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. . .

February 2022 Edition

UN Declares 2022 - The International Year of Basic Sciences for Sustainable Development

According to the resolution, "...increased education in basic sciences is vital to attain sustainable development" and improve lives all over the world. Read more about the UN resolution here.

We Want to Hear from You!

The National Science Teaching Association and Illinois Science Teaching Association want to know what Illinois educators would like to attend at the NSTA National Conference in July and local events throughout the year. Professional learning offerings will be available for K-12+ educators. Make your voices heard by filling out this survey.

Reimagining the Impossible,

National Engineers Week - February 22-26, 2022

This week is dedicated to increasing understanding of and interest in engineering and technology. Explore some of these activities with your students.

• Robots from recycled materials
• Simple machines
• Structure studies
• Snack pulley
• Rube Goldberg contraptions

Cultivating a STEM Culture in Grades 6-8 - February 2, 2022, 11:30 am - 12:15 pm CST

Participants will discuss ways to foster a STEM culture. Perfect for middle school science coordinators, science coaches, and teachers. Register here. Everyone attending the LIVE session will receive a set of Makerspace Task Cards for Grades 6-8 and be eligible for door prizes at the end of the session! The timing of the session may not be ideal but may work as a Lunch 'n' Learn type event for you. This event is offered by hand2mind.

2022 Fluor Engineering Challenge

Can you build a ball ramp out of just paper and tape? How can you make the ball's path take as many seconds as possible to complete? Give this challenge a try. It's open to K-12 students.

STEM Expo - February 20-26, 2022

IIT invites you to attend their week-long, online STEM Expo. Among the numerous presenters and sessions will be the DuPage Regional Office of Education STEM Squad! Additional details here.

STEMCON - April 30, 2022

College of DuPage is hosting this family-friendly event that encourages scientific discovery through hands-on activities and demonstrations while providing the opportunity to learn about scientific careers from actual researchers, industry representatives, and STEM educators. There will be a mix of indoor and outdoor activities, in-person sessions, and virtual activities, too. Appropriate for Grades K-12 and adults! The DuPage Regional Office of Education STEM Squad will be there, too.

LTC Launches Its Jump Start New Teacher Program

Make an immediate impact by offering your district’s new hires the chance to learn proven integration strategies and make tech their ally before even stepping foot in the classroom. Over the course of two in-person and four virtual sessions, program participants will engage with a rich curriculum tailored to the needs of today’s tech-connected learners. Learn more. Reserve your spot.

Black History Month Resources

This is of featured activities, lessons and key figures simply serves as a beginning for your journey.

• Black History Month Activities for Kids
• Scientists
• STEM Activities
• Calendar (2021 but great topics)
• Inventors Who Made Life Easier
• Black Mathematicians at NASA
• Architects to Celebrate

Winter STEM Activities

Use these activity ideas as starting points for great winter learning opportunities by incorporating pertinent topics such as snow, ice, weather, and more.

SCARCE Reuse Center

SCARCE is committed to finding the best use for all books and supplies. Since 1990, SCARCE has given over 8 million books and diverted millions more books and supplies from the landfill. Learn more about acceptable donations and great finds at the Center.