This spring, the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy (IMSA) is thrilled to once again serve as a host site for the multi-county Institute Day, welcoming 300+ educators from across Illinois for a full day of inspiring professional learning featuring over 50 unique workshops and presentations. This free event will take place on Friday, February 27, 2026, from 8:00 AM–2:45 PM, and is open to all Illinois educators—classroom teachers, specialists, administrators, and school staff. This year’s lineup features dynamic sessions centered on 6th–12th grade research, mathematics, science, AI, engineering, and technology, along with engaging workshops on experiential learning, equity, history, and the social sciences.

Schedule

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2026
Friday, February 27th
9:40 AM

Build it Fast - A Civil Engineering Challenge

Patrick Young

6-8

Tellabs

9:40 AM - 10:40 AM

Building a Rainbow Solution Tower

Dr. Terry Leung, Illinois Math and Science Academy
Dr. Angie Ahrendt, Illinois Math and Science Academy

6-12

B110

9:40 AM - 10:40 AM

CSI: Costa Rica--Turning Phenomena Into Engaging Biology Storylines

Cassandra Armstrong, Illinois Math and Science Academy

8-11

A200

9:40 AM - 10:40 AM

Data at Hand: Statistically Speaking… Which Hand Is the Real MVP?

Lindsey Herlehy, Illinois Math and Science Academy

6-8

A117

9:40 AM - 10:40 AM

How AI Really Works

Dr. Peter Dong, Illinois Math and Science Academy

6-12

ACT Pit

9:40 AM - 10:40 AM

How Much Do YOUR Questions Matter?

Dr. Janice Krouse, Illinois Math and Science Academy

10-12

Math study area

9:40 AM - 10:40 AM

Moving Onward: Reframing Illinois' Role on the Underground Railroad for the Classroom

Eric Krupa, St. Charles History Museum
Zach Bishop, Aurora University

A123

9:40 AM - 10:40 AM

Sensemaking in the High School Science Classroom

Matt Bulman, St. Charles East High School

9-12

B133

9:40 AM - 10:40 AM

Teaching LEADership in the Classroom: Peer to Peer Learning, Leadership Theory, UNSD Goals, and Community Building

Emma Wilson Parker, Illinois Math and Science Academy

6-12

A135

9:40 AM - 10:40 AM

The World of Thought in Ancient China in the Classroom

Dr. Patrick Buck, Illinois Math and Science Academy

6-12

A114

9:40 AM - 10:40 AM

What Are Your Students Doing This Summer? We Have Some Ideas.

Dr. Anita White, Illinois Math and Science Academy
Jacqueline Salinas, Illinois Math and Science Academy

8-11

A1151

9:40 AM - 10:40 AM