Amber Quirk

Regional Superintendent

DuPage County Schools

Regional Office of Education

421 N. County Farm Rd

Wheaton, IL 60187

630.407.5800

STEM Insider

September 2025

NEWS

Math Performance Raises Global Competitiveness Concerns

The U.S. currently ranks 28th out of 37 OECD countries in math, science, and reading among 15-year-olds. The article draws parallels to the Space Race era, arguing that a national focus on education reform, especially data science, is needed to remain competitive in a world where technological and AI leadership is key.

Can Smartphone Use Before 13 Lead to Poorer Mental Health?

A survey of nearly 2 million participants found that owning a smartphone before age 13 was associated with poorer mental health outcomes in young adulthood, though it important to understand that other factors also contribute to mental health. Read more in Medscape.

What's Behind the Drop in Students' Science Scores on NAEP?

It seems that the country's 8th graders are less likely to do the kinds of hands-on activities to create research questions, design experiments, and draw conclusions than their peers five years ago. Read more.

EVENTS

STEM Squad After-school Workshops for Middle Schoolers - Schedule Yours Today!!

We have a few dates remaining on our calendar for these great informal STEM learning oportunities. Contact Namrata Pandya at npandya@dupageroe.org for more information.

Catapults - October 23

Binary Beams: Talking with Light - November 20

Make It Move - March 19

Algorithm Adventures - April 23

Teaching in the Age of Artificial Intelligence Workshop - October 2, 2025 - Wheaton

Artificial intelligence is reshaping how students learn and how teachers teach. In this workshop, educators will explore practical ways to use AI tools to increase efficiency, streamline planning, and personalize instruction. For details and free registration, click here.

Illinois Council of Teachers of Mathematics Conference - October 4, 2025; Bloomington-Normal

The theme for this year is "Teaching and Learning Mathematics with Joy." Click here for conference details.

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.

IETC Learn, Connect and Collaborate Conference - November 12-14, 2025; Springfield

Education and technology innovators from throughout Illinois gather in our state’s capital to learn, collaborate, and connect. 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.

RESOURCES

Harvest the Power of Fall Science

Explore the PBS learning resources that can enage your students in understanding the mysteries and magic of the fall season.

Smithsonian Offers Free STEM Programs for Educators

Enhance your STEM/STEAM lessons with resources offered by the Smithsonian Institute.

Building Tomorrow's Real-World Career Skills

Download your free collection, offered by Educational Leadership, that includes recent articles on how educators can build these critical skills.

SCARCE - A Treasure Trove of Opportunities

From reycling books and other matrerials, to programs for students and groups, to workshops for educators. SCARCE does all that and more. Visit the website to learn more.

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.