Nebraska Wesleyan University 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 NWU’s WISE (Wesleyan Institute for Successful Educators) Honors Program.
“This partnership provides opportunities for WISE students they won’t find anywhere else,” said Brenda Skoczelas, a physics professor and creator of the Professor Sko Science Show. “Students can serve as curriculum writers for the show’s 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.”
The partnership also supports NWU’s goal to inspire and attract the next generation of education majors.
“Professor Sko will bring national visibility to NWU’s Education Department by spotlighting our students and faculty,” said Dr. Mark Thompson, assistant professor of secondary education and director of the WISE Program.
As part of this growing collaboration, NWU will host the Professor Sko’s Let’s 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.
“We 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,” 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’s philosophy is simple: science is everywhere, not just in a lab.
“Like many of today’s educators, I grew up on Bill Nye and Steve Spangler,” said Skoczelas. “But Professor Sko is different. We don’t just say, ‘Isn’t that interesting?’ We take kids on adventures. The goal is to make science both accessible and exciting for every learner.”
In addition to the Professor Sko Show, Skoczelas regularly guest lectures in NWU 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.