Amber Quirk

   Regional Superintendent 

   DuPage County Schools

Regional Office of Education

421 N. County Farm Rd

Wheaton, IL 60187

630.407.5800

STEM Insider

November 2025

NEWS

Are College Degrees an Afterthought Among High School Students?

Fewer high school students than ever aspire to obtain a college degree according to new research by the Pell Institute. In 2022, only 44% of the high school students surveyed said they anticipate earning a bachelor's degree, a decline of nearly 30%. Read more.

Researchers Explore Mushrooms as Memory Chips

Computers run on silicon and metal. Mushrooms grow in soil. Yet, now, scientists are finding that one can stand in for another. Explore the resilience and intelligence of these fungi.

Naperville Student Sets World Record for Tallest Toothpick Tower

More than 20,000 toothpicks and 400 glue sticks were used to set the new, still-to-be-certified world record. The structure is a 17.32 foot tall version of the Eiffel Towers, as measured by a professional land surveyor. Read more.

What Makes Career and Technical Education Programs Great?

A new brief pinpoints the features of high-quality programs and the steps states and districts have taken or can take to build great programs.

Illinois Comprehensive Numeracy Plan

ISBE has published the first draft of the plan. Educators are encouraged to review the plan and share feedback. For more information, visit the web page.

Annual Pumpkin Smash - November 8, 2025; Various Locations

The Pumpkin Smash is an annual effort by communities to divert pumpkins from landfills by providing locations for residents to drop-off pumpkins to be composted. For locations, look here.

IETC Learn, Connect and Collaborate Conference - November 12-14, 2025; Springfield

Education and technology innovators from throughout Illinois gather to learn, connect, and collaborate. Sessions focus on technology integration strategies, engaging instructional practices, digital tools and resources, and emerging trends – all with a focus on helping every K-12 district and educator harness edtech’s full potential. Access complete details here.

National STEM Festival - Submission Deadline - November 16, 2025

Help build the next generation of innovators for students ages 13-19 level up skills through real world projects and mentor opportunities. Details here.

Hardest Math Problem Registration Deadline - December 1, 2025

Energize students’ perceptions of math with fun, challenging story problems that combine math reasoning skills with writing. Open to students in grades 5-8. Learn more.

ICTM Math Contests - 2025-26

The Illinois Council of Teachers of Mathematics offers its members numerous contest opportunities. If you are a member, use this link to view the contests for this year. If you are not a member, you may wish to join.

The Art of Engineering Context Deadline - February 1, 2026

Visual representations are important in the world of engineering design. This year's contest involves students using art to express how engineers create a better world! In fact, engineers and artists use a similar process when designing. The Contest is open to all students, worldwide, in grades 3-12. The deadline is February 1, 2026 and you can find all of the details at EngineerTeen.org/Contest.

Bring Future Ready STEM Learning to Your Classroom

Looking for ways to spark creativity in your grade K-12 students while helping them to think like innovators? The Exploravision competition sponsored by Toshiba and NSTA may be just the ticket.

Earn Your Technology Specialist Endorsement

Technology alone won't transform learning, but educators who master technology will. If you're passionate about teaching and love exploring new tech tools, the Illinois Technology Specialist endorsement might be your perfect next step.

Using AI to Support Unversal Design for Learning in Elementary Schools

These tech tools provide elementary teachers with ways to diferentiate instruciton, increasing student engagement and choice.

Real, Fake, or Deepfake?

This lesson engages middle school students to use observation and reasoning as they evaluate four short, kid-friendly videos, as well as two websites, to determine which are intentionally misleading.

What To Do When a Science Project Isn't Working

Try using these five steps to troubleshoot and get your students' projects back on track.

3D Printing 101

Which model do you buy? How do you keep your 3D printer from becoming yet another pricey gadget gathering dust? Listen to the Ben Sondgeroth podcast.

DuPage ROE STEM Squad Is Here to Support You

The STEM squad can partner with you in a number of ways, from helping to plan a lesson to facilitating activities at your event. Explore a few of the ways through the links below. Thinking of something not included in one of the links? Simply ask and we will do our best to assist. Email Mary Biniewicz for more information.

• STEM - It's Elementary - geared toward grades K-5
• After School Outreach - geared toward grades 5-8
• STEM Trunks - geared toward K-12
• Plus we can assist with your STEM Events and more!

STEM Celebrations and Themes

Plan ahead for the these upcoming STEM events and celebrations.

Visit our website for more information and resources.

Direct newsletter questions, comments, and suggestions to Dr. Mary Biniewicz.

"STEMsational" Learning in DuPage County

Enjoy the photos of some of the opportunities supported by the DuPage ROE STEM Squad.