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. . .

September 2021 Edition

Welcome Back!

How the COVID Delta Variant Spreads So Quickly

The delta variant appears to be twice as transmissible as other variants thus far. Learn about the contributing factors and gain insights about how to use this information to help students understand.

Is Data Science the New Coding?

There’s been a big push in recent years to get students coding, with emphasis on word processing and typing skills. Now there’s a movement to bring data science into classrooms. Read more. 

Algebra I - A Turning Point

Read the case study to learn more about preparing students for the gatekeeper math course.

Using ELL Strategies in the Science Classroom

Science vocabulary can be a barrier to learning science. Learn how ELL strategies can help students get a better grasp on that. 



Influencing Perceptions of STEM Through Reading

Authors discuss the possibility of shaping student perceptions of STEM careers by presenting them with examples of others who fill these roles. 

Many Illinois Students Not Receiving Critical Computer Science Education

Illinois high school graduates are entering a workforce in which 80% of current jobs require some level of computing knowledge but many may not be prepared. Insight from Illinois News Bureau.

Student After-school STEM Workshops Return

After a year of revamping, these student workshops will again be available. Email Mary Biniewicz, mbiniewicz@dupageroe.org, to request information.

Calling All DuPage Educators!

We invite you to explore the DuPage ROE STEM website for loads of STEM information, including resources you can use in your classroom and with families or just to have some fun. Because of the invaluable work you do with and for DuPage children, we will be offering some great prizes in our Website Challenge to be posted on our site September 15.  Check out the website now and, again, later in the month to enter the Challenge.

Illinois Science Teaching Association Conference - October 11, 2021

Join other science and STEM teachers to engage in professional development and networking. The ROE STEM Team plans to facilitate at least one session and we look forward to seeing your there! To learn more and register, click here.

ICTM Annual Conference - October 16, 2021

The 2021 conference will be a half-day, virtual conference. Click here for details.

Illinois Education & Technology Conference - November 17-19, 2021

Now's your chance to harness technology's renewed classroom potential by learning from and networking with your peers at IETC 2021! With a fresh, hybrid experience, this year’s conference promises to be impactful for both virtual and in-person attendees. Register today

Summer Olympics - STEM Learning Opportunities

Look to these NBC Learn videos to help you introduce students to women in STEM who work with U.S. Olympic and Paralympic athletes. Want more information about women who combine their STEM careers with sports? Check out these for starters.

·      Mission Unstoppable: Training with the U.S. Women’s National Team

·      Mission Unstoppable: Using Science to Make Sports Safer

·      Yamilée Toussant Beach Profile Video

·      Kimberly Sass Activity Sheet and Educator Guide

·      This Is What a Scientist Looks Like: Monica Rho

DuPage ROE STEM Website

The STEM website, stemdupage.com, now includes STEM starters and activities that can be completed in 30 minutes or less. And, we can even provide teachers with the activity supplies with sufficient notice! We invite you to take a closer look.

Interested in Writing for Connected Science Learning?

Briefs (up to 750 words) and full-length articles (up to 4,000 words) are accepted for peer-review. Check out the Submission Guidelines and Call for Contributions to learn more.

New Computer Science Teacher Endorsement Program Launches at University of Illinois

The program is designed to equip Illinois teachers with the foundational knowledge to teach existing computer science courses, develop their own courses, and integrate new technologies, all aimed at providing more equitable learning experiences in computer science. Details from the Grainger College of Engineering.

The Secret Science of Sports

Why does a football spiral? How do some athletes jump so high? The answer is science! The Secret Science of Sports book helps kids ages 8-12 better understand concepts of science, technology, engineering, and math through the sports they love to play and watch. Teachers can also use the book as a great classroom resource.

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. Many come with teacher guides, supplies, and suggested activities. Learn more by emailing Mary Biniewicz at mbiniewicz@dupageroeorg.

National Girls Collaborative Project

The vision of the National Girls Collaborative Project® (NGCP) is to bring together organizations throughout the United States that are committed to informing and encouraging girls to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Numerous resources can be tapped to help you encourage interest in STEM careers, including the IF/THEN collection.

STEM Teachers, Are You Looking for Supplementary Classroom Materials?

A Northwestern student group will soon release a series of short videos entitled, "A Day in the Life of a STEM-itist" for middle and high school students. Every two weeks, the virtual, live Q&A panels will follow the videos. Contact nu.stem.series@gmail.com for more information!