March 13, 2026
- 2026 PK-12 Science Update & Research Conference
- Time: All Day
- Location: Horrabin Hall
- Description: Every spring since 1985 the Science Education Center has hosted the Annual PreK-8 Science Update Conference. The purpose of this local conference is to bring teachers together to share activities and ideas for improving the teaching of science in preschool through 8th grade. Presenters at this conference includes outstanding science teachers who are willing to share their expertise. The conference also includes commercial exhibitors who share what is new in the area of science education.
From Curiosity to Discovery: Reigniting Inquiry in K-12 Science
March 13, 2026 - 9-3:30pm
Western Illinois University – Macomb, Illinois - Horrabin & Currens Hall
Join PK–12 educators, university faculty, and future teachers for a day of engaging sessions focused on current science research, inquiry-based instruction, and classroom-ready strategies that spark student curiosity and deepen understanding.
Call for proposals [Click here]
Conference Registration [Click here]
Keynote Speaker
Dr. Diane Schnoor
Founder & Lead Educator, Dr. Diane’s Adventures in Learning
An internationally recognized STEM educator, Dr. Schnoor brings hands-on, inquiry-driven science experiences that connect real-world phenomena to classroom learning and empower teachers to transform curiosity into discovery.
Conference Highlights
Hands-on inquiry-based STEM workshops
Current science research updates
Classroom-tested instructional strategies
Engaging demonstrations
Networking with educators & researchers
Vendor & resource exhibits
Who Should Attend?
PK–12 Science Teachers
Pre-service Teachers
Informal Science Educators
School Administrators
University Faculty & Students
Horrabin Hall - Western Illinois University - Macomb, Illinois
Conference Parking
Visitors to the WIU Campus attending the PreK-8 Science Update Conference may park in one of the parking lots near Horrabin Hall. It is suggested you park either in the parking lot south of Horrabin Hall and west of the WIU Library, or in the parking lot north of Horrabin Hall (Higgins Hall Parking Lot). DO NOT PARK IN ANY RESERVED SPACES. If you have a displayed handicapped permit you are allowed to use the spaces marked for handicapped parking. If you have a WIU issued registration parking permit then you are required to park in the area designated by your parking permit. - Related Web Site: Science Conference Website
- Contact Information:
Sebastian Szyjka
Phone: (309) 255-2221
Email: sp-szyjka@wiu.edu - Source: College of Education and Human Services
