about the Garden’s natural areas including our prairie, woods, and river
Learn how to conduct scientific research and prepare a presentation
Spend a lot of time outside, seeing and doing science
Meet other science-curious students from throughout Chicago

Who can participate?

Students who are currently in grades 7 through 9 and are enrolled in a Chicago Public School are encouraged to apply. Students and parents MUST commit to all four weeks of the program and agree to provide their own transportation to and from the designated bus stops listed below.

When is the Program?

Both sessions of Science First will take place July 15 – August 9, Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Students will be grouped into two seperate classes. New students in grades 7 and 8 will be in one class and returning students in grades 8 and 9 will be in another class.

Science First Application Checklist

To be considered for the program, the following items must be received by April 26, 2013.

Submit Electronically:

Complete online application, including essay (if applicable)

Scan and email to sbender@chicagobotanic.org OR mail to the address below:

Recommendation Form
The recommendation form should be filled out by a science teacher or community leader (pastor, youth group leader, etc.) who knows you well. It cannot be filled out by someone related to you.
Copy of your second-quarter report card (January) OR the most recent one you have. Please do not submit progress reports.
Permission Slip signed by you and your parent/guardian.

ALL application materials must be received together by April 26, 2013, via email or at the address below. It is your responsibility to obtain the report card and all application components. We do not work with schools to get this information and will not accept it after the deadline. Incomplete applications—those not accompanied by a report card or completed recommendation form—will not be considered.

Mailing Address:

Shelly Bender
Manager, Secondary Education and Career Programs
Chicago Botanic Garden
1000 Lake Cook Road
Glencoe, IL 60022

Contact Information:

Shelly Bender
Manager, Secondary Education and Career Programs
(847) 835-6871
sbender@chicagobotanic.org

Kathy Johnson
Manager, Teacher and Student Programs
(847) 835-8343
kjohnson@chicagobotanic.org

Documents:

Recommendation Form

Permission Slip

First Name: *

Last Name: *

Address: *

City: *

State: *

Zip Code: *

Home Phone: *

Student Cellphone:

Student e-mail: *

Birth Date: *

Grade completed in June 2013: *

Gender: *

Male

Female

Language(s) spoken at home: *

If you chose other above, please specify here.

School Name: *

School Address: *

City: *

State: *

Zip Code: *

Parent/Guardian Name #1: *

Occupation:

Daytime Phone: *

Parent Cellphone: *

Parent e-mail: *

Do you live with this parent?: *

Yes

Parent/Guardian Name #2:

Occupation:

Daytime Phone:

Parent Cellphone:

Parent e-mail:

Do you live with this parent?:

Yes

Free or Reduced Lunch: *

Yes

Have you participated in Science First?:

Yes

If yes, please list all years below.

Does your child/ward have an allergy to nuts or food items processed in a factory that makes products containing nuts?: *

Yes

Any other food allergies?:

List Illnesses/Allergies:

(food, other)

Special Needs/Considerations:

Why do you want to attend the Science First program? What do you think you will get out of this program?: *

(Returning students, tell us why you liked the program, and what you want out of it this summer.)

Do you like being outside and spending time in nature (with plants, insects, etc.)? Why or why not?: *

Are you involved in any after-school activities or hobbies? If so, which ones?: *

What do you normally do during your summer vacation?: *

What are your favorite subjects in school? Why?: *

Describe a science experiment you have done.: *

What is the highest level of education achieved by your parent/guardian?

Do you (or could you if you applied) qualify for a free or reduced lunch at school?

Please describe a science experiment that you have done. Tell us as much as you can remember about the experiment. What was interesting to you about this experiment?:

Student Information

School Information

Parent/Guardian Information

Choose the bus stop that you will be using to come to the Garden every day. (You must use the same bus stop every day.) A bus schedule will be provided at a later date. Stops are subject to change based on student population.

Science First Application

Applications