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 2025

NEWS

Studies Show Links Between Arts and Academic Outcomes and Skills

Researchers have documented the positive impact of arts programs when it comes to students’ self-esteem, wellbeing, interpersonal skills, good citizenship and overall academic success. Read more.


Naperville Students Win Congressional App Challenge

Four Naperville students were selected as winners in the nationwide Congressional App Challenge by creating EcoSense, an app focused on educating people about climate change and helping them make environmentally friendly choices. Listen to their story.


State of Girls and Women in STEM

Published by the National Girls Colloaborative Project, this annual report highlights developments in the field. Download an executive summary and read more about the report by clicking here.


How Businesses Can Empower Student to "Go Pro" in STEM

"Going pro” in STEM is beneficial for long-term job and financial prospects. And, growing the pool of qualified professionals is critical for business. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts STEM occupations will grow by 10.4% from 2023 to 2033, while non-STEM occupations are projected to grow by 3.6%. Investing in STEM education and career paths is crucial for meeting the demand. Read the full article here.


EVENTS

Northwestern Research Experience for Teachers (RET); Applications due April 18, 2025

Participants in the 2025, 8-week program receive an $8500 stipend, engage in research, develop a network of scientific colleagues, learn scientific and technological developments, and discover ways to transfer this knowledge to the classroom. The program is open to middle school, high school, and community college teachers. Apply by April 18 here.


STEMCON; April 26, 2025 10 am to 4 pm - College of DuPage Physical Education Center

From soldering and robots to microorganisms and fossils, COD STEMCON lets you explore the fascinating world of STEM. Get hands on with dozens of high-quality, well-facilitated experiments and demonstrations designed to inform, entertain and spark interest in a broad range of STEM topics. This is a free event and no registration is needed. Learn more.


STEM Network Meeting; May 6, 2025 - Naperville Settlement STEM Lab

The next STEM Network meeting will take place on May 6 from 4:00 - 5:15 pm in the STEM Lab at the Naperville Settlement, 523 South Webster Ave., Naperville. One PD Hour is available to licensed educators. Light snacks will be provided and raffle prizes will be awarded. Register here.


Revolutionzing Education; June 5, 2025 - Lake Park East High School

Join our Keynote Speaker, Eric Santos from the Learning Technology Center, as we explore how AI is transforming education, from its impact on classrooms and curriculum to the tools, ethics, and guidance educators need to navigate this evolving landscape. Then, take part in a dynamic panel discussion, followed by a self-selected 90-minute breakout session where you can dive deeper into the topic of your choice! Learn more and register today!


Early Childhood STEAM Experiences through Play; June 9, 2025 - Webinar

Speakers will share evidence-based, hands-on approaches as well as a practical framework to effectively integrate STEAM learning in grades pre-K to 3. Leave this event with ideas for playing alongside young learners to make powerful STEAM discoveries and foster a lifelong love of learning.


Exelon Girls STEM Academy for HS Girls; June 22-27, 2025 - DePaul University (Chicago)

Girl students in the class of 2026 or 2027 can apply to join the Exelon Foundation STEM Academy, a totally free, week-long residential experience. Click here to learn more about the qualifcations and how to apply.

RESOURCES

Earth Month Ideas

PBS and WTTW have created a curated collection of free, curriuculm and standard based less one to use with your students. Begin to explore here.


Celebrate Citizen Science Month with SciStarter

Everyone, everywhere is invited to join the One Million Acts of Science challenge this April during Citizen Science Month. Individual acts add up to an important collective impact that accelerates scientific research.

It's free, easy, and fun. Here's how to get started.


Explore 8 Hands-on STEAM Projects Activities for Students in Grades K-5

Elementary students learn to tackle real-world problems and develop their creativity and critical thinking skills through these activities. Take a closer look.


DuPage ROE STEM Squad Is Here to Support You

Each school year presents intriguing opportunities to integrate new STEM ideas and activities. The STEM Squad can partner with you in a number of ways, from planning to implementation. Explore a few of these listed below. Thinking of something not included? Simply ask and we will do our best to help. Email Dr. Mary Biniewicz.


  • STEM - It's Elementary - various topics for grades K-5
  • After School Outreach - various topics for grades 6-8
  • STEM Trunks - geared toward K-12
  • Plus we offer a website with numerouse resources; sponsor a STEM Network group; and can assist with activities when you plan a STEM event or host an activity at your STEM event.

April and May STEM Celebrations and Themes

Below are some links to several STEM learning opportunities

April Fool's Day - April 1

Pitsco Education

Ward's World

Optical Illusions

Tricks, Pranks, and Illusions


National Robotics Week - April 5-12

National Robotics Week

STEM in the Middle

PBS


Earth Day - April 22

SCARCE

Science Buddies

earthday.com


Harry Potter Day - May 2

Wizardry Fun

Hogwarts Mischief

Enchanting Experiments

STEM Geek


International Day of Light - May 16

Careers in Optics and Phototonics

Stations of Light

Optics4kids


End of Year STEM - May/June

Boredom Busters

STEM Challenges

STEM in the Middle

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.