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

December 2025

NEWS

How AI Is Changing Career and Technical Education

Much of the AI focus has been on K-12 academics with less attention on the role fo AI in career and techical education programs. Read the full article here.

STEM Learning through Roller Skating

Students at one school used skates to study important principles such as speed, acceleration, engineering design, Newton's Laws, potential and kinetic energy, and more. Enjoy the story.

What Teens Can Teach Us About Protecting School Data Systems

Read how a group of teenagers hacked an educational technology company that serves thousands of school districts across the United States. Two months later, they told the company, their peers, and policymakers how they did it and why it was a good thing for them, the company, and our country.

Bringing Math Concepts to Life through Art and Technology

Integrating technology and visual arts in elementary education can make math more engaging and understandable. Learn more about four key strategies.

NASA Recorded Lightning Crackling on Mars for First Time

A rover on Mars has captured electrical discharges 55 times over two Martian years (or 1374 earth days) of observation. Read more.

EVENTS

ICTM Math Contests for Grade and Middle School Students - Various Dates

In-school contests, some designed for individuals and some designed for teams, are offered at various times and for various grade levels. Check the schedule here.

Hardest Math Problem Student Contest - Registration Ends December 7, 2025

The Contest is an annual competition presented by the Actuarial Foundation to challenge students in grades 5-8 by solving multistep, grade-appropriate math problems with real-world situtations and engaging characters. Interested? Click here.

EngineerGirl Contest Is NOT Just for Girls - Submissions due February 1, 2026

Consider working with your students to enter this contest. They will use art and the engineering design process to express how engineers create a better world! The contest is open to all youth in grades 3-12 and submissions have a chance to win up to $1,000! The submission deadline is February 1, 2026. Get the details at EngineerTeen.org/Contest.

County-Wide Institute Day - February 27, 2026

If you have not yet registered for a County-Wide Institute Day STEM program, don't miss out! Exciting math, science, and STEM sessions are available. Hurry - seats are limited! Review the program here.

RESOURCES

Holiday Gift Guide for Aspiring Engineers

The holiday season is here! It's a great time to pair creativity with hands-on exploration. The 12th Annual Engineering Gift Guide from Purdue University's INSPIRE Reasearch Institute highlights toys and kits for children and teens that support STEM learning and spark curiosity.

Microscopes Available at SCARCE!

SCARCE has several AmScope student microscopes. Some are AC powered and some are battery powered. All of them have been checked out, cleaned, and calibrated. Online, the microscopes go for $110 each but they are ready and waiting for you at SCARCE for only $10 each. Feel free to contact Jean Kent at Jean@scarce.org for more information.

Fall Concord

Interested in catching up on trends and research about natural hazards, storm forecasts, seismic activity, data studies, and more? Explore the Fall Concord, the fall newsletter from the Concord Consortium.

Keep It Watered

Would you like to teach your students gardening but don't have adequate space? You might want to reach out to Steve Koontz to learn more about hydroponic gardening and towers. Explore the products and services of Keep It Watered.

NSTA Kids Book, The Perfect Planet

This NSTA book is a new release and has been selected for the Children's Book Council November Hot Off the Press List. In the book, two young explorers travel through outer space in search of the perfect plant, encouraging exoplanets, and learning what makes planet Earth unique and special. Learn more about the book, designed for children in grades 1-4.

DuPage ROE STEM Squad Is Here to Support You

The STEM Squad can partner with you in a number of ways, from helping you plan a lesson to facilitating activities at your STEM event. Explore just a few ideas listed below. Thinking of something not on the list? Simply ask and we will do our best to assist. Email Dr. Mary Biniewicz.