The Course Of Empire: Romantic Art And The Origins Of American Conservation,
2026
Illinois Math and Science Academy
The Course Of Empire: Romantic Art And The Origins Of American Conservation, Dr. Shawn Bailey
Professional Learning Day
This panel will discuss the creation of the world's first national park through the lens of nineteenth century nationalism. Specifically, we will answer the question: how does Romantic art lead directly to the creation of Yellowstone in 1872? This will include a run through of a full lesson plan, with audience participation, and include access to all necessary sources, slides, and a fun homework assignment. While I use this lesson in an environmental history class, it would also work well in a United States survey when discussing the rise of American nationalism in the nineteenth century.
Conditions Affecting Mental Health - Definition And Strategies,
2026
Illinois Math and Science Academy
Conditions Affecting Mental Health - Definition And Strategies, Crystal England
Professional Learning Day
This session will empower educators and staff to recognize, support, and respond to teen mental health needs. The topics covered are Autism Spectrum Disorder, Anxiety, Depression, OCD, ADHD, and Panic Attacks with evidence-based prevention and crisis strategies. Inclusive DEI insights, classroomready tools, and student resources ensure every learner feels seen and supported.
Why Are There Microscopes In The Art Room?,
2026
Illinois Math and Science Academy
Why Are There Microscopes In The Art Room?, Joyce Symoniak
Professional Learning Day
During this presentation we will explore how working cross curriculum enhances learning within the visual arts, science and mathematics. We will discuss how the visual arts curriculum can be created in order to bond with STEM courses for student success. Through exploration we will discuss how collaboration within these courses can be used to solidify cross curriculum understanding and learning.
Integrating Neuroscience And Technology: Experiential Learning Through Muscle-To-Robot Systems,
2026
Illinois Math and Science Academy
Integrating Neuroscience And Technology: Experiential Learning Through Muscle-To-Robot Systems, Dr. Ashwin Mohan, Dr. Mark Carlson
Professional Learning Day
In this interdisciplinary module, participants engage in hands-on exploration of neuroengineering by recording and interpreting electromyographic (EMG) signals to control robotic devices, bridging human physiology and technology. Through guided experimentation, they investigate neural pathways, signal processing, and biofeedback to understand brain-machine interfaces. The module highlights real-world applications of neuroscience, engineering, and computer science in biomimetics, fostering critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity through experiential, technology-driven learning. *It would be helpful for participants to have the Spike Recorder App from BackyardBrains downloaded on a laptop*
Uncovering Marginalized Groups In Local History,
2026
Aurora University
Uncovering Marginalized Groups In Local History, Zach Bishop
Professional Learning Day
Local history is often told through the voices of the "victors" - the wealthy, white male landowners who founded towns and cities. Yet the stories of women, Native Americans, Black Americans, and various immigrant communities are equally vital to understanding our communities' pasts. This presentation will highlight research strategies and resources for uncovering and teaching the experiences of these historically marginalized groups in your area's history
Smarter, Faster Lesson Planning With Ai: Supporting Math Instruction Without Sacrificing Quality,
2026
Illinois Math and Science Academy
Smarter, Faster Lesson Planning With Ai: Supporting Math Instruction Without Sacrificing Quality, Marti Shirley
Professional Learning Day
This session demonstrates how AI can streamline lesson planning for secondary mathematics without reducing instructional integrity or depth. Teachers will learn how to use AI tools to generate hooks, worked examples, misconceptions, guided practice sets, and exit tickets that are all aligned to specific mathematical standards. The focus is on using AI to save time, generate ideas, and support differentiation while maintaining teacher control over content accuracy and pedagogical intent. Teachers will learn how to use a predeveloped prompt to create and refine a complete lesson plan, and leave with a bank of effective lesson-planning prompts and editable mini-lesson templates.
From Equations To Innovation: Applying Mathematics In Engineering,
2026
Illinois Math and Science Academy
From Equations To Innovation: Applying Mathematics In Engineering, David Hernandez
Professional Learning Day
This hands-on workshop invites educators to explore the critical role mathematics plays in engineering. Participants will discover how applied mathematics enhances problemsolving, precision, and innovation compared to purely theoretical approaches. Through engaging activities that connect mathematical concepts to real-world engineering challenges, educators will gain strategies to help students see math as a powerful tool for designing, analyzing, and improving solutions in authentic STEM applications.
Virtual: An Introduction To Astronomy Research,
2026
Illinois Math and Science Academy
Virtual: An Introduction To Astronomy Research, Matthew Mccutcheon
Professional Learning Day
Have you ever wondered how research in astronomy is conducted? Is it possible for high school (or even middle school) students to participate in astronomical research? This session will provide a brief introduction to the process of stellar evolution. Then we will see how a program with the Pulsar Search Collaboratory can potentially help educate and train students on how to analyze previously unexamined data in a fascinating search for pulsars.
Latex > Ms Word,
2026
Illinois Math and Science Academy
Latex > Ms Word, Evan Brummet, Lingyi Meng
Professional Learning Day
Explore how LaTeX can help you create clear, well-formatted mathematical content for your classes. In this workshop, we will introduce participants to the basics of LaTeX and demonstrates how it can support your work on platforms like Desmos, Canvas, and Microsoft Word. Learn simple techniques for writing equations, symbols, and formulas that look professional and consistent across your teaching materials. *Participants should bring a laptop to this session*
Computer Architecture For Any High School: Designing Cpus In The Browse,
2026
Illinois Math and Science Academy
Computer Architecture For Any High School: Designing Cpus In The Browse, Dan Campbell
Professional Learning Day
Learn how students can explore what’s happening inside a computer without needing any hardware or budget. This session shows how to teach core computer architecture concepts using free, browser-based tools from the Elements of Computing Systems (Nand2Tetris) project. Participants will see how simple logic gates lead to a working CPU and leave with ready-to-use, no-cost resources for bringing computer architecture to any high school classroom. *Participants should bring a laptop to this session*
Using Games To Teach Quantum Concepts,
2026
Illinois Math and Science Academy
Using Games To Teach Quantum Concepts, Anastasia Perry
Professional Learning Day
Bring quantum mechanics phenomena into your science class through quantum games such as quantum tic tac toe and quantum chess. This session will go over the fundamentals of quantum mechanics phenomena such as superposition, entanglement, and measurement collapse.These concepts will be reinforced through playing games. The games can be introduced to motivated middle and high school students.
From Empathy To Innovation: Applying Human-Centered Design In The Classroom,
2026
University of Illinois Laboratory High School,
From Empathy To Innovation: Applying Human-Centered Design In The Classroom, Lisa Evans, Melissa Schoeplein, Leah Avila, Dr. Saad Shehab,
Professional Learning Day
This workshop introduces Human-Centered Design (HCD), a creative, collaborative approach to real-world problem-solving. Educators from University Laboratory High School (University of Illinois UrbanaChampaign) will share how HCD fosters empathy, innovation, and critical thinking across disciplines—including math, fine arts and civics/social studies. Also, in partnership with the university’s Siebel Center for Design, HCD has been employed to support school improvement. Participants will explore HCD strategies and leave with tools to integrate HCD into their classrooms.
Testing Theories Of Marine Bioluminescence,
2026
Illinois Math and Science Academy
Testing Theories Of Marine Bioluminescence, Patrick Young
Professional Learning Day
Participants will be introduced to many interesting sea creatures and the contemporary theories about how they use light in the deep. As part of a team, you will each select a theory to explore. Using any of the materials provided, you will design and conduct an experiment to evaluate some aspect of the theory. Teams will share and discuss their results. Finally, you will learn how to make model bioluminescent jellies in your classroom.
You Can't Beat The Classics! Adding Scientific Rigor To Elephant Toothpaste And Baking Soda Volcanos,
2026
Illinois Math and Science Academy
You Can't Beat The Classics! Adding Scientific Rigor To Elephant Toothpaste And Baking Soda Volcanos, Dr. Zachary Conley
Professional Learning Day
Students love watching and filming chemical reactions. In this interactive lesson we will discuss how to turn classic demonstrations into NGSS aligned, inquiry driven student learning opportunities.
Connecting The Dots: Preparing Students For High School Math Success,
2026
Illinois Math and Science Academy
Connecting The Dots: Preparing Students For High School Math Success, Paul Rummelhoff, Diane Martin
Professional Learning Day
The session highlights the key mathematical concepts and learning habits that high school teachers consider essential for success in Algebra and beyond. Drawing on classroom experiences, We will share common gaps that often appear as students transition from middle school - such as proportional reasoning, algebraic and arithmetic fluency, and number sense. The session will show how addressing these areas leads to a deeper understanding and provide practical strategies to strengthen the foundations
Building Purposeful Communities: Integrating Service Learning For Lasting Impact,
2026
Illinois Math and Science Academy
Building Purposeful Communities: Integrating Service Learning For Lasting Impact, Emma Wilson Parker
Professional Learning Day
IMSA’s Service Learning Program connects student passion to community need through intentional, reflective engagement. This session explores how service learning fosters empathy, belonging, and leadership while strengthening campus and local partnerships. Participants will gain practical tools to design and implement meaningful service frameworks in their own settings—creating spaces where students connect purpose with practice and contribute to sustainable community growth.
Technology And History: The Battle Of Britian As An Interactive Model,
2026
Illinois Math and Science Academy
Technology And History: The Battle Of Britian As An Interactive Model, Dr. Lee Eysturlid
Professional Learning Day
This session will use the Battle of Britian (1940) as the material to demonstrate the impact of several technologies (radar, aircraft, radio, etc.) on a historical event. This will be part of bringing the details into a discussable format through floor model of the event, which participants will engage in. AI in the STEM Classroom FULL Sarah O’Leary-Driscoll 9th-12th Grade Science, Computer Science, AI In this session, we will discuss current uses of AI for science research, as well as ways to introduce students to appropriate tools and their ethical usage in their academic endeavors. Resources will be provided, and …
Watching Movies To Stimulate Mathematical Inquiry,
2026
Illinois Math and Science Academy
Watching Movies To Stimulate Mathematical Inquiry, Dr. Evan Glazer, Anderson Trimm
Professional Learning Day
Have you ever wondered the odds of Luke Skywalker making that perfect shot to destroy the Death Star? How about the size and speed of the T-Rex in Jurassic Park? In this session, we will investigate several examples of how mathematics can be used to make sense of remarkable phenomena in the movies. We will brainstorm connections to a variety of concepts in algebra and geometry.
The Cubic: Centuries Of Mathematical Intrigue,
2026
Illinois Math and Science Academy
The Cubic: Centuries Of Mathematical Intrigue, Dr. Micah Fogel
Professional Learning Day
Humanity has had a formula for solving quadratic equations since antiquity. The corresponding cubic formula is a relative newcomer, and its story has led to other important discoveries, career-ending intrigue, and the foundations of mathematics in the modern age. We'll meet the principal characters, investigate the math, and hear the story of the cubic equation.
Integrating Neuroscience And Technology: Experiential Learning Through Muscle-To-Robot Systems,
2026
Illinois Math and Science Academy
Integrating Neuroscience And Technology: Experiential Learning Through Muscle-To-Robot Systems, Dr. Ashwin Mohan, Dr. Mark Carlson
Professional Learning Day
In this interdisciplinary module, participants engage in hands-on exploration of neuroengineering by recording and interpreting electromyographic (EMG) signals to control robotic devices, bridging human physiology and technology. Through guided experimentation, they investigate neural pathways, signal processing, and biofeedback to understand brain-machine interfaces. The module highlights real-world applications of neuroscience, engineering, and computer science in biomimetics, fostering critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity through experiential, technology-driven learning. *It would be helpful for participants to have the Spike Recorder App from BackyardBrains website downloaded on a laptop*
