Statistics With The Amazing Web-Slinging Spiderman!!!,
2023
Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Statistics With The Amazing Web-Slinging Spiderman!!!, Brian Trainor
Professional Learning Day
An introduction to linear regression, prediction, and linear transformations featuring the Amazing Spider-Man!!! Students will collect data and create a linear model with the goal of predicting how much "web" Spider-Man will need to use in order to land safely on the ground. Attendees must bring a computer.
Visualization Tools And Analogies To Model Strong Vs. Weak Acids,
2023
Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Visualization Tools And Analogies To Model Strong Vs. Weak Acids, Angela Ahrendt, Laura Kopff
Professional Learning Day
We will present two different ways to introduce the difference between a strong acid and a weak acid. The first one uses a Phet simulation where the students can change different parameters in an inquiry based approach. The second one is a hands-on activity using a guided packet and manipulatives to model the differences between strong and weak acids. Attendees must bring a computer.
Functional Design + Steam,
2023
Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Functional Design + Steam, David Hernandez
Professional Learning Day
Electronic kiosks are everywhere...ordering your food at a restaurant, checking your luggage at the airport, or getting the perfect paint for your living room. Do you know how they work? During this session students will explore the Functional Design Specification (FDS) and encourage students to think abstractly, create, engineer, test, redesign, and create a marketing campaign for a new product. STEAM to the next level.
Saving Skee-Ball: Applying Engineering & Science With A Fun Storyline,
2023
Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Saving Skee-Ball: Applying Engineering & Science With A Fun Storyline, Christine L. Moskalik
Professional Learning Day
How do engineering and science apply to a simple game of skee-ball? In this session, participants will be introduced to various STEM concepts that can be incorporated into a simple, inexpensive, and fun activity that is coupled with a fun storyline (saving the game of Skee-ball). Educators will work as teams to modify, design aspects of, and play the game. Along the way, they will discover ways to do this with their own students.
Can I Pick Your Brain? Exploratory Brain Dissection,
2023
Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Can I Pick Your Brain? Exploratory Brain Dissection, Nicole Ross, Jessica Amacher, Desirae Klimek
Professional Learning Day
Science labs, particularly dissections, are often confirmatory in nature, conducted at the end of learning to solidify and assess concept knowledge. What if we flipped the script on these labs and began with an exploratory version, instead? Participants will engage in an inquirybased brain dissection, and explore ways to flip one of their current labs to encourage active exploration of concepts in their classroom. This session includes an active dissection of a sheep brain.
The Bisection Method: A Single Technique Yielding Simple Proofs Of The Four "Hard" Theorems Of Calculus,
2023
Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
The Bisection Method: A Single Technique Yielding Simple Proofs Of The Four "Hard" Theorems Of Calculus, Anderson Trimm
Professional Learning Day
The Intermediate Value Theorem, Boundedness Theorem, Extreme Value Theorem, and Integrability Theorem are all vital theorems of Calculus, yet are almost never proved in calculus textbooks. I will give simple proofs of these theorems using the Bisection Method, explain how I incorporated these into inquiry-style lessons at IMSA, and discuss the benefits to students. As a connection to Computer Science, the Bisection Method can be viewed as a Binary Search Algorithm.
Snowflakes And Chaos,
2023
Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Snowflakes And Chaos, Patrick Young
Professional Learning Day
One day, you may find yourself with a class that can think of nothing but the approaching snowfall. What will you do? Learn an activity about the formation of snowflakes that addresses the idea that no two snowflakes are identical. This fun activity may be engaged with on several levels, from crystal growth to mathematical probability to the science of chaos theory. Keep it handy for the right teachable moment.
The Art Of Currency!,
2023
Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
The Art Of Currency!, David Hernandez, Joyce Symoniak
Professional Learning Day
While some artists dream about making tons of money, other artists dream about designing money. STEM plus art (STEAM) is the perfect mix for the creation and innovation of currency. First, the students will explore the paper making process to find out the best currency paper. Then, students will create their own currency in an engaging, hands-on, and 3-dimensional learning activity. Join us to take STEAM to the next level and let’s create money!
Stem Strategies That Engage And Excite Curious Students,
2023
Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Stem Strategies That Engage And Excite Curious Students, Christine L. Moskalik, Elaine Wu
Professional Learning Day
STEM League programs are designed around a hot topic in STEM and are for self-motivated, independent middle and high-school students. Come learn how we foster a deeper understanding of and appreciation for STEM and simultaneously address relevant ethical considerations. STEM Leagues are different from the typical, competitive science extracurriculars because we focus on the collaborative and constructivist side of STEM. Leave inspired to try some of our strategies to engage and inspire your own students!
I'M Tired Of Punnett Squares, But Genetics Is Still My Jam,
2023
Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
I'M Tired Of Punnett Squares, But Genetics Is Still My Jam, Sarah O'Leary-Driscoll
Professional Learning Day
As STEM educators, it can be hard to keep up with what’s happening in our fields outside of the classroom because we have to prioritize the content and skills we share with the students in front of us. But we teach what we do, hopefully, because we love it, and part of our professional development should be to keep that love alive. In this session, we will share ideas for how to stay current, excited and engaged in your own field and in STEM as a whole, when your classroom content only covers the basics that repeat every year. Bring …
Terminal Velocity Project: Parachute,
2023
Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Terminal Velocity Project: Parachute, Brooke Schmidt, Anastasia Perry
Professional Learning Day
This project is meant for a high school physics course where the students have studied Newton's Universal Law of Gravitation, Newton's Second law, and free fall motion. The students construct their own parachute, record a video in LoggerPro of the parachute in motion, and analyze the data to calculate the drag coefficient of their parachute.
Identifying And Strengthening Existing Support For Students On A Research To Publication Pathway,
2023
Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Identifying And Strengthening Existing Support For Students On A Research To Publication Pathway, Connie James-Jenkin, Sowmya Anjur, Jean Bigger, Amberly Carter, Raven Mckelvin '24
Professional Learning Day
Participants will 1) learn how IMSA is generating and disseminating scholarship and incorporating students on a Research to Publication pathway, 2) discover classroom activities that support and promote an understanding of scientific inquiry and the nature of research, 3) discuss student work in IMSA’s repository and student portfolios, 4) hear how we are engaging and supporting our CLED students, like Raven McKelvin ’24, who will share her experience as an Intern and student liaison.
Steam Al Estilo Latino,
2023
Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Steam Al Estilo Latino, David Hernandez
Professional Learning Day
Celebrate Hispanic heritage through STEAM! This presentation was designed specifically for students to explore and embrace the Hispanic/LatinX culture. This curriculum will guide the students to experience a combination of STEAM and traditions focusing on the Hispanic influence on America culture. Students will learn and create “Alebrijes” the STEAM way.
The Mathematics Of City Planning And Crisis Management,
2023
Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
The Mathematics Of City Planning And Crisis Management, Patrick Young
Professional Learning Day
What if you managed a small city that was beset by severe weather and an influx of climate refugees? What types of math would your team need to employ to adapt your city to deal with these crises? Try some sample activities and gain access to an entire curriculum developed to integrate career awareness with middle school math standards.
Mastery Based Grading For Secondary Mathematics,
2023
Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Mastery Based Grading For Secondary Mathematics, Anderson Trimm
Professional Learning Day
Dr. Trimm will discuss in detail his design and implementation of a mastery grading system in calculus at IMSA and how it offers many benefits over traditional grading. Dr. Trimm will also explain how it makes creating assessments and grading easier and less work for the teacher, while being more accurate.
A Look Into Leadership,
2023
Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
A Look Into Leadership, Emma Wilson
Professional Learning Day
IMSA’s Leadership Education & Development program (LEAD) is a student-facilitated course for sophomore students. We believe that leadership can be learned so we take an intricate look at various definitions, theories, models, and conceptualizations of leadership. Students are challenged to think critically about leadership during peer-to peer facilitated class discussions, hands-on exercises, and group work. Join us to dive into this course while participating in hands-on, leadership-based activities that are great for the classroom!
Earth & Environmental Storylines For A More Sustainable & Resilient Illinois,
2023
Northern Illinois University
Earth & Environmental Storylines For A More Sustainable & Resilient Illinois, Cheryl Manning, Nicole Ladue
Professional Learning Day
Illinois critical zone scientists and engineers are studying how human behaviors and
environmental changes affect Earth’s thin layer from solid bedrock to the tops of trees.
Inspired by critical zone science, Illinois teachers collaborated to create seven NGSS style storylines addressing regional sustainability and resilience issues including soils, invasive species, flooding, erosion, water scarcity and quality, subsidence, and Illinois’ connection to the Gulf of Mexico dead-zone. Learn about these storylines and how to create your own. Attendees must bring a computer.
Computational Thinking In Physics Class - Without Programming!,
2023
Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Computational Thinking In Physics Class - Without Programming!, Peter Dong
Professional Learning Day
Computational thinking and the use of computers to solve problems is rapidly becoming an indispensable skill, and physics class is one natural place to develop it. However, the perceived necessity of learning a programming language can deter both teachers and students from approaching this crucial topic. We will show how a simple spreadsheet can be used to solve remarkably complex physics problems, some of them analytically unsolvable, in just a few minutes. Attendees must bring a computer.
Animated Puppets: Coding And Creating With The Humanities,
2023
Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Animated Puppets: Coding And Creating With The Humanities, Devon Madon, Jeff Sweeton
Professional Learning Day
CodeCreate coaches students in basic circuitry, media and performing arts, robotics and computer programming, illustration and 3D design. We will facilitate a hands on experiences with animated puppetry and engage the audience in meaningful considerations of intersections of art, technology and other forms of diversity. We will also be previewing and discussing free and low-cost tools and methods and their role in common curriculum. Attendees must bring a computer
Teaching The Engineering Cycle Through A Series Of Projects,
2023
Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Teaching The Engineering Cycle Through A Series Of Projects, Eric Hawker, Mark Carlson
Professional Learning Day
The goal of this session is to show how a series of similar engineering projects can help students not only understand the engineering cycle but also other aspects of engineering such as communication, inclusion, goal setting, and planning and organization. Attendees may choose to bring their own safety eyewear.
