The DuPage Regional Office of Education STEM Team is here to provide you with STEM news, learning opportunities, and resources.

STEM News You Can Use. . .

October 2021 Edition

How can we support you this year?

November 1 - Last Day to Enter the STEM Website Challenge

Winners will be randomly selected from successful challenge entries. Take a look at the prize list with more prizes to be added after November 1. Challenge information is posted on the lower left side of the main page.

Why STEM Literacy Is Critical for Our Students

Providing an engaging and equitable STEM education is important to develop more scientists and engineers while increasing race and gender diversity in the field. STEM education also contributes to the development of a STEM-literate citizenry. Learn more about classroom ideas that can assist you in your STEM literacy efforts.



(W)holistic Science Pedagogy: Teaching for Justice

Access to quality science and math instruction remains a civil rights and social justice issue, particularly for students in marginalized communities and schools where stereotypes fuel low expectations for academic achievement and success. (W)holistic Science provides an insightful framework for teachers.

Creating Opportunities for People with Disabilities in STEM Careers

Encouragement and support are key for individuals to enter and succeed in STEM careers. Learn about possible steps to help address this need. If you are looking for examples of STEM professionals with physical or learning challenges, consider these:

• Annie Jump Cannon, Classifier of Stars
• Temple Grandin, Animal Scientist
• Ralph Braun, Engineer
• Geerat Vermeij, Paleoecologist 
• Richard Mankin, Entomologist
• Farida Bedwei, Computer Scientist
• Wanda Díaz-Merced, Astrophysicist

Civic Online Reasoning in the Science Classroom - November 5, 2021

The DuPage ROE is pleased to host this free session. Join Dr. Joel Breakstone, Director of the Stanford History Education Group, to learn how to improve students' abilities to evaluate scientific information on the internet and incorporate Civic Online Reasoning in the classroom. Social studies teachers, science teachers, and librarians will particularly benefit from this session. Register to join in person or participate via an on-demand webinar for PD credit.

Promoting Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion through Science and STEM - November 2021

NSTA is hosting the four-part miniseries. Registration and information here.

2022 Robert F. Tinker Fellows Program

This program aims to promote innovation, creativity, and cross-disciplinary conversations in educational technology for STEM teaching and learning. This year’s theme focuses on inclusion, equity, and access in STEM education. Proposals should address educational technology-related approaches in one or more of the required topics. Applications are due 12/1/2021. Learn more.

NSTA - Applications Open for the 2021-2022 Awards Program

NSTA is now accepting applications for its 2021-2022 Awards Program honoring K–12 teachers, principals, professors, and other education professionals for their outstanding work and achievement in science and STEM education.

NGCP Webinar: Girls STEAM Ahead with NASA - November 3, 2021

Learn about free resources from NASA'S Universe of Learning  and hear how facilitators incorporated them into their own Girls STEAM Ahead with this NASA event. Join the conversation to share best practices, ask questions, and learn how NASA’s Universe of Learning team can best support your efforts in engaging your audience with the science of astrophysics. (11 am Pacific/2 pm Eastern)

Computer Science Symposium - January 14, 2022

Join your peers for this one-day, virtual gathering that will feature presenters from around the state who are excited to share CS teaching experiences in multiple grade levels. Attendees will also have the chance to obtain proven curricular resources.

Virtual STEM Competition for Grade 6-9 Students - Registrations due January 12, 2022

Student teams identify a community problem and investigate the problem through the use of scientific inquiry or design a solution through the use of the engineering design process. Read more.

Vernier Celebrates 40th Anniversary with Technology Awards!

As a "thank you" for your hard work and dedication to inspiring students, Vernier is awarding 40 educators with $1000 in Vernier technology. Applications are open through November 5, 2021.

Greenlight for Girls

This online portal compiles resources for kids, not just girls, although that is the focus, including videos, podcasts, websites, and more. Explore the website.

Still Looking for Some Ghoulish Fall Activities?

Check out the Science Buddies Newsletter.

Spark 101 Resources

• STEM Skills Videos - Real world challenges show students what it's like to work in the STEM field. Each 10-minute video features industry professionals who walk students through a problem they face on the job. Students can work independently or as a group to recommend a solution.

• Career Snapshot Videos - One minute videos for students to see what it's like to work in the aerospace, construction, data analytics, healthcare, and cybersecurity industries. Each is available in Spanish and English.

• STEM Rockstars - Spotlights young professionals from diverse backgrounds who are working to make a difference in science, business, medicine, engineering, and technology, with answers to questions about their career paths.

• Engineering Design Challenges - For K-8 students. Includes lesson plans, assessments, and slides for each challenge. Contact education@learningundefeated.org for more information if needed.

STEM Trunks

The DuPage Regional Office of Education has in stock several STEM Trunks available for loan to your school for two weeks at a time. The Trunks target a wide variety of topics and age levels, with most being easily adjusted to your needs. The trunks come complete with all materials, and many come with teacher guides and suggested activities. Learn more by emailing Mary Biniewicz at mbiniewicz@dupageroeorg.