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 2024

NEWS


How to Ensure Girls Start - and Stay - in STEM

Math and science can be lonely places for girls. Learn how we can better support and grow girls' interest in STEM studies and careers. Hopefully, soon, we will not need a "women in STEM" category. Read more.


12,000 Year Old Pebbles May Be Early Evidence of the Wheel

The wheel was likely invented around 6,000 years ago, but a new analysis of curious rocks from Israel suggests that wheel-like technologies existed even earlier. Read the story.


Early STEM Awareness Fills High-demand Jobs of the Future

Early exposure to STEM careers is crucial for students, with career interests forming as early as age 10. Lack of familiarity with STEM careers is one of the main reasons students do not pursue the field. Full story here.


EVENTS

ICTM Math Contests for Grade and Middle School Students - November, 2024 - April, 2025

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 8, 2024

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.


2025 EngineerGirl Writing Contest - Submissions due February 1, 2025

Smart devices perform some level of computing and connect with other devices via the internet. This creates new possibilities for ways that objects in your home can help you and also means new risks. For the 2025 Contest. students will describe a common object they would make "smart,” then tell what it would do, how it would help people, and what could go wrong. The contest is open to all youth (not just girls) in grades 3-12 and submissions have a chance to win up to $1,000! The submission deadline is February 1, 2025. Get the details at EngineerGirl.org/Contest.


STEM Network Meeting - February 25, 2025; Location TBD

A big "thank you" to Steve Ritz for hosting the November 19 STEM Network meeting. We look forward to the next STEM Network meeting scheduled to take place on February 25 from 4:00-5:15 pm. The location will be announced closer to the meeting date. In addition to planned topics, the Squad welcomes your questions, ideas, and challenges. Light snacks will be provided and raffle prizes will be awarded. One PD Hour is available. Register here.


Think, Play, STEM - February 28, 2025; 8 am - 1:30 pm

If you have not registered for the County Wide Institute Day STEM program, the session has reached capacity! However, don't give up. Keep checking the ROE registration site to see if cancellations have occurred!

RESOURCES

NIU STEAM Newsletter

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


Looking for Some Idea for Holiday Gifts?

Here a few sources to get started.

Science Buddies

Smithsonian

Top Thirty

Purdue Engineering Gift Guide


December STEM Celebrations and Themes

Lots of STEM learning opportunities listed below.

Computer Science Education Week - December 9 -15

Online Learning Opportunities for Various Grade Levels

CSedWeek

Hour of Code


Holiday STEM - December

Light Up with Electric Dough

Gingerbread STEM


Explore the Leonardo da Vinci Collection

PBS Learning Media has introduced this captivating collection that dives deep into the life and works of the ultimate Renaissance man. Designed for grades 5-8 and 9-12.


DuPage ROE STEM Squad Is Here to Support You

The new school year presents excellent opportunities to integrate some 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 assist. 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.


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.