NISE 2024 Conference Information

Northern Illinois Science Educators (NISE) is pleased to announce that our 9th annual NISE Conference, "NISE 2024: Nurturing Innovation, Sharing Expertise," will be held Monday, November 18, 2024 at the NIU Conference Center in Naperville, IL. All K-16 science educators are encouraged to attend the in-person conference. Our goal is to bring science educators together to collaborate and share ideas and methods for best practices in science education. The day will be filled with more than 35 presentations and double session workshops. Topics will range from the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) to technology in the science classroom.

Please be aware that while there may be other science education conferences held at this venue this fall, our NISE conference on November 18th is the original and highly regarded event that educators have attended annually since 2014.

Download a flyer about the conference to share with colleagues!

Registration CLOSED (Closed Nov. 7)

(Questions? Hoping a Spot is still available? Email: conference@nise.us)

Conference Theme

This year our conference theme, "Nurturing Innovation, Sharing Expertise" looks to nurture your passion for science teaching through innovation and the sharing of expertise across all grade levels and content areas.

A sortable list of the presentations currently scheduled (TENTATIVE, subject to change) can be found here and in the menu. Please note that you can click on various sort options at the top of the listing. Clicking on any of the presentation titles will bring up the full listing of the presentation, including presenters, description, presentation type, etc.

Featured Speakers

Due to the demand for the conference and venue space restrictions, we typically offer several "Featured Speakers" rather than a single keynote. These are nationally recognized experts on the NGSS, STEM, science, and science teaching.

Trevor Fayas & Tom Henderson

The Physics Classroom is a full-service Physics website that includes tutorials, videos, curriculum, simulations, an automated problem delivery and grading system, and interactive questioning modules like Concept Builders and Minds On Physics. Developers Tom and Trevor will discuss how teachers can use the resources to build conceptual models, correct student misconceptions, foster conceptual reasoning, and develop content-related skills.

Katie Lodes

Studying oceans is always a challenge when living in the midwest and NISE is excited to welcome Katie Lodes and her presentation on GO-BGC and "Adopt-a-Float". The Global Ocean Biochemistry Array mission is to build a persistent, robotic observing system that extends from the surface into deep waters with open data, and which enables scientists and educators to analyze, understand, and communicate the processes that control ocean health and the flow of carbon at climate relevant time scales.

Aamod Samuel

Join Mr. Samuel, a NASA engineer, in an inspiring presentation that explores the broad range of jobs and interests essential for space exploration and research. Discover how engaging students in the sciences can unveil a world of possibilities and foster future innovators. Mr. Samuel will also present information on various opportunities that NASA offers to science educators—and those outside the science field—to enhance classroom learning and provide unique experiences for students and teachers. Learn how teachers make a lasting and profound impact to spark curiosity and wonder, ultimately guiding the next generation of scientists.

Eddie Taylor, Jr

A science educator in Chicago Public Schools and a PhD student at the University of Illinois Chicago. His presentation will focus on culturally relevant practices in science eduction and how joy, especially Black Joy, plays a role in the success of both the educator and the students.

Dr. Becky Thompson

Dr. Thompson is the Chief Science and Education Officer at the St Louis Science Center’s Science & Education team. Dr. Thompson is also the author of Fire Ice and Physics, the Science of the Game of Thrones, where she turns a scientist's eye on Game of Thrones, exploring, among other things, the science of an ice wall, the genetics of the Targaryen and Lannister families, and the biology of beheading.

Conference Location

NIU Naperville Conference Center is centrally located along the Chicago area's north/south (I-355) and east/west (I-88) corridors. It is just a few minutes south of I-88 on Diehl Rd, using the Naperville Rd. / Freedom Dr. exit and 5 minutes from I-355 using I-88.

NIU Naperville Conference Center
Address: 1120 E Diehl Rd, Naperville, IL 60563
Website: https://www.niu.edu/conference-event-services/meetings/naperville/event-spaces.shtml
 

Call for Presentations

  • Call for Presentations (CFP) for the NISE 2024 Conference... [More Info]

Just the Facts

NISE 2024

Date: November 18, 2024 (Mon)
Time: 8:00 am - 3:30 pm
Location: NIU Naperville Conference Ctr
1120 E Diehl Rd, Naperville, IL
Food: Lunch Included
Cost: $180
($170 ea. for 5+ on one PO)
($160 ea. for 10+ on one PO)
(Pre-Service Teachers: $90 ea.)
Seats: 500 (Max)
CPDUs: Up to 5 hrs
Reg: Pre-Registration Required
(Opens TBD)
Audience: K-16 Science Teachers & Admin.
Topics: NGSS, Instructional Delivery,
Assessment, Curriculum Dev,
Classroom Tech., Science Admin,
and more ...
 

Hotel Information

  • Are you coming from out of town and need a hotel room? There are 6 major hotels within walking distance of the NIU Naperville Conference Center. Many of them offer free shuttle service in the immediate area (NIU conference center, local restaurants, downtown Naperville, and some even to local malls). Contact us if you have any questions.
    Contact: conference@nise.us

Exhibitor Information

  • Are you looking to be an exhibitor or vendor at our conference? Looking to advertise to our attendees by sponsoring a room, food, or a scholarship?
    Email Us: conference@nise.us