Alan Nguyen, a seventh grader at St. Andrew School in Romeoville, participated in a Pokémon Des
ign Challenge workshop this past weekend at Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy in Aurora. In this workshop, Alan learned how to design and produce a replica of a Pokémon character using tools on hand without sacrificing quality. Reverse engineering concepts were introduced as participants examined a prototype, observed how it was built, and devised a plan to replicate the product accurately and efficiently. The project became interesting and challenging as the Pokémon character was built with time and budget constraints. Conducted by Dr. Carl Heine, director of the Total Applied Learning for Entrepreneurs at IMSA, the workshop was attended by some 25 students from different middle schools in the Chicago area. Wearing a school sweatshirt, Alan proudly represented St. Andrew School and Romeoville at this fun-filled workshop.