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
10:50 AM

AI in the STEM Classroom

Sarah O'Leary Driscoll, Illinois Math and Science Academy

9-12

B133

10:50 AM - 11:50 AM

Disease Detectives: An Exploration of Foodborne Epidemiology Activities

Dr. Zachary Conley, Illinois Math and Science Academy

6-8

A113

10:50 AM - 11:50 AM

Executive Functioning: Definition and Strategies

Crystal England, Illinois Math and Science Academy

6-12

AC Pit

10:50 AM - 11:50 AM

Experiential Cooperative Learning Methods for Science and Math

Dr. Thomas Juliano, St. Francis High School College Prep

6-12

Math Study Area

10:50 AM - 11:50 AM

Holocaust Education & Inquiry-Based Learning

Dr. Luke Berryman, Illinois Math and Science Academy

9-12

B108

10:50 AM - 11:50 AM

Integrating Neuroscience and Technology: Experiential Learning Through Muscle-to-Robot Systems

Dr. Ashwin Mohan, Illinois Math and Science Academy
Dr. Mark Carlson, Illinois Math and Science Academy

10-12

A133

10:50 AM - 11:50 AM

Introduction to Makerspace

Grant Bell, Illinois Math and Science Academy

6-12

IN2 Makerspace

10:50 AM - 11:50 AM

Shaping Ideas: Integrating Injection Molding Into STEM Learning

David Hernandez, Illinois Math and Science Academy

7-12

A152

10:50 AM - 11:50 AM

Technology and History: The Battle of Britian as an Interactive Model

Dr. Lee Eysturlid, Illinois Math and Science Academy

6-12

A147/A149

10:50 AM - 11:50 AM

The Big Air Lab

Dr. Joseph Golab, Illinois Math and Science Academy

10-11

A209

10:50 AM - 11:50 AM

The Cubic: Centuries of Mathematical Intrigue

Dr. Micah Fogel, Illinois Math and Science Academy

10-12

A155

10:50 AM - 11:50 AM

Watching Movies to Stimulate Mathematical Inquiry

Dr. Evan Glazer, Illinois Math and Science Academy
Anderson Trimm, Illinois Math and Science Academy

6-10

A119

10:50 AM - 11:50 AM