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

February 2025

NEWS

Training Instructors for After School STEM

NASA and the U.S. Department of Education are teaming to help instructors engage students in STEM education during after-school hours, striving to reach 1,000 middle school students at more than 60 sites. Read about the NASA Glenn Center program.


Golden Apple Scholar Program

Golden Apple is now recruiting Illinois high school seniors through college sophomores who aspire to make an impact in their communities as a teacher. To learn more and apply, click here.


How Did Students in 2023 Do in Math as Compared to 1995?

For the United States, it appears that the COVID-19 pandemic reversed more than 20 years of progress in math scores, based on results from the Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS). Access the full story.

EVENTS

Environmental Education Association of Illinois - February 7, 2025; The Morton Arboretum

Join the NE and NW Regional Roundtable session from 12:00 - 3:00 pm as the group engages in discussion regarding climate education. Registration is required.


STEM Network Meeting - February 25, 2025; The Morton Arboretum

The next STEM Network meeting will take place on February 25 from 4:00 - 5:15 pm at The Morton Arboretum, 4100 IL Route 53, Lisle. Notify the gate person that you are attending the meeting. Proceed to the west side of the Arboretum to the Education Support Building, near Thornhill Education Center and park in Lot P-21. "Winter STEM" is the topic and the Squad welcomes your questions and ideas. Light snacks will be provided and raffle prizes will be awarded. One PD Hour is available. Register here. Note: The May 6 meeting will be held at Naper Settlement, where we will learn more about their work in the field of STEM education.


Summer Science Camps at the Morton Arboretum

Registration for children's summer camps will open to the general public on February 4. Take a look at the offerings to find some great summer learning opportunities for the kiddos!


Sustainable Design Challenge - Apply by April 7, 2025 for the April 15, 2025 Event

High school students are invited to work in teams to design and construct a sustainable building model in competition for cash prizes of up to $500. The 19th Annual Sustainable Design Challenge is brought to you by SCARCE and DuPage County Stormwater Management. Apply by April 7.


Genes in Space 2025 - Apply by April 14, 2025

Have you ever wondered how astronauts would survive a deep-space mission or how we will use biology to transform new worlds? Genes in Space invites students in grades 7-12 to propose DNA experiments to be conducted on the International Space Station. Access details here.


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

Participants in the 2025, 8-week program receive an $8500 stipend and 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.


Let’s Get Math-ISH! Teaching Mindset Mathematics Across the Grades - April 29, 2025; Addison

Join Dr. Jo Boaler as she shares her insights about teaching and learning mathematics. A "mindset mathematics" approach allows participants to open various pathways, leading to higher and more equitable achievement. For more information, click here.


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

Go! For Launch

Accelerator Media, a nonprofit organization that creates educational media to inspire curiosity and lifelong learning, released "Go! For Launch," a podcast for high school students. Explore STEM careers and conversations with professionals tackling global challenges, while offering insights into career pathways, unique learning opportunities, and resources. Watch or listen here: YouTube | Spotify Apple Podcasts


Free Trees for Kids

Neighborhood Forest is giving away trees to plant and nurture in honor of Earth Week, April 22-30. Read more and consider applying or work with your parents to apply.


NIU STEAM Newsletter

Inside each edition, you will find great activity ideas. Find out more and subscribe here.


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 see how we can 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.

February and March STEM Celebrations and Themes

Below are some links to several STEM learning opportunities

Black History Month - February

Engineering for Kids

Kids Books

Activities


Super Bowl - February 9, 2025

Science Buddies

New York Times

Miss Tech Queen


Engineers Week - February 16-22, 2025

Everyday Engineering

12 Great Ideas

Introduce a Girl to Engineering


Women in STEM History Month - March

Middle School eBooks

Vivify System

Science Buddies


Pi Day - March 14, 2025

National Council of Teachers of Mathematics

Middle School Ideas

MENSA for Kids


World Water Day - March 22, 2025

UNICEF

Twinkl.com

Water Cycle Ideas

Edutopia

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.