Northern Illinois University
College of Liberal Arts & Sciences,
announce a one day “New Ideas” conference
Holmes Student Center, DeKalb, Illinois
Monday, March 16, 2009
8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
“We will restore science to its rightful place, and wield technology's wonders…We will harness the sun and the winds and the soil to fuel our cars and run our factories.”
- President Barack Obama, Inaugural Address, January 20, 2009
“Not only will atomic power be released, but someday we will harness the rise and fall of the tides and imprison the rays of the sun.”
-Thomas A. Edison (1847-1931), August 22, 1921
Conference Faculty
Stephen Karlson, Ph.D., University of Wisconsin
Milivoje Kostic, Ph.D., University of Illinois at Chicago
Cliff Mirman, Ph.D., University of Illinois at Chicago
Robert Tatara, Ph.D., Northwestern University
Patricia Vary, Ph.D., Stanford University
Don Zinger, Ph.D., University of Wisconsin
Join us as we explore alternative energy and discover how to move forward into a new age of energy.
Whether you are a first-time New Ideas participant or a returning colleague, this professional development day will provide you with opportunities to explore new subjects, bring teaching resources to your classroom, and collaborate with others.
TENTATIVE PROGRAM
8 – 8:30 a.m. Check In and Registration
8:30 – 8:45 a.m. Welcome
Christopher McCord, Ph.D., Dean, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
Katherine Wright, Ph.D., Director, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences External Programming
8:45 – 9:45 a.m.
“Solar Energy and What the Future Holds.”
Patricia Vary, Ph.D., Distinguished Research Professor Emerita, Department of Biological Sciences
Solar Energy: Could we actually build enough solar cells to supply all the US electricity needs by 2050? What are the advantages and problems involved in increasing our use of the sun for our power? Why is it imperative that we try? These are some of the questions that will be addressed in this introduction to Solar Power. Dr. Patricia Vary is also on the DeKalb County Board and a cosponsor of a County Conservation Initiative.
10 – 11 a.m.
“Energy Is Everything: Fundamentals and Future Challenges.”
Milivoje Kostic, Ph.D., Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering
Two things are certain in the not too distant future: (1) the world population and our living-standard expectations will substantially increase, and (2) fossil fuels’ economical reserves, particularly oil and natural gas, will substantially decrease. This presentation will explore the difficulties that every nation will face in meeting energy needs over the next several decades. The traditional solutions and approaches will not solve the global energy problem. New knowledge, new technology, and new living habits and expectations must be developed to address both the quantity of energy needed to increase the standard of living world-wide and to preserve and enhance the quality of our environment. There are many diverse and abundant energy sources with promising future potentials, so that mankind should be able to enhance its activities, standard and quality of living, by diversifying energy sources, and by improving energy conversion and utilization efficiencies, while at the same time increasing safety and reducing environmental pollution.
11:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.
“An Exploration of Wind Power.”
Don Zinger, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Department of Electrical Engineering
Wind is increasingly being used as an environmentally friendly source of power. This presentation will look at the basic physical concepts associated with generating power from the wind. Among these concepts, some discussion will be given about how the generated power varies with wind. The basic idea behind how the rotating energy of the wind turbine is converted to electrical energy will be introduced. The presentation will also show the basics as to how the power is taken from a wind turbine and delivered to a home.
12:30 – 1:15 p.m.
Networking Luncheon and Keynote Presentation
“Bio-fuels and NIU’s Role in Making the Railroad Industry More Energy Efficient.”
Cliff Mirman, Ph.D., Chair, Department of Technology and Robert Tatara, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Department of Technology
Have you ever thought about the amount of fuel that is used by the railroad industry? This industry uses millions of gallons of diesel fuel to power their large locomotives each year. However, due to incredibly large loads that trains carry, this form of transportation is by far the most efficient mode to get goods distributed across the country. The Technology Department at NIU is working on a special U.S. Department of Energy grant which will help make these railroads more energy efficient. One area which we are examining is the use of bio-based fuels and the effects that renewable source of energy will have on this old form of transportation. The research team is also looking at other areas in which the railroad industry can benefit from energy efficiency.
1:30 – 2:30 p.m.
“Economics of Alternative Energies.”
Stephen Karlson, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Department of Economics
In this presentation, we will demonstrate two activities from the National Council for Economic Education lesson plans that expose students to economic concepts relevant to economics, energy, and alternative energies, such as wind, solar, and biofuels. Overall, alternative energies present people, whether as consumers, businesses, or policy makers, with tradeoffs.
What teachers have said about past “New Ideas” programs:
“Lively speakers. I thought I knew a lot . . . wow was I surprised. I’m excited to return to my classrooms.”
E. Marie Schaver, Belvidere High School, Belvidere
“Every year I attend the New Ideas conferences and every year I come away rejuvenated about teaching and with more teaching ideas.”
Jeremy Jenkins, Community Unit School District No 2, Serena
“It is always terrific to spend a day as a ‘student’ I feel so much better prepared for my classes the next day.”
Barbara Jo Scott, Maple School, Northbrook
Why Attend?
This program gives you an opportunity to meet with colleagues from other educational institutions, learn about successful teaching projects, and hear the latest research findings from thought-provoking Northern Illinois University scholars. NIU research professors and other professionals working in the academic disciplines will share new ideas to supplement your history, social studies, and science classroom curriculum.
You will:
• Gain information and perspectives about different alternative energies.
• Experience effective teaching methods that help students learn.
• Receive ideas and materials from faculty to use as references when you return to your school.
• Network with other attendees as you explore new ideas and expand your professional horizons.
Plus . . . Recertification – CPDUs: You will receive a report documenting six Continuing Professional Development Units for your participation. Northern Illinois University is an approved provider of professional development activities. This documentation will assist you in your individual recertification plans.
General Information: Enrollments are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. If reservations exceed conference limits, a waiting list will be established. Late registrations will be accepted if space is available. Registration is confirmed by payment. If the conference must be canceled due to unforeseen circumstances, you will receive a full refund. All facilities are accessible to the handicapped.
Location: Holmes Student Center, located on campus. NIU is in DeKalb, 65 miles west of Chicago (one mile north of I-88), 45 miles southeast of Rockford. A map will be sent with your confirmation.
Parking: A visitor’s parking lot is located close to the Holmes Student Center. A campus map is sent with your confirmation plus FREE parking pass (upon request)
Contact: Mark Pietrowski, 815-753-1456 or pietrowski@niu.edu for more information.