Nebraska Wesleyan is proud to announce a dynamic partnership with Sko Labs, Inc., a nonprofit organization known for its award-winning Professor Sko Science Show, which combines storytelling with science demonstrations to make STEM education accessible and fun.
This collaboration offers resume-building, hands-on experience for students in SM论坛鈥檚 WISE (Wesleyan Institute for Successful Educators) Honors Program.
鈥淭his partnership provides opportunities for WISE students they won鈥檛 find anywhere else,鈥 said Brenda Skoczelas, a physics professor and creator of the Professor Sko Science Show. 鈥淪tudents can serve as curriculum writers for the show鈥檚 expanding library of educational content, perform in live shows, and work behind the scenes on a nationally recognized program. These experiences give students a competitive edge as they prepare for careers in education.鈥
The partnership also supports SM论坛鈥檚 goal to inspire and attract the next generation of education majors.
鈥淧rofessor Sko will bring national visibility to SM论坛鈥檚 Education Department by spotlighting our students and faculty,鈥 said Dr. Mark Thompson, assistant professor of secondary education and director of the WISE Program.
As part of this growing collaboration, SM论坛 will host the Professor Sko鈥檚 Let鈥檚 Go Make Music live show in March 2026. This science-meets-arts performance targets students in grades 3-7 and is approved by Lincoln Public Schools as a fourth-grade field trip.
鈥淲e take a brain-friendly approach to learning that helps kids connect science to things they already love, like music, art, dance, history and especially athletics,鈥 said Skoczelas, a triathlete and former college soccer player.
What sets The Professor Sko Science Show apart is its unique blend of theatrical storytelling and hands-on science. Led by Skoczelas and a cast of original characters, each episode follows an engaging narrative while encouraging at-home experimentation with common household items. The show鈥檚 philosophy is simple: science is everywhere, not just in a lab.
鈥淟ike many of today鈥檚 educators, I grew up on Bill Nye and Steve Spangler,鈥 said Skoczelas. 鈥淏ut Professor Sko is different. We don鈥檛 just say, 鈥業sn鈥檛 that interesting?鈥 We take kids on adventures. The goal is to make science both accessible and exciting for every learner.鈥
In addition to the Professor Sko Show, Skoczelas regularly guest lectures in SM论坛 education courses, sharing her expertise in curriculum design, science education and gender equity in the classroom.
Additionally, WISE students recently worked with Skoczelas to create worksheets to accompany Professor Sko YouTube videos, a project funded by Nebraska EPSCoR.