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

May 2026

NEWS

Global Math Gains for Girls Seem to Be Slipping

Global data on math achievement is revealing a dismaying trend: Girls are doing worse than boys and the margins appear to be significant. Learn more.

How to Maximize Edtech While Regulating Screen Time

Educators should evaluate edtech based on learning outcomes and student engagement rather than just how much time students spend in front of screens, according to one expert. Click here for more information.

Congratulations, Jeff Grant, 2026 DuPage Educator of the Year

Grant has served the District 99 community for 23 years and currently teaches AP Biology and Anatomy. His students design and conduct complex experiments, engage in authentic research, and explore real-world challenges such as climate change and environmental sustainability.

Small Device Made in Downers Grove Played Big Role with Artemis II

Astronauts on Artemis II depended on thousands of people they'll never meet to ensure a safe flight. A couple hundred work at Chemring Energertic Devices, where they make the NASA Standard Initiator, the tiny devices (1" tall, 3/4" wide) used to trigger the explosion that launched the spacecraft.

One Stop Sustainability Shop - May 12, 2026; 12 - 1 pm (Webinar)

Join Seven Generations Ahead and partners for an exciting webinar highlighting three K-12 opportunities for saving money while caring for future generations. Learn about converting school buses to electric at little cost to schools, how K-12's can save money through the Illinois Shines program, and about Seven Generations Zero Waste Schools program. Register here.

Compost Workshop - May 12, 2026; 6:30 - 8:00 pm; SCARCE in Addison

This educational composting workshop offers assistance to those who would like to set up indoor composting (vermicomposting) or backyard composting. We will discuss various compost bin options. Suitable for ages 16 and up. The registration fee is $10. Learn more.

Illinois Science Teacher Excellence in Science Education Award - Nominations due May 18, 2026

Do you know an outstanding science teacher making a difference in their school or community? ISTA celebrates the incredible work of educators, with awards in elementary, middle, high school, informal, and post-secondary education categories. Click here to access the nomination form.

Voice for the Field: Resources for Navigating the Changing STEM Landscape - May 28, 2026; 2:00 pm (Webinar)

Join the National Girls Collaborative Project (NGCP) to learn about emerging funding sources, critical policy updates, and effective strategies to support programs and educators. More information available here.

Summer Tinkering Camp - Starts June 8, 2026

Tinkering Camp is a hands-on adventure where kids explore materials, chase their curiosity, and see what happens when they try something new. With a focus on the process, students learn to tinker, expriment, and problem-solve. Opportunities available for children ages 4-5 and ages 6-10. Learn more.

Building the Future: Learning, Sharing, and Growing in a Tech & AI Driven World - June 18, 2026

This year's summit focuses on strengthening schools through technology and partnership to ensure every educator has the support needed to thrive. Register here.

Start the Year Strong: Building Thinking Classrooms Book Study (Grades 6-12)

If you teach or support mathematics, you've likely heard of Building Thinking Classrooms. What does it look like in practice? We're offering a short book study to help educators move from curiosity to classroom application. Click here to learn more.



NGSA Portal Moves to New Home

The NGSA (Next Generation Science Assessment) portal has moved to https://learn.concord.org/ngsa. If you are a current user, as of May 15, you will no longer be able to access the information at its previous location. The content has not changed, just the location. If you are not a current user, you will find the collection informative and useful. Check it out.

End of Year Activity Pack

The end of the year is approaching. With it comes unpredictable schedules, assessments, and unforeseen downtime. Keep your students engaged with this free, ready to use science activity pack for students in grades K-8. Download your copy.

DuPage ROE STEM Squad Is Here to Support You

It is never too early to begin planning for next year! The STEM Squad can partner with you in a number of ways, from planning to implementation. We offer during-the-day learning opportunties for K-5 teachers and their students, afterschool opportunities for middle school students, and STEM trunks for use in grades K-8. We can also facilitate STEM activities at your STEM Fair or Expo. Thinking of something else we have not mentioned? Simply ask and we will do our best to assist.

After 15 years of coordinating the DROE STEM Program, including the honor of working with the STEM Squad and serving DuPage educators, students, and families, I will be leaving my post effective June 30. It has been a most memorable journey for which I am deeply appreciative, thanks to all of you!

I am pleased to announce that Michael Heinz, recently retired educator from District 99 in DuPage, will assume responsibilities for the coordination of all our work funded by the grant. Feel free to reach out to Mike via email at mheinz@dupageroe.org.

May and Summer Celebrations and Themes

Below are links to several STEM learning resources that relate to upcoming events and celebrations.

Visit our website for more information and resources!

Direct newsletter questions, comments, and suggestions to Michael Heinz.

STEM Learning in DuPage County

Enjoy the photos of some of the learning opportunities supported

by the DuPage ROE STEM Squad.