Michael DiSpezio

You just won't believe your eyes, as noted author and educator Michael DiSpezio guides you through the universe of optical illusions. But this eye-popping presentation goes far beyond show-and-tell. Not only will you be stumped by these brain-challenging visuals, but you'll learn the science and secrets of each effect. You'll learn easy ways to duplicate many of these illusions on your own. You'll even experience 3D magic with red/blue illusion viewers supplied to all attendees.

Are gender differences in the brain real or imagined? Share a biologist's insight and perspective on real and imagined differences in the way males and females think. From genetic determination to developmental factors, you'll learn about gender differences and the possible evolutionary mechanism for their emergence. You'll even have the opportunity to participate in tests that may demonstrate differential performance based upon gender.

Join Michael A. DiSpezio, author of the NSTA publication the Science of HIV, for an interactive workshop in which you'll discover the science of HIV/AIDS. Beginning with biology basics, you'll learn about viruses and follow the emergence of this modern day plague. Using theatrical devices and interactive elements, Michael will help attendees construct a valid understanding of HIV/AIDS. The presentation will conclude with an update to our knowledge of the virus, effective therapy regimes and the global epidemiology of 2003 attendees.

In this stand-up comedy performance, Michael demonstrates how to effectively integrate humor into your science curriculum without compromising validity. Using classic and original examples of science humor, Michael will not only entertain attendees, but guide them into exploiting this often overlooked classroom tool. Be prepared to smile!