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Full-Text Articles in Educational Methods

Ai And Neuroscience: Hope, Humbug, Or Hype, Dr.Ashwin Mohan Oct 2025

Ai And Neuroscience: Hope, Humbug, Or Hype, Dr.Ashwin Mohan

Professional Learning Day

This session explores the rapidly evolving intersection of artificial intelligence and neuroscience. Through case studies, interactive discussion, and hands-on exploration, participants will gain an understanding of AI as a Co-Scientist, as well as how insights from neuroscience have and continue to inspire design of AI approaches. Attendees will explore practical applications where AI and neuroscience already meet (such as brain–computer interfaces, mental health technologies, and cognitive modeling); consider ethical, societal, and educational implications of merging these two powerful domains and aim to distinguish between genuine advances, exaggerated claims, and common misconceptions.


The Chemistry In Art, Joyce Symoniak Oct 2025

The Chemistry In Art, Joyce Symoniak

Professional Learning Day

Chemistry plays an important role in the arts, especially when working with solids and liquids that form the basis of art. Solid pigments help to give paints their vibrant colors. The interaction between these states of matter determines the texture, durability, and finish of the artwork. Understanding the chemistry behind art allows artists to push the boundaries of artistic expression. We will explore the difference between solid and liquids while creating a piece of art.


How Ai Really Works, Dr. Peter Dong Oct 2025

How Ai Really Works, Dr. Peter Dong

Professional Learning Day

This session will discuss, in as simple a way as possible, how generative artificial intelligence works, using simple demonstrations to show the basic principles of large language models. The hope is that this will help dispel the tendency to view AI as some sort of black magic and allow people to consider carefully how it can be useful as a tool—and when it can’t.


Imsa’S Residential Life Experience, Stephanie Broy, Cameron Doxey, Taylor Jones, Emily Cheng, Vivian Thurmond Oct 2025

Imsa’S Residential Life Experience, Stephanie Broy, Cameron Doxey, Taylor Jones, Emily Cheng, Vivian Thurmond

Professional Learning Day

This presentation will offer faculty and staff an inside look at the Residential Life experience, highlighting how our programs support student development, well-being, and community building. Through real examples and student stories, we’ll showcase the impact of intentional programming, peer leadership, and collaboration across campus. The goal is strengthening partnerships and exploring ways faculty and staff can further engage with and support the residential student experience.


Are You Following Me?: Using Social Media To Engage Students, Dr. Emily Gauld Oct 2025

Are You Following Me?: Using Social Media To Engage Students, Dr. Emily Gauld

Professional Learning Day

In this session, we will explore how social media can be used to complement curriculum, encourage student learning, and build a stronger community of learners both inside and outside the classroom. We will look at social media examples of subject-area (and even class-specific) accounts from IMSA and beyond to discuss how we can create content designed for students and—by intentional use of algorithmic AI—shape what content is being pushed to their feeds on a regular basis.


Ctrl-Alt-Delete: Shifting Mindsets & Building Momentum, Courtney Caruthers, Steve Zant Oct 2025

Ctrl-Alt-Delete: Shifting Mindsets & Building Momentum, Courtney Caruthers, Steve Zant

Professional Learning Day

Using the Ctrl-Alt-Delete framework, this interactive session will draw on coaching, mentorship, and progressive conversations to inspire growth. Together, we’ll explore what to control, what alternatives to try, and what barriers to release. Participants will leave with practical tools, renewed clarity, and a sense of momentum; because sometimes we all need a reset.


Weaving Steam Into Tradition: The Science And Art Behind The Mexican Zarape, David Hernandez Oct 2025

Weaving Steam Into Tradition: The Science And Art Behind The Mexican Zarape, David Hernandez

Professional Learning Day

This presentation explores the deep interconnection between traditional Mexican textile practices and modern STEAM education through the lens of the zarape. The zarape is more than a cultural artifact—it embodies centuries of scientific, technological, artistic, and mathematical knowledge. From the physics of hand-spun cotton and wool to the chemistry of natural dyes and the mathematical patterns in weaving, the process of creating a zarape offers powerful ancestral knowledge of STEAM in action.


Quantum Science And Engineering: An Emerging Field Where Imsa Can Have An Impact, Dr.Evan Glazer,, Anastasia Perry, Kishor Kapale, Oct 2025

Quantum Science And Engineering: An Emerging Field Where Imsa Can Have An Impact, Dr.Evan Glazer,, Anastasia Perry, Kishor Kapale,

Professional Learning Day

Illinois’ $500 million investment in the future development of Quantum Computing and Microelectronics Park is a great opportunity for IMSA to get connected in this emerging field. This workshop will explore what is quantum, classroom examples, why it is important to IMSA, how we are engaged right now, and how we might create future opportunities for IMSA students and IMSA outreach.


Building Thinking Physics Classrooms, Marybeth Senser, Stephen Zownorenga Feb 2025

Building Thinking Physics Classrooms, Marybeth Senser, Stephen Zownorenga

Professional Learning Day

Come explore an innovative way to rejuvenate high school physics problem solving discussions! Inspired by Peter Liljdahl's bestselling book "Building Thinking Mathematics Classrooms", we discuss the transition away from paper worksheets toward getting students out of their seats, solving problems while standing at vertical whiteboards. This session will address positive effects and common challenges.


Bringing Data Science To Algebra: Hands-On Linear Regression With Google Sheets, Paul Rummelhoff Feb 2025

Bringing Data Science To Algebra: Hands-On Linear Regression With Google Sheets, Paul Rummelhoff

Professional Learning Day

Teachers will be guided through a student project using Google Sheets to create scatter plots, residual plots, and trendlines while calculating residuals. They will explore SSR, 𝑟-squared, and the coefficient of determination to interpret mode accuracy. Participants will leave with hands-on activity, datasets, and notes for classroom use, enabling students to analyze real-world data. This approach teaches linear regression, equipping students with analytical tools and introducing data science concepts while reinforcing algebra skills.


Strong Signal!, David Hernandez Feb 2025

Strong Signal!, David Hernandez

Professional Learning Day

Technology is advancing rapidly, making our lives easier every day. However, this progress also brings an ever-growing demand for faster, more reliable network services. While we enjoy the benefits of technology when everything runs smoothly, network systems face significant physical challenges behind the scenes. This session will explore how mathematics and physics are crucial in building the infrastructure that keeps technology functioning seamlessly. Join us to uncover the hidden science that powers our connected world.


Bisecting Science Through The Use Of Art, Joyce Ymoniak Feb 2025

Bisecting Science Through The Use Of Art, Joyce Ymoniak

Professional Learning Day

Participants will discover, through art and drawing, how students can understand the inner workings and parts of a bisected specimen. In this hands-on session, we will explore the inner workings of an Indigenous plant. We will also explore the use of both low- and high-end technology within a classroom. Takeaways will include concepts and hands-on activities for use in grades 6-12.


Empowering Classrooms With Ai: Practical Uses For Educators, Dr. Evan Glazer, Cassandra Armstrong Feb 2025

Empowering Classrooms With Ai: Practical Uses For Educators, Dr. Evan Glazer, Cassandra Armstrong

Professional Learning Day

Artificial Intelligence tools, like Chat GPT, introduce new opportunities for educators. While some may worry about students using AI to substitute their work, this session will illustrate various examples of how educators can design prompts that enhance classroom activities and stretch students' thinking.


Muscular Measurements With Micro: Bits, Dr. Mark Carlson, Dr. Ashwin Mohan Feb 2025

Muscular Measurements With Micro: Bits, Dr. Mark Carlson, Dr. Ashwin Mohan

Professional Learning Day

Participants will assemble a Micro: bit based EMG system and measure muscular movements. They will then analyze the recorded signals to better understand the neurological nature of muscle contraction and appreciate the capabilities of the Micro: bit microcontroller.


Medicine In Chemistry, Dr. John Thurmond Feb 2025

Medicine In Chemistry, Dr. John Thurmond

Professional Learning Day

In this session, participants analyze medicines through simple chemical tests that reveal characteristics like solubility and reactivity. Observing reactions, such as color changes, helps participants understand how basic chemical principles are used to distinguish between different compounds. These activities build practical skills for applying chemistry in contexts like quality control and forensic analysis.


Nsf Ret Program:Integrating Sciencecurriculum, Lassandra Walker, Sarah O’Leary Driscoll Feb 2025

Nsf Ret Program:Integrating Sciencecurriculum, Lassandra Walker, Sarah O’Leary Driscoll

Professional Learning Day

NSF RET Program offers teachers an opportunity to develop a science curriculum. The aim of the curriculum is to demonstrate how the integration of science develops science thinkers and allows students to participate in experimental learning through investigations. Instructor to get students thinking through alternative logics and to see how thought was formed in specific cultural and historical contexts.


2025 Euler's Method For Early Calculus Connections, Evan Brummet, Lingyi Meng Feb 2025

2025 Euler's Method For Early Calculus Connections, Evan Brummet, Lingyi Meng

Professional Learning Day

Euler’s Method is typically discussed in the context of differential equations. At our school, we present it early in calculus to provide additional perspective on some crucial concepts. Our session will explain how we use notions from Euler’s Method to help explain the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus and various differentiation rules. We hope to see you there!


The Current Landscape Of Computer Science Education In Illinois: Challenges And Opportunities For Growth, Charity Freeman Feb 2025

The Current Landscape Of Computer Science Education In Illinois: Challenges And Opportunities For Growth, Charity Freeman

Professional Learning Day

This session provides an overview of computer science education in Illinois across K-12 and higher education, highlighting recent progress, persistent challenges, and growth opportunities. Drawing from recent research, participants will explore critical data points about access, participation, and outcomes in Coeducation, as well as gain an understanding of enrollment trends, equity gaps, and successfully implemented support strategies. The session will conclude with actionable recommendations for improving education throughout Illinois.


Breakfast Of Champions: Steam In Action, Susan Abraham Feb 2025

Breakfast Of Champions: Steam In Action, Susan Abraham

Professional Learning Day

Teach your students the fun of STEAM while encouraging them to become future entrepreneurs. Students will learn to develop a cereal - create the cereal box (all 6 sides), market the cereal, price the cereal, and make a 3D model of the cereal from recyclable materials. Students learn how viewpoints can affect consumer costs. They also learn the idea of working for a company challenge as this is a competition based project. Educators will learn to incorporate all subjects (Science, Math, Art, Social Studies, Engineering, and Technology) into this project. Educators will also learn how to involve the whole school …


Strengthening Experiential Learning At Your School, Dr. Paul Gaszak, Dr. Luke Berryman Feb 2025

Strengthening Experiential Learning At Your School, Dr. Paul Gaszak, Dr. Luke Berryman

Professional Learning Day

Experiential learning has become increasingly pervasive across education and is particularly relevant to STEM education. This session will discuss foundational theories and best practices for experiential learning and provide strategies and approaches to scale and enhance experiential learning opportunities in and across your schools. It will be relevant for all grade levels and applicable to educators of all levels of experience with experiential learning.


Real-World Examples For Engaging Students In Chemistry, Dr. Angela Ahrendt, Dr. Jane Proszek Gorninski Feb 2025

Real-World Examples For Engaging Students In Chemistry, Dr. Angela Ahrendt, Dr. Jane Proszek Gorninski

Professional Learning Day

What do consumer electronics, water treatment, and cooking all share? Chemistry! Use real-world examples to engage students in introductory chemistry topics such as the periodic table, bonding, chemical reactions, etc. This session will have an interactive discussion about how chemistry is important in everyday life and provide examples of activities and projects you can use in your classroom. Please share at least one idea about how you use real-world examples in your class.


Rigging The Role: Probability, Fairness, And Winning Every Time, Lindsey Herlehy Feb 2025

Rigging The Role: Probability, Fairness, And Winning Every Time, Lindsey Herlehy

Professional Learning Day

Step into the world of dice games with a twist! In this session, you’ll explore the fascinating interplay of fairness, strategy, and mathematical reasoning. Through a hands-on dice rolling competition, discover how to analyze theoretical and experimental probabilities and investigate what makes a game “fair.” Then, dive into the ultimate challenge: designing a “rigged” die to outmatch others in a roll-off. Perfect for middle school math classrooms, you'll leave with ideas to captivate learners while connecting probability to the real world. Join us to learn, play, and win—every time!


Musical Instrument Project, Brooke Schmidt Feb 2025

Musical Instrument Project, Brooke Schmidt

Professional Learning Day

In our Physics: Sound and Light class at IMSA, students make musical instruments to play "Mary Had a Little Lamb." I'll introduce the project here and provide templates for you to replicate the project in your classes. Student samples will also be shared


Learning From Hank's Mistakes In Science Class, Kara Boyle,, Jennifer Fischer,, James Workman Feb 2025

Learning From Hank's Mistakes In Science Class, Kara Boyle,, Jennifer Fischer,, James Workman

Professional Learning Day

In this interactive presentation, we showcase a fictitious student named Hank and his group overcoming chemistry misconceptions through engaging daily bellringers. These scenarios prompt open discussions among students, encouraging self-awareness and reinforcing expected learning behaviors. These bellringers also help with AP preparation and integrate NGSS science practices in an entertaining and non-threatening way. Participants will participate in conversations to develop scenario-writing skills for various subjects


Helping Students Understand The Complexity Of Ecological And Environmental Issues Through Use And Creation Of Environmental Impact Statements, Jessica Amacher, Desirae Klimek Feb 2025

Helping Students Understand The Complexity Of Ecological And Environmental Issues Through Use And Creation Of Environmental Impact Statements, Jessica Amacher, Desirae Klimek

Professional Learning Day

When discussing environmental issues, threats to ecosystems, and potential solutions, students tend toward a simplified view of these issues and how to fix them. To enrich their understanding of the complexities of these problems and the potential for real-life solutions, we developed a unit in which students create Environmental Impact Statements. This framework encourages students to consider the diverse perspectives of stakeholders in a specific ecosystem and to propose feasible and effective solutions.


New Ai Curriculum Overview, Kavithaa Suresh Kumar, Dan Campbell Feb 2025

New Ai Curriculum Overview, Kavithaa Suresh Kumar, Dan Campbell

Professional Learning Day

Join us for an insightful session on our school's newly developed AI curriculum. We'll discuss its core components, learning objectives, and how it prepares students for a tech-driven future. Engage in conversations about hands-on projects and strategies for fostering critical thinking. This is an excellent opportunity for educators to learn about the IMSA's New AI Curriculum. Don’t miss out on shaping the future of learning!


Unsown Seeds: Eugenics, Immigration, Civil Rights In Twentieth-Century America, Dr. Shawn Bailey Feb 2025

Unsown Seeds: Eugenics, Immigration, Civil Rights In Twentieth-Century America, Dr. Shawn Bailey

Professional Learning Day

During this panel, we will discuss the intersection of Progressive Era reforms and the pseudo-science of eugenics, looking at their impact on civil rights and immigration in American history and theories of Nazi Germany. This will include a full lesson plan run-through, with a set of primary sources, a PowerPoint slide deck, and extension assignments available for class use.


Writing Educational Op-Eds That Engage: From Classroom Stories To Published Pieces, Charity E. Freeman Feb 2025

Writing Educational Op-Eds That Engage: From Classroom Stories To Published Pieces, Charity E. Freeman

Professional Learning Day

This session equips educators with the skills and structure to write effective op-ed pieces that translate their classroom insights and expertise into compelling written pieces. Participants will learn the essential components of op-ed writing, including structuring a 700-word piece, crafting engaging narratives, and developing clear theme statements. Through guided practice and analysis of published examples, participants will discover key principles of successful op-ed writing, from incorporating student stories to offering concrete solutions on timely educational issues. Helping Students Understand the Complexity of Ecological and Environmental Issues Through Use and Creation of


Sorry, I Thought My Autopilot Wassupposed To Break!, David Hernandez Feb 2025

Sorry, I Thought My Autopilot Wassupposed To Break!, David Hernandez

Professional Learning Day

Even though the fully autonomous vehicle is not on the roads (yet!), many automakers are making great advances in the field by creating self-driving vehicle systems. During this session, you will explore how data is obtained, organized, and interpreted for a model to perform optimally and how "AI" plays a crucial role in our future.


Lessening The Elusiveness Of Limits: Let's Learn That Lesson, Dr. Janice Krouse Krouse Feb 2025

Lessening The Elusiveness Of Limits: Let's Learn That Lesson, Dr. Janice Krouse Krouse

Professional Learning Day

What can we do to alleviate the confusion around limits? We’ll examine Algebra 2 topics that might better serve as building blocks for the limit concept with slight shifts in emphasis to existing lessons. Let’s explore ways to help students find more connections and push the limit of their thinking!