Amber Quirk

Regional Superintendent

DuPage County Schools

Regional Office of Education

421 N. County Farm Rd

Wheaton, IL 60187

630.407.5800

STEM Insider

October 2025

NEWS

N.C. STEM School Ranks #1 Public School in the U.S.

The North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics, with campuses in Durham and Morganton, is the No.1 public high school in the country, according to Niche. Read more.

7 Research-backed Ways to Boost Working Memory in Math

Short-term memory is finite and fills up quickly. Tasks such as difficult spatial problems or complex word problems involve deconstructing and clarifying actions to make sense of them. Here are seven ways we can free up space for clear-headed mathematical thinking.

Open AI Highlights Classroom Use of ChatGPT

OpenAI has released a collection of ChatGPT examples written by U.S. high school teachers, showcasing how educators use the tool for planning, assessment, and classroom management.

4 in 5 Hiring Managers Say HS Students Not Prepared For Workforce

The survey results reported by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce comes as College Board prepares the launch of the AP Career Kickstart courses expected to be available nationwide in Fall 2026.

EVENTS

STEM Squad After-school Workshops for Middle Schoolers - Only 2 Remaining!!

Two dates are available for you to schedule a great, informal STEM learning oportunity. Contact Namrata Pandya at npandya@dupageroe.org for more information. If these dates do not work for you, ask Namrata if she can identify an alternate date.

Binary Beams: Talking with Light - November 20

Make It Move - March 19

Illinois Science Teaching Association Conference - October 24, 2025; Naperville

Strands focus on various aspects of sustaining high quality Science and STEM. A preconference session is available on October 23. To learn more about the event and to register, click here.

Future City Competition Registration - October 31, 2025

Future City is a hands-on, cross-curricular educational program that brings STEM to life. To learn more about the middle and high school opportunities, explore here.

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 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.

Hardest Math Problem Registration Deadline - Decmber 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.

RESOURCES

SCARCE

If your "teacher" journeys have not yet taken you to the SCARCE facility, you are missing out on one of the absolute best opportunities to purchase classroom materials at incredibly reasonable prices. They also have a public section! And, if your school or district is interested in hosting a professional development session or hosting a STEM event for your students and parents, don't forget SCARCE also provides those services, in addition to many others. For more information, explore their website.

Celebrating Bat Week from October 24 - 31?

Explore some of these resources to help plan activities for your students: Bat Week, Project Learning Tree, and Bat Essentials.

Halloween Tricks and Treats

Discover fun, new ways to incorporate learning into your Halloween activities, like conducting science investigations with slime and using math to share candy by using the PBS Halloween Collection.

National Energy Education Development (NEED)

Celebrate National Energy Month by learning more about how we use energy and how to make more energy efficient choices. Numerous resources are available at NEED.

DuPage ROE STEM Squad Is Here to Support You

This new year comes with some great STEM learning tools and opportunities. The STEM squad can partner with you in a number of ways, from helping to plan to helping to implement. 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.