Amber Quirk

   Regional Superintendent 

   DuPage County Schools

Regional Office of Education

421 N. County Farm Rd

Wheaton, IL 60187

630.407.5800

The STEM Insider

April 2026

NEWS

The Future of EdTech

Every year brings an influx of IT solutions. Schools are primed to jump on the latest tehcnologies. Read how technology and convenience sometimes replace the curiosity and joy in learning.


Classroom Routines that Support Mathematical Thinking

Integrating math routines into the school day can help students develop stronger mathematical language and thinking. Practices such as using area and perimeter language, lining up by number patterns, and estimating transitions connect math to everyday life and reinforce those connections.


Strategies to Fuel K-2 Science Thinking and Discourse

Think about the last time you asked your students a question in science class. Did it spark discussion, lead to new understanding, or prompt students to recall a fact? The kinds of questions teachers ask matter more than we might realize. To learn more, click here.


OpenAI Gives ChatGPT Dynamic Explanations for STEM Concepts

OpenAI announced a new feature that enables students to actively work with mathematical concepts, shifting from explanation to exploration. For more information, refer to the article.


EVENTS

NEED Energy Exchange Hour Webinar - April 22, 2026

Join the NEED Curriculum Team for a monthly webinar. Each month features a topic to highlight or demonstrate a set of activities. Participants may register for as many as they are interested in.


Discovering Cats and Dogs: Deepening Inquiry through Comparison - April 28, 2026; Brookfield Zoo

During this exciting day of learning, teachers will explore the unique characteristics, behavioral adaptations, and ecological roles of these predators while practicing strategies and tools to ignite inquiry and critical thinking. The session is designed for grade 3-8 teachers and all educators are welcome.


ICTM PK-12 Mini-Conference - May 2, 2026

Gather with other educators and coaches to delve into mathematical numeracy. No charge for ICTM members and only $35 for non-ICTM members (fee comes with a complimentary 1-year membership). Pay by credit card or by personal/district check. The conference is free for all pre-service teachers. Participants are eligible for 3.5 Hours of IL PD Credit.


DuPage ROE Tech/AI Conference - June 18, 2026

SAVE the DATE! This year's summit focuses on strengthening schools through technology and partnership ensuring every educator has the support needed to thrive. You might also consider submitting a presentation proposal. More information here.



RESOURCES

NSTA Web Seminars

NSTA Web Seminars are live professional experiences that use online learning technologies to allow participants to interact with nationally acclaimed experts, NSTA Press authors, and scientists, engineers, and education specialists. All web seminars are recorded for watching on-demand in the web seminar archive.


National Geographic Explorers

Engage with National Geographic Explorers and transform learning experiences through live events, free maps, videos, interactives and other resources. Explore here.


OpenSciEd Materials for Grades K-12

Look for new ways of working with students in your science classes? Trying to expand and deepen your students' level of understanding of key concepts? Or, are you wondering about ways in which you can spark curiosity and problem solving among your students. Explore what OpenSciEd offers.


Discover Engineering Activities

Begin your work exploring the Discovering Engineering activities with the Launch It Rocket Activity in celebration of Goddards's 100th anniversary of the first liquid fueled rocket. Watch NASA engineer Margaret Dominguez introduce the challenge and the activity instructions. Looking for more ideas? Explore 170+ activities at DiscoverE.org.


DuPage ROE STEM Squad Is Here to Support You

It is never too early to being planning for next year! The STEM Squad can partner with you in a number of ways, from planning to implementation. We offer during-the-day learning opportunties for K-5 teachers and their students, afterschool opportunities for middle school students, and STEM trunks for use in grades K-8. We can also facilitate STEM activities at your STEM Fair or Expo. Thinking of something else we have not mentioned? Simply ask and we will do our best to assist. Email Dr. Mary Biniewicz.


April, May, and Summer Celebrations and Themes

Below are links to several STEM learning resources that relate to upcoming events and celebrations.

April

National Robotics Week - April 4-12

Resources

Robo Week Activities


Earth Day - April 22

Earth Hub

SubjectoClimate


Arbor Day - April 24

Arbor Day Foundation

Elementary Students


End of Year STEM

End of Year Challenges

More Ideas

Just Paper

National Astronaut Day - May 5



Summer STEM

Super Cool Summer Ideas

Home or School

For Middle Schoolers

Summer STEM

Visit our website for more information and resources!

Direct newsletter questions, comments, and suggestions to Dr. Mary Biniewicz.

STEM Fun and Learning in DuPage County

Enjoy the photos of some of the learning opportunities supported

by the DuPage ROE STEM Squad.