Conference Session Information
Air Power: Instructional Strategies for Science (K-2)
Presented by Dr. Bob Kapheim
Session Description
This session provides simple hands-on experiments, instructional strategies, concept
development, and career possibilities related to the various concepts related to air
pressure. The program is excellent for K-5 elementary teachers.
Yes, We Can! Using Foundation Skills to Explore Science (3-5)
Presented by Dr. Meg Carroll
Session Description
The basic building blocks of reading and math are in place. Now children are ready
to use those skills to explore their world. Experiment with technology that will facilitate
intermediate learners' interests and plan for interesting instruction in math and
science.
The Integrated Classroom (3-5)
Presented by Lanis Petrik
Session Description
Participate in activities that incorporate STEM into daily teaching. Learn about resources,
classes and opportunities for teachers and students at Brookfield Zoo.
"Patterns, Patterns, Patterns!" Investigating the Minds of Mr. Fibonacci and Mr. Sierpinski." (6-8)
Presented by Dr.Eileen Quinn-Knight and Dimitras Georganas
Session Description
This session will investigate the Fibonaci sequence, the Golden Triangle and the Sierpinski
Triangle for multiple uses of these concepts.
For example: If we want to build a brick wall out of the usual size of brick which has a length twice as long as its height, and if our wall is to be two units tall, we can make our wall in a number of patterns, depending on how long we want it:
There's just one wall pattern which is 1 unit wide - made by putting the brick on
its end.
- There are 2 patterns for a wall of length 2: two side-ways bricks laid on top of each other and two bricks long-ways up put next to each other.
- There are three patterns for walls of length 3.
- How many patterns can you find for a wall of length 4?
- How many different patterns are there for a wall of length 5?
- Look at the number of patterns you have found for a wall of length 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5. Does anything seem familiar? Can you find a reason for this?
The Evolving World of Biotechnology (6-8)
Presented by Dr. Kalinda Jones
Session Description
By exploring biotechnological advances, this session will increase teachers' knowledge
of and ability to integrate biotechnology into middle school classroom instruction.
Emphasis will be placed on and integration into middle school science classes and
alignment with Illinois State Standards. Participants will be encouraged to be active
learners by asking questions, completing activities, and discussing ways in which
the presentation content can be integrated into their current classes.
Spice Up Your Classroom with STEM (K-8)
Presented by Dr. Julie Reinhart and Suzanne Snaidauf
Session Description
This session will showcase many of the STEM-related resources that are available at
the STEM Education Center at SXU for local area teachers to borrow. We will show you
how to integrate many of the resources into STEM-related projects that you can use
in your classroom.
"What's Measurement Got to Do With It?"
Get Ready To Go On A Scavenger Hunt to Find Out! (K-2)
Presented by Dr. Eileen Quinn Knight and Dimitra Georganas
Session Description
Teachers will investigate shapes and their many uses in math, science, geography,
and other subjects. In this session we will find ways to ask young children to find
and then sort household objects, such as plastic bottles, books and trinkets into
different piles, depending on their shape. Discuss the shape of different static objects,
such as windows and doors. What shape is the clock? What shape is the telephone? If
this is a classroom situation the children could present their objects from home and
tell their classmates about the shapes. Another game would be to place the objects
in a large bag and ask the children to feel for an object, describe its shape and
then try to guess what it is.
Take your students on a "Measurement Hunt"! This simple measuring project will go a long way by helping students get a good understanding of unit lengths and by building strong spatial awareness.
Air Power: Instructional Strategies for Science (3-5)
Presented by Dr. Bob Kapheim
Session Description
This session provides simple hands-on experiments, instructional strategies, concept
development, and career possibilities related to the various concepts related to air
pressure. The program is excellent for K-5 elementary teachers.
Increasing Student Motivation to Pursue Science (6-8)
Presented by Dr. Kalinda Jones
Session Description
By emphasizing the role that science can play in solving societal problems, the presenter
will provide teachers with tools to increase student motivation. Information linking
current scientific advances, curricular ideas, and careers in science will be explored.
Participants will be encouraged to be active learners by asking questions, completing
activities, and discussing ways in which the presentation content can be integrated
into their current classes.
Yes, We Can! Launching Life Skills (6-8)
Presented by Dr. Meg Carroll
Session Description
Students in the middle school or junior high years have built competencies in academic
skills and social development. They are ready to layer complex skills that cut across
subject areas and apply to adult life as well. Explore technology that facilitates
taking data and displaying data, making real life connections. Learn strategies to
facilitate the heavy vocabulary and concept load of science.
Teaching with Technology (K-8)
Presented by Rola Othman
Session Description
This session will provide an overview of techniques that advance student learning
through various technologies. The aim is to provide hands-on applications and examples
that engage students, expand group participation and collaboration, achieve frequent
interaction and feedback, and provide quick access to world experts.
Digital Photography and STEM (K-8)
Presented by Dr. Julie Reinhart, Scott Sowinski, and Mallory Ybarra
Session Description
Participants will learn fun and engaging ways to use photography to teach students
how to create animated gifs, digital photography special effects, and much more. Participants
will learn how to "sneak in" STEM content while having fun with photography.
Exploring Natural Interests in Science, Supported by Math and Technology (K-2)
Presented by Dr. Meg Carroll
Session Description
For children in this age level of "whys?" science is a natural interest. Teeth, rocks,
plants, and dirt are just the beginning. Using technology to support young learners'
interests is as natural as an apple (or at least an ipad!). Follow a child's mind
and plan to use math and technology to foster learning.
Alternative Energy Resources for the 21st Century (3-5)
Presented by Dr. Bob Kapheim
Session Description
This session will provide an overview of alternative forms of energy for the 21st
Century. Participants will development instructional strategies, participate in hands-on
experiments, relate to science concepts, technological resources, and identify career
opportunities related to these alternative forms of energy.
"Geometry Is All Around Us. It's Even In Your IPAD!" (3-5)
Presented by Dr. Eileen Quinn-Knight and Dimitra Georganas
Session Description
In this session we will create three dimensional figures! If you dip a bent circle
of wire into soapy water and pull it out, there will be a soap film stretching across
it. Physically, this film seeks to have the smallest possible area as a way of minimizing
a certain type of energy. The mathematical study of surfaces that have minimum area
has developed into a rich theory with many topics of current research.
Teachers will also be introduced to "Candy Bar Geometry". Students are hired to come up with new shapes and styles of candy bars for the Geometrical Candy Bar Company. The only stipulation is that their area or perimeter has to be a specific number. Teachers will enjoy bringing this simple hands-on idea immediately into their classrooms!
"Juice Box Geometry" will be shown as an added bonus project! Given five different types of juice boxes, which manufacturer has the largest volume of juice and uses the least amount of packaging material? At the end of this project, you'll be surprised how much thought goes into the design and manufacturing of a simple juice box!
Animal Populations (6-8)
Presented by Jason Crean
Session Description
Participants will use a database program designed by teachers and experts at Brookfield
Zoo and explore how this data can answer important questions. A wide variety of questions
can be answered using this database, allowing for differentiation among mixed ability
student groups. The database includes the actual data from 9 different animal species
kept in zoos, making the information more meaningful to students.
Teaching Our Girls to Love the STEMs (K-8)
Presented by Rola Othman
Session Description
Learning about and addressing stereotypes that cause young girls to shy away from
the STEM fields. Methods to overcome these barriers will be discussed.
Game On! Thematic STEM Instructional Strategies (K-8)
Presented by Scott Sowinski, Mallory Ybarra, and Donna Mendez
Session Description
This session provides hands-on experiments and instructional strategies for exploring
ways of engineering a popular technology game. Teachers will learn how to incorporate
STEM in the classroom that they can use in their everyday curriculum. Adaptations
will be provided for grades K-8 with demonstrations.
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