Institute for
Chemical Education

Overview

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. Its efforts include:

• creating new materials for teaching and learning
• carrying out research in chemical education
• developing demonstrations and hands-on activities
• sponsoring workshops for teachers
• organizing laboratory and demonstration programs for school children
• disseminating exemplary ideas via publications and kits

All of ICE's programs emphasize hands-on science, taught interactively as a means of helping students develop powers of observation and problem solving. ICE aims to stimulate the scientific curiosity of all teachers and students, not just those traditionally well served by our educational system. ICE's goals are to:

• make science hands-on at all levels
• enable teachers to become better teachers, not merely tell them what to do
• draw ideas from what teachers say they need
• develop and distribute materials that are usable and affordable for the average teacher in the average classroom

Over 3000 teachers of kindergarten through college have attended workshops at ICE headquarters, the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and at Field Centers across the country. In addition, ICE Affiliates at more than 60 other colleges and universities have been trained to carry out workshops that enhance the teaching of science.