Northern Illinois University
College of Liberal Arts & Sciences,
Department of Physics,
and Department of History
announce a one day “New Ideas” conference
New Ideas in History and Science: Galileo Conference
“All truths are easy to understand once they are discovered; the point is to discover them”- Galileo
Holmes Student Center, DeKalb, Illinois
Monday, February 6, 2009
8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Conference Faculty
Valia Allori, Ph.D., Rutgers University and University of Genova
Kristy Bowers, Ph.D., Indiana University
David Hedin, Ph.D., University of Wisconsin
Edward “Rocky” Kolb, Ph.D., University of Texas at Austin
Brian Sandberg, Ph.D., University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Pati Sievert, M.S., Northern Illinois University
Suzanne Willis, Ph.D., Yale University
Join us as we celebrate astronomy and Galileo at the New Ideas in History and Science Galileo conference. In 2009, the conference will focus on astronomy, Galileo’s life, religion, and historical moments during Galileo’s time.
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.
• Teachers are welcome to bring a group of students to this New Ideas conference for $30 per student.
• A special field trip will be offered after the conference to the Yerkes Observatory in Williams Bay, Wisconsin. Tickets are $35 per person.
TENTATIVE PROGRAM
8:00 - 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
Suzanne Willis, Ph.D., Chair, Department of Physics
Beatrix Hoffman, Ph.D., Chair, Department of History
8:45-9:45 a.m.
1A “How Our View of the Universe Can Change,” David Hedin, Distinguished Research Professor, Department of Physics
How does the understanding of some commonly observed quantities - at their most fundamental level - alter our view of the universe? Among the items to be discussed are the masses of particles, the strength of fundamental forces, and symmetry violations.
or
1B “Galileo and the Scientific Method,” Valia Allori, Assistant Professor, Department of Philosophy
The word of ‘science’ and the testimony of scientists carry an enormous intellectual authority. In Western civilizations, science is considered to be the ultimate form of objective and rational inquiry. Yet relatively few people have a clear idea of how science works, or exactly what it is about science that earns its authoritative status. We will explore questions regarding the nature of science starting from Galileo Galilei, who is considered the father of the scientific method.
10-11 a.m.
2A “From Galileo to Hubble and Beyond: Current Questions in Astronomy,” Suzanne Willis, Professor and Chair, Department of Physics
A brief history of the universe; how big it is, how old it is, and what the future holds for it. How do we know these things? What do we still not know? We will discussion of inflation, dark matter, dark energy, other universes, and string theory.
or
2B “Galileo’s Trial in Context: Religion and Science in History,” Kristy Wilson Bowers, Assistant Professor, Department of History
Galileo’s trial by the Papal Inquisition is perhaps the most famous historical episode of conflict between religion and science, and is generally taken as a symbol of the domination of science by the Catholic Church. This in turn has led to a view of the Catholic Church as repressive and anti-intellectual. Yet scholars of science have long offered alternate interpretations for both why Galileo’s trial occurred and what the consequences were. This lecture will examine these various interpretations as well as the broader context of interactions between religion and science in the ancient and medieval eras, offering evidence of cooperation and support as well as conflict.
11:15 a.m.-12:15 p.m.
3A “Bringing Science to Life Using the Lives of Scientists,” Pati Sievert, STEM Outreach Coordinator
Have you ever wondered how far Galileo advanced science beyond Aristotelian views? What were his contributions to scientific thought and investigations that allowed others - such as Newton - to further advance our understanding of our natural world? Can you use history to teach science? Can you use science to teach history?
or
3B “Galileo and the Medicean Stars: Early Modern Patronage and the Production of ‘Scientific’ Knowledge,” Brian Sandberg, Assistant Professor, Department of History
Galileo’s telescopic observations of the moon and Jupiter’s satellites astounded his contemporaries, but his analysis of those observations and his radical conclusions troubled many intellectuals and natural philosophers. This presentation will examine the Medici princely dynasty’s support of Galileo’s publication and diffusion of his astronomical findings, allowing an exploration of patronage and its role in the production of ‘scientific’ knowledge. While we often think of ‘Big Science’ as a relatively new phenomenon, sixteenth- and seventeenth-century patronage of research in natural philosophy can be arguably considered an early form of state-sponsored science.
12:15-1:15 p.m.
Networking Lunch with NIU Faculty
1:30-2:30 p.m.
Keynote Address “Galileo and the Year of the Telescope,” Edward “Rocky” Kolb, Chair, Department of Astronomy & Astrophysics, University of Chicago
Four hundred years ago, Galileo turned his “optic tube” to the sky. In a short period, his revolutionary discoveries forever changed our view of the universe and humanity’s place in it. Learn about Galileo’s legacy of telescope observations and development of modern science as we embark upon the fourth century of the telescope.
For an updated schedule, check our website at http://www.niu.edu/clasep/conferences/newideas
Upcoming NIU programs
Academic Summer Camps 2009: The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences is pleased to offer one-week residential learning experiences for pre-collegiate students on our DeKalb campus every summer. There are various programs, including:
Speech Camp Film Camp
Creative Writing Camp Journalism Camp
Science Camp (Grades 6-7, 8-9, 10-12) Literature/Writing Camp
ACT Test Prep: We offer a program that focuses on in-class core-content instruction and real retired ACT tests. We can bring our program to you with NIU faculty leading the instruction, or students can choose to attend our NIU on-site ACT programs.
New Ideas in Science Conference (March 16, 2009): An exploration of renewable sources such as wind, solar, geothermal, biofuels, hydrogen, hydroelectricity, and tidal power.
You can also get updates for these and other events and programs - for you and your students - by getting on our e-mail list. Simply call 815-753-5200 or email LASEP@niu.edu.
What teachers have said about past “New Ideas” programs:
“Finally a workshop right up my alley.” Ellain Gallis, Waukegan High School, Waukegan
“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
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 Galileo, astronomy, science, religion, and history.
• 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 a FREE parking pass (upon request).