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.
| 2026 | ||
| Friday, February 27th | ||
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| 12:30 PM |
Building Purposeful Communities: Integrating Service Learning for Lasting Impact Emma Wilson Parker, Illinois Math and Science Academy A135 A135 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM |
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| 12:30 PM |
Commodity Chain Construction as Project-Based Learning Dr. Sheila Wille Dr. Sheila Wille 6-12 A114 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM |
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| 12:30 PM |
Computer Architecture for Any High School: Designing CPUs in the Browse Dan Campbell, Illinois Math and Science Academy 9-12 A133 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM |
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| 12:30 PM |
Connecting the Dots: Preparing Students for High School Math Success Paul Rummelhoff, Illinois Math and Science Academy 6-9 Math Study Area 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM |
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| 12:30 PM |
From Empathy to Innovation: Applying Human-Centered Design in the Classroom Lisa Evans, University of Illinois Laboratory High School, 6-12 AC Pit 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM |
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| 12:30 PM |
Evan Brummet, Illinois Math and Science Academy 8-12 A151 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM |
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| 12:30 PM |
Testing Theories of Marine Bioluminescence Patrick Young, Illinois Math and Science Academy 6-9 Tellabs 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM |
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| 12:30 PM |
Patrick Kearney 6-12 A110 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM |
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| 12:30 PM |
Using Games to Teach Quantum Concepts Anastasia Perry, Illinois Math and Science Academy 7-12 B116 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM |
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| 12:30 PM |
VIRTUAL: An Introduction to Astronomy Research Matthew McCutcheon, Illinois Math and Science Academy 6-12 A150 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM |
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| 12:30 PM |
You Can't Beat the Classics! Adding Scientific Rigor to Elephant Toothpaste and Baking Soda Volcanos Dr. Zachary Conley, Illinois Math and Science Academy 6-8 A200 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM |
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