Amber Quirk

   Regional Superintendent 

   DuPage County Schools

Regional Office of Education

421 N. County Farm Rd

Wheaton, IL  60187

630.407.5800

STEM News You Can Use

September 2023

NEWS

Teaching with Holograms: The Next Level of Immersive Edtech

Recently, students learning about 3D printing and design at Florida Institute of Technology’s Center for Advanced Manufacturing and Innovative Design were randomly split into three groups. One group received the lesson via an online platform, another learned via virtual reality, and a third group watched a lesson delivered via hologram. The students who received the hologram lesson did better than their online and VR counterparts. Read more.



Miscalculating Math

Examine the reasons behind students’ faltering math skills, employers’ increasingly urgent calls for workers with data skills, the kinds of math skills needed for high-paying jobs in data science, and efforts afoot to find places to wedge geometry and statistics into an overcrowded math curriculum. From Education Week.


The Illinois Green Schools Project is Back!

The Illinois Green Schools Project is a year-long sustainability challenge designed for K-12 schools across Illinois. Gather students, teachers, and staff from your school to form a green team and meet regularly to design and implement a year-long, no-to low-cost, sustainability initiative at your school. Learn more.

EVENTS

#DigLitCon - September 14, 2023

To help educators more effectively address digital literacy, the Learning Technology Center is hosting a two-day conference in September that brings together educators from across Illinois to share expertise, strategies, and best practices. Attendees may participate in-person on September 14, online on September 15, or both days for the best experience. To register, click here


Happy Birthday, SCARCE - September 21, 2023

SCARCE is celebrating its 33rd birthday on September 21 from 4 to 7 pm at 800 S. Rohlwing Road in Addison. SCARCE has reached thousands of people in schools, businesses, and community groups through innovative environmental education programs, book rescue, and school supply reuse initiatives. Enjoy cake, beverages, and music. Your attendance and ticket purchase will ensure SCARCE is able to continue its invaluable work.


Becoming an AI Enhanced Super Teacher - September 28, 2023

The development of Artificial Intelligence is changing education rapidly, and it will be an integral part of your students’ future careers. Are you prepared for AI-generated essays, artwork, and presentations? Are you taking advantage of its power to become more efficient and creative in your work as an educator? Join this workshop to learn what all the hype is about, how to harness the power of AI, and how to help your students use it as a tool for good. Please bring a device to this workshop.


Illinois Science Teaching Association Conference - September 29, 2023

Join science colleagues to engage in a rich series of experiences focusing on connecting diverse learners, authentic assessments, the 3 dimensions of NGSS, and transdisciplinary learning. Information and registration here.


STEM Network Meeting - Wednesday, October 4, 2023; 4:00 - 5:15 pm

The College of DuPage will host the STEM Network. Be prepared to learn from and share with other STEM educators. Register here so that we can make sure to have sufficient supplies on hand and so that we can notify you of the precise location on the COD campus. Attendees will be eligible to receive STEM trinkets and treasures, and maybe even a raffle prize! Mark your calendars for the other 2023-24 STEM Network dates: December 6, February 7, and May 1. Interested in hosting an upcoming meeting at your school? Email Dr. Susan Camasta. And, did we mention that attendees are eligible for a raffle prize?


Illinois Council of Teachers of Mathematics Conference - October 7, 2023

Join fellow mathematics teachers and ICTM members at the fall conference. Details here.


Two Eclipses Coming to North America - October 14, 2023 and April 4, 2024

Solar Eclipses are exciting astronomical events that provide a great opportunity for teachers and students to learn about the science of astronomy and explore the beauty of the natural world. Check out this collection of resources and teaching materials.


eCYBERMISSION Registration Open through February 28, 2024

This is a free, virtual STEM competition for 6-9 graders, administered by the National Science Teaching Association. Students form teams of 2-4, led by an adult Team Advisor, and select a problem in their community to investigate with science or solve with engineering. eCYBERMISSION aligns with national and state standards. Teaching resources are free at www.ecybermission.com/AdvisorHelpCenter. Plus, you can apply to receive funding for your classroom at www.ecybermission.com/MiniGrantProgram

RESOURCES

The DuPage ROE STEM Program - We Are Here to Support You

The calendar fills up quickly! Plan now for your FY24 STEM Trunks and events. Below is a list of some of the ways in which the STEM Squad can support your efforts. Also included are a few pictures of some of our recent events. Email Mary Biniewicz for more information.



  • STEM Trunks for grades K-12 can be arranged for delivery and pick up at your school.
  • A STEM Squad member can assist you with planning a STEM event.
  • We may be available to facilitate an activity for your STEM event.
  • After-school STEM workshops for grade 5-8 students are available throughout the year.

AI (Artificial Intelligence) Resources in Education

Robin Lipkowitz, Director of Instructional Technology, Facilitator for the Instructional Coaching Network, and  

DuPage ROE Service Provider, has posted a collection of great resources related to artificial intelligence. Avail yourself to these resources to learn something new, to gain insights about how best to use AI, and to share with colleagues as you venture into this complex arena.


AAUW’s STEMEd for Girls

This is a FREE exciting online program created for high school girls, with particular focus on girls of color and those who support them. Whether just starting to explore an interest in science, technology, engineering, or math, or already have decided to major in STEM in college, this program will help you prepare for the journey from 9th grade to 12th grade. Fall sessions begin September 6th, so check out the STEMEd for Girls page for information and to register



Fall Topics

Here are a few thoughts and resources you can use for special upcoming STEM events and celebrations.

Spark High School Students' Critical Thinking with Free Lesson on Heat Waves

Use this summer's unprecdented heat waves to study heat wave factors and social issues. Students will evaluate information and consider data limitations to investigate various aspects. Access the lesson here.



Visit our website for more information and resources!



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