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
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