The DuPage Regional Office of Education STEM Squad is here to provide you with STEM news, learning opportunities, and resources. How can we support you this year?

STEM News You Can Use. . .

April 2022 Edition

Lab Safety: Overcrowded STEM/STEAM Spaces

Safety requirements for laboratories and makerspaces must include appropriate facility design considerations, engineering controls, standard operating procedures, and personal protective equipment (PPE). Learn more.

Kids' Media Use Is Up. Some Blame the Pandemic. . . and TikTok

The findings of this study are not surprising given the recent migration to online learning while the availability and popularity of intriguing tools attract an increasing number of users. Read more.

Engineer Spotlight

Eve Higginbotham is the vice dean of the Perelman School of Medicine and a professor of ophthalmology at the University of Pennsylvania. Learn how Eve started in engineering and uses those skills in her Gallery profile.

Transforming Trajectories for Women of Color in Tech

This report considers recommendations “for increasing recruitment, retention, and advancement of women of color” in tech, including “guidance for transforming existing systems and implementing evidence-based policies and practices to increase the success for women of color in tech. 

The DuPage ROE STEM Squad is Here to Support YOU!

The Squad is available to facilitate an activity table or room at your school or district STEM event. Hosting a summer STEM camp and looking for activity ideas? Working on getting an after-school STEM club up and running? We can help. Start the conversation by emailing Mary Biniewicz.

Earth Day - April 22, 2022

This year's theme is "Invest in Our Planet." While Earth Day should be an every day commitment, one day each year is set aside to demonstrate a partnership to preserve our earth. Need a few ideas to get started? Here you go: Earth Day, Earth Reminder, Parade, and the NEA.

Arbor Day - April 29, 2022

Here are some ideas to find inspiration and suggestions for your celebration of Arbor Day. Several event suggestions posted on the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County and Morton Arboretum websites.

Pick Up 5 - A Way to Combine Earth Day and Arbor Day

This is a great way to focus on both Earth Day and Arbor Day this month! Organize a walk around your neighborhood or school and pick up 5 pieces of litter along your way. When everyone joins in, we can significantly reduce the amount of trash compromising our waterways, parks and public spaces. Learn more.

National DNA Day - April 25, 2022

People across the nation use this day to honor the discovery by Watson and Crick of DNA's double helix. Materials and resources are plentiful with a few to get started being available at CDC, Human Genome Institute, and Science Buddies.



Argonne Virtual Escape Rooms - through May 27, 2022

Middle and high school students are “Argonne interns for the day” and use real data and evidence to work as a team to meet challenges similar to those tacked by Argonne scientists and engineers. Sessions are offered between 9am and 2pm. At least 15 students are required in each group and they must be available for 45-60 minutes of uninterrupted time. Contact Argonne.

Instructional Coaching in Math Classrooms MiniConference - May 14, 2022, 9:00am to 12:30pm

ICTM members will gather in various locations throughout the state to learn and discuss best practices in math instruction and coaching strategies for math classrooms. More information and to register: ictm.org.

International Day of Light - May 16, 2022

May 16 is the date in 1960 on which the first successful operation of a laser occurred. Here you will find some ideas about visible light activities. UNESCO and SPIE (International Society for Optics and Photonics) also offer resources to help you and your students explore light and its influence on our lives.

STEM PD Coming Your Way - August 4, 2022

The ROE STEM Squad is planning a PD session for August 2022. Stay tuned for details.

"Fund My Classroom" Initiative - Taking Applications through April 17, 2022

Western Governors University is once again shining a light on teachers and thanking them for their selfless efforts in educating our children during this unprecedented time. Aimed at helping teachers in Illinois, Kansas, and Missouri, funds can be used to expand curriculum and to employ innovative techniques that engage and challenge students. K-12 teachers are encouraged to submit a proposal through April 17.

Robotics Activities

Why limit robotics activities to Robotics Week (April 2-8)? Consider some of these activities and resources.