Science Belongs To Everyone: Cultivating Identity And Inclusion In Stem,
2026
Illinois Math and Science Academy
Science Belongs To Everyone: Cultivating Identity And Inclusion In Stem, Cassandra Armstrong
Professional Learning Day
What does it take for our students to truly see themselves as scientists? Too often, young people imagine scientists as: the person in the white lab coat, the genius in the laboratory, the stereotype in the textbook photo. If we want our students to consider themselves in this role, we must intentionally design classroom experiences that build scientific identity. In this session, participants will explore practical strategies to position their students as scientists, including: reframing every day labs as investigations, analyzing how representation shapes student perceptions, and engaging in role-play as scientists tackling real-world problems. We'll discuss ways to integrate …
A New Take On Gamer Grading,
2026
University of Illinois Laboratory High School,
A New Take On Gamer Grading, Cynthia Smyser
Professional Learning Day
My version of Gamer Grading turns earning points into fun. Students earn level-ups and side quests. Points earned cannot be lost which helps anxious or struggling students. Points earned by accomplishing extra units add additional motivation. An entire system for grading and rewards for all grades will be presented. Come find out how to add another layer of fun to your classroom!
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*
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.
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
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.
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*
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.
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.
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.
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.
Executive Functioning: Definition And Strategies,
2026
Illinois Math and Science Academy
Executive Functioning: Definition And Strategies, Crystal England
Professional Learning Day
This interactive session defines executive functioning disorders and examines how these cognitive processes influence student behavior in and out of school. Through realistic case studies, participants will identify how EF strengths and challenges manifest in daily routines. Strategies to support neurodivergent learners with executive functioning delays will be provided.
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*
The Big Air Lab,
2026
Illinois Math and Science Academy
The Big Air Lab, Dr. Joseph Golab
Professional Learning Day
When baking soda and vinegar mix, it's instant chemistry chaos exemplified by the look of satisfaction on a young chemist's face as the foamy explosion leads to dreams of first place in the school science fair. In this lab experience, we will apply reaction chemistry, stoichiometry, and engineering skills to fill a ziploc bag with just the right amount of carbon dioxide. "Just the right amount" means a bag that is taut but does NOT explode! Along the way we'll learn about the reaction a car's air bag uses to protect passengers in an accident. And we'll try to keep …
Disease Detectives: An Exploration Of Foodborne Epidemiology Activities,
2026
Illinois Math and Science Academy
Disease Detectives: An Exploration Of Foodborne Epidemiology Activities, Dr. Zachary Conley
Professional Learning Day
An interactive workshop presenting lessons utilizing inquiry-based and problem-centered learning to introduce basic concepts of epidemiology. In particular participants will engage in group discussion and interactive elements to explore foodborne illnesses and the science used to track them. Our hope is to present lessons, which in addition to sharpening scientific skills will present unique career pathways to students.
Shaping Ideas: Integrating Injection Molding Into Stem Learning,
2026
Illinois Math and Science Academy
Shaping Ideas: Integrating Injection Molding Into Stem Learning, David Hernandez
Professional Learning Day
This workshop introduces educators to the role of injection molding machines in modern product development and manufacturing. Participants will engage in hands-on activities to design and create molds used for producing high-volume, uniform plastic parts with precise shapes and characteristics. Through this process, attendees will learn how injection molding supports rapid prototyping, mass production, and quality control in industry. Educators will leave with practical strategies for integrating real-world manufacturing processes into STEM learning environments.
Experiential Cooperative Learning Methods For Science And Math,
2026
St. Francis High School College Prep
Experiential Cooperative Learning Methods For Science And Math, Dr. Thomas Juliano
Professional Learning Day
Tired of students mindlessly copying each other's homework? In this workshop, experience what it is like to "chunk up" concepts or problems for a unit, giving each student a unique voice and inherent motivation to share with others in the class. The presenter will draw from experience with a physics curriculum; however, this technique can be applied to other sciences, math, and most any other academic discipline. *Participants may bring a laptop to this session*
