ISTA is the largest state association representing science educators across Illinois is offering a dynamic conference to promote quality instruction within and across disciplines.
We invite science and general education vendors and supporters to work with us to share innovative professional development, instructional materials and supplies and related opportunities aimed at excellence in teaching around our conference theme:
Igniting Curiosity: Cultivating Science Learners for a Lifetime
This year's conference allows attendees to explore a broad array of topics so we can enhance our work to ignite students' curiosity as we cultivate science learners for a lifetime, including a special guest speaker, past NSTA President - Dr. Christine Royce.
Conference Strands
Teaching Science in the Age of Artificial Intelligence
- Using A.I. to teach and design pedagogical approaches and to assess students in the science classroom.
- How to appropriately use A.I. and understanding the ethics of both student and teacher A.I. usage in the science classroom.
- Using A.I. to instill critical thinking skills in the student’s learning and reporting process.
Transformative Approaches to Cultivate Awe, Wonder, and Questions
- Using wonder, awe, and curiosity to spark deeper engagement and student sensemaking.
- Implementing three-dimensional instruction around real-world phenomena using routines and strategies.
- Making meaningful connections between classroom science, student’s everyday experiences and workforce readiness.
Innovation, Access, and Education for Diverse Learners
-
Innovative, inclusive instructional strategies that leverage phenomena-based learning, language scaffolds, Universal Design for Learning (UDL), and assistive technologies to increase access for ML students and students with IEPs and 504 plans without reducing rigor.
-
Asset-based approaches to multilingual science education that position students’ home languages, cultural experiences, and diverse ways of knowing as strengths in scientific discourse, modeling, argumentation, and collaboration.
-
Systems and classroom structures that promote equitable access, including co-teaching models, strategic accommodations and modifications, collaborative planning between general and special educators, and progress monitoring practices that ensure compliance while centering student identity, agency, and belonging.
Workshop Proposals: Exhibitors wishing to be included in the presentation schedule for the conference must complete the process required for all proposals. The link to submit a proposal can be found HERE. If your proposal is approved for program inclusion you will need to register as an exhibitor which includes a small workshop fee. This fee will be refunded if your proposal is not selected.
Vendor Display Information:
Exhibit setup is 6:30 am to 8:00 am, Monday, October 6th.
Exhibits will be open from 8:00 am until 2:30 pm.
The conference facility is not open on Sundays.
Day of Schedule:
Exhibitor Set-up: starting at 6:10 am on Monday
Registration and Continental Breakfast: 7:30 - 9:00
Sessions: 8:30 - 11:30
A general workshop session will be presented during each lunch hour on artificial intelligence. (same workshop repeated during both lunches)
Lunch A (provided): 11:30 - 12:20
Lunch B (provided): 12:30 - 1:20
Sessions: 1:30 - 3:30
Free Raffle: 3:30 - 4:00
Exhibits Open 7:30 am - 2:30 pm
Commercial and Non-Commercial Exhibit fees include:
-
2 representative registrations including Friday continental breakfast and luncheon
-
For each 2x6 table we includes: 2 chairs, wi-fi, table covering and electric
-
Free parking
The first representative's registration is included within exhibitor registration. Please register up to one (1) additional guest (guest 1) for FREE for commercial and non-commercial exhibitors. Two (2) additional guests may register for FREE for those choosing either the SPONSOR, PATRON, or FRIEND of SCIENCE EDUCATION sponsorships within the same exhibitor registration.
Additional representatives or attendees over the allowed amount (2) may register through the participant/attendee registration process.
All exhibitors and supporters are asked to provide raffle items. When requested, donors who provide materials or services with a retail value of $200 or more will be provided a 30 second announcement or commercial during the Friday afternoon raffle in the exhibit area.
Raffle donors are recognized in the conference packet.
Additional ISTA services
Following reciept of your online registration and payment, ISTA will provide an exhibit preference request, exhibit set up information, etc. We request names of your representatives using the online registration for name tags, which must be worn to enter the conference. ISTA communication will be with whoever's information is submitted in the form. Please inform finance@ilscience.org if you would like the information sent to different contact.
All registration must be paid by October 1st or your space may be assigned to another vendor. Cancellation after September 10th will result in a cancellation fee of one-half the registration fee.
HOTEL INFORMATION
There are numerous hotels within 2-5 miles of the conference site. Search the Wheaton or Naperville areas for list including a range of prices and amenities.
Address Questions to:
Bob Wolffe <finance@ilscience.org>
Phone: 309-472-3118
