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STEAM Newsletter – Tuesday, April 1, 2025
STEAM Newsletter Vol. 52
Explore ways to celebrate Innovation and Technology Month!
Governor JB Pritzker has proclaimed April 2025 as Innovation and Technology Month in Illinois. This recognition provides an opportunity to celebrate the significant contributions that technology and innovation make to the state’s economy and society. Numerous events are scheduled that highlight the state’s latest advancements and encourage collaboration between industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and innovators. Explore opportunities to recognize the state’s thriving tech ecosystem and support the growth of technology-related programs, businesses, and startups!
On April 4 and 5, 2025 students at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign will host the annual Engineering Open House. This event draws thousands of visitors to explore research and advancements in engineering at the University.
The 8thAnnual Central Illinois STEM Fair will be held on April 9, 2025 from 5:30 pm – 8:00 pm at the Rochester Athletic Complex. This free regional event is open to students grades K-12, their families, teachers, and school administrators throughout central Illinois. Admission is free, but tickets are required.
World Quantum Day will be celebrated on April 14, 2025 to raise awareness and celebrate quantum science. On Saturday, April 12, 2025, the Illinois Quantum Information Science and Technology Center (IQUIST) at the University of Illinois Urbana Champaign will host activities and events to increase understanding about quantum technology and discoveries.
April is also celebrated as National Poetry Month. On April 10, participate in a free virtual workshop provided by the Learning Technology Center to learn how to Celebrate National Poetry Month with Code.org Code with Poetry. Find additional resources and Programs offered by the Academy of American Poets.
On April 29 & 30, 2025 Career Spark STEAM Expo will provide a free hands-on, interactive work and career readiness experience designed to spark 8th grade students’ interest in the exciting careers in the STEAM fields. Join us as an exhibitor or as an attendee for an exciting event tailored for 8th grade students, where the world of Science, Engineering, Technology, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) comes to life! The event is organized by the Illinois Department of Innovation & Technology, and will be held at the Orr Building at the Illinois State Fairgrounds in Springfield. Additional information and applications are available on the DoIT STEAM website.
Let off some STEAM with these fun activities!
Recent News on STEAM
"Plastic that conducts electricity might sound impossible. But there is a special class of materials known as “electronic polymers” that combines the flexibility of plastic with the functionality of metal. This type of material opens the door for breakthroughs in wearable devices, printable electronics and advanced energy storage systems.
Yet making thin films from electronic polymers has always been a difficult task. It takes a lot of fine-tuning to achieve the right balance of physical and electronic properties. Researchers at Argonne National Laboratory and the University of Chicago have created an innovative solution to this challenge with artificial intelligence.
They used a tool called Polybot — an AI-driven, automated materials laboratory — to explore processing methods and produce high-quality films. The laboratory is located at the Center for Nanoscale Materials, a user facility at Argonne.
Polybot is the latest method in autonomous discovery, a general approach that combines robotics with the power of AI to accelerate discovery and innovation. "
"From growth hormones to cancer drugs, small molecules play a crucial role in our health. Monitoring them is essential to keeping us healthy; it enables physicians to calculate dosages and patients to monitor their medical conditions at home, for example.
Monitoring small molecules depends on sensing where they are, and in what concentrations. While scientists have developed sensors to detect some small molecules, these sensors are used primarily in research and drug discovery and can only detect a limited range of molecules with particular qualities. There is a compelling need for sensors that can detect and signal the presence of diverse small molecules of different shapes, sizes, flexibility and polarity.
Using artificial intelligence (AI), a team of scientists led by Nobel Prize winner David Baker at the University of Washington has created a computational method for generating proteins that bind and signal a wide range of small molecules with great effectiveness. Baker won the 2024 Nobel Prize in Chemistry for computational protein design."
"Antibodies, which recognize viruses and proteins that the body has encountered before, have long gotten most of the credit for giving the human immune system a memory.
Now, researchers at the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering (UChicago PME) have discovered a new form of immune memory. Macrophages, a type of white blood cell, adjust their molecular signaling patterns immediately after an infection, the researchers found. This short-term memory changes how macrophages respond to subsequent infections and immune signals – sometimes giving the cells a type of tolerance that makes them less responsive, sometimes strengthening their immune response.
The new findings, published in Cell Systems, could eventually point toward new ways of controlling macrophage activity to treat infections or autoimmune diseases.
“It turns out that macrophages can turn up or down their responses based on what they’ve been exposed to,” said UChicago PME Prof. Savas Tay, senior author of the new work. “The better we understand how inflammatory signals are influencing cell states in this way, the better we can design new cell therapies that take advantage of these dials to control the immune system.”"
Upcoming Events
Tue. Apr 1 – Thu. May 1 | 5 pm - 8 pm | Illinois State Board of Education
NGSS Inquiry-Based Lessons OpenSciEd Curriculum Launch Professional Development Series
“ISBE, in collaboration with partners including the Learning Technology Center, Regional Office of Education 47, and the National Science Teachers Association, is offering free, online professional development opportunities in April to support science instruction! Check out these workshops and share with your colleagues in school districts as well as with preservice educators in our postsecondary institutions!”
Wed. Apr 2 - Sat. Apr 5 | Online | Register
National Council of Teachers of Mathematics 2025 Virtual Meeting
“NCTM is excited to bring the math community together to share stories, ideas, and strategies that shape the teaching and learning of mathematics. Join your colleagues for the NCTM 2025 Virtual Conference, April 2–5, 2025 and be part of a transformative experience that honors our collective journey in mathematics.
Engage in dynamic sessions, network with peers, and reimagine the future of math education through our interactive online platform, featuring small group discussions, personalized chat rooms, and more.”
Fri. Apr 4 - Sat. Apr 5 | University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Engineering Open House (EOH) is an annual event organized entirely by engineering students at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. It is held each spring semester, and draws estimated crowds of 20,000 people including, students, teachers, parents and families, from all over Illinois (and beyond)."
Sat. Apr 5 & Sat. Jun 7 | 5:30 pm - 9:00 am | Griffin Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago | Register
“Stay overnight in the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry! Enjoy a rare chance to explore the Museum after everyone else has gone home.
Join us overnight for a new and improved Snoozeum experience! Spend the evening exploring the Museum, take part in a scavenger hunt and other science activities, take a Coal Mine or U-505 tour, catch a big-screen adventure in the Giant Dome Theater, then curl up next to an iconic exhibit. The Museum is yours for the night!
Choose your Snoozeum options
Snoozeums include next-day Museum Entry, so you can follow up your overnight with a day of exploration. Also new: three registration levels (two for large groups) allow you to customize your Snoozeum with reservations, add-ons like T-shirts, and even VIP treatment!”
Wed. Apr 9 | 5:30 pm - 8:00 pm | Rochester Athletic Complex
"This free regional event is open to students grades K-12, their families, teachers, and school administrators from all schools throughout central Illinois. Admission is free, but tickets are required. To register as an exhibitor and to reserve your free tickets, go to https://centralillinoisstemfair.eventbrite.com/"
Thu. Apr 10 | 3:30 pm - 5:00 pm | Online | Register
Celebrate National Poetry Month with Code.org Code with Poetry | Learning Technology Center
“April is National Poetry Month! Join us for a virtual workshop to learn how Code.org‘s Code with Poetry unit can engage students with computer science concepts in your ELA class! Participants will have the opportunity to experience the Code with Poetry lesson, learn how to access all the teacher resources to support implementation, explore the dashboard, and learn more about the other CS Connections units that support meaningful integration of CS in the content areas. This resource is a great fit for students in grades 3-8th grade.”
Mon. Apr 21 | 7 pm - 8 pm | Online | Register
“Join us on Monday, April 21, 2025, from 8:00 PM to 9:00 PM ET, to discover engaging ways to bring meaningful climate science exploration into your classroom all year long!
Ready to engage your high school physics, biology, earth science, and environmental science students in meaningful climate investigations? Join Vernier biology and physics experts Colleen McDaniel and Fran Poodry, along with Vernier Trendsetter and PLTW Master Teacher Jennifer Klecatsky, to explore hands-on investigations that connect students with real-world data. Whether your students are analyzing atmospheric data outside, testing water quality in a local watershed, or modeling global phenomena in the classroom, we’ll show you how real-time data collection can deepen their understanding of the world around them.”
Wed. Apr 23 | 1:00 pm - 1:45 pm | Register
Be Connected: Detecting & Mitigating Insider Threats | Learning Technology Center
“The call is coming from inside the house! Join us this week on Be Connected as we explore common insider threats that can put your school’s network at risk. Along the way, we’ll also discuss how to detect these threats, spot vulnerabilities, and strengthen your defenses.
Join us for practical tips on keeping your network secure from the inside out.”
Tue. Apr 29 & Wed. Apr 30 | 9:15 am - 11:15 am & 11:45 am - 1:45 pm | Orr Building, Springfield
CareerSpark is a hands-on, interactive work and career readiness experience designed to spark students’ interest in the exciting careers in the STEAM field. Join us for an exciting event tailored for 8th-grade students, where the world of Science, Engineering, Technology, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) comes to life!
Visit the CareerSpark STEAM EXPO Event page for more details.
Registration Link for School Attendees
Highlights:
- Interactive exhibits for every passion: expand possible career interests with live demonstrations and interactive exhibits
- No fee to exhibit
- Free admission and parking
- Be part of an event that introduces students to new STEAM opportunities!
Date and Time:
- April 29-30, 2025
- 9:15 AM – 11:15 AM & 11:45 AM – 1:45 PM
Location:
- Orr Building at the Illinois State Fairgrounds in Springfield
Tue. May 13 | 9:30am - 11:45am & 12:45pm - 3:00pm | Illinois State Capitol, Springfield | Register
"Illinois educators and students are doing amazing, innovative things in the classroom every single day. At IDEA, our hope is to give these students and educators a platform to exemplify the importance of this innovative learning.
Each spring, IDEA hosts districts from all across Illinois at the State Capitol in Springfield for our Students for Innovation: Advocacy Day. Students are selected through an application process to present their projects at this annual one-day event.
Our hope is to provide a platform to demonstrate the importance of innovative learning to our state legislators in order to continue and/or improve funding for innovation in Illinois classrooms.
Join us on May 13, 2025!
We are currently accepting project submissions through the end of day on April 1, 2025 for our 2025 Students for Innovation: Advocacy Day event."
“What is GeneLab for High Schools?
GeneLab for High Schools (GL4HS) is expanding its program in 2025! Starting this year GL4HS is being offered asynchronously and will consist of 12-weeks of on-demand training during the summer. Program dates will be June 2 through August 29, 2025. High School transcripts will be required with all applications – digital (scanned) copies in PDF format only will be accepted with the online form. Applications will close at 11:59pm Pacific on May 15, 2025 or EARLIER if the maximum number of applications has been reached
Mon. Jun 9 - Fri. Jun 13 | 9 am - 3 pm | Sun Foundation Art and Nature Center, Washburn, Illinois | Register
Art & Science in the Woods | Sun Foundation
“Art and Science in the Woods is a week-long day camp held at the Sun Foundation Art and Nature Center in the summer, where students as young as five learn from and are inspired by professional artists and scientists in nature’s classroom.
This five-day program connects students with inspiring artists, scientists, survival skills instructors and more all while taking in the natural beauty of the outdoors. On the final day, family, friends and the community are invited to the Sun Foundation Art and Nature Center to celebrate their week of sharing and learning.
Cost is $300.00 per student - however full and partial scholarships are available if needed. Contact sharon@sunfoundation.org for more information.”
Mon. Jun 16 - Tue. Jun 17 | Tinley Park Convention Center, Tinley Park, IL | Register
“The Illinois State Board of Education Career Connections Conference enables educators to learn from and collaborate with their peers from across Illinois. At the ISBE Career Connections Conference, CTE educators exchange ideas, share best practices, and foster meaningful connections that contribute to more opportunities and deeper learning for all students.
This year’s theme, "The Path to Peak Performance in CTE," promises engaging discussions, networking with CTE leaders, and innovative strategies to empower students and strengthen our communities. Join the movement enhancing Illinois's education and workforce systems. Save the date and help us prepare the next generation to reach their potential.
Don’t miss an update about registration, calls for proposals, featured speakers, and more - sign up for the ISBE Career Connections Conference email list. For information on CTE happenings throughout the state, subscribe to the ISBE CTE Newsletter.”
Mon. Jun 23 - Fri. Jun 27 | Capital Area Career Center, 2201 Toronto Road, Springfield, IL | Register
"Launch your CS program with five days of expert-led learning and organic networking
Join fellow K-12 CS educators for a 5-day learning experience centered on building prosperous computer science programs in every Illinois school district.
During this one-of-a-kind event, new and experienced CS educators from across Illinois will:
- Engage with current curriculum from top CS trainers and providers (including Code.org)
- Build community during group meals and team-building activities
- Discover strategies for expanding access to rigorous, inclusive computer science learning
Attendees can choose one of five learning tracks aligned to specific roles and grade bands, with learning opportunities available for elementary, middle, and high school teachers.
Reserve your spot today to help CS learning achieve liftoff in your classroom or district!"
Tue. Jun 24 - Wed. Jun 25 | Campus Instructional Facility, Urbana, IL | Register
SummIT | Learning Technology Center
“Are you a school technology coordinator or director looking to stay ahead of the curve and connect with colleagues? Look no further than the LTC SummIT!
This summertime conference will directly address the challenges and opportunities facing today’s K-12 school technology personnel. With sessions covering a wide range of topics, from cybersecurity to incident response planning, physical security to network infrastructure and more, you’ll gain valuable insights and practical strategies for tackling the toughest IT issues facing your school district.
But that’s not all! SummIT will also provide unparalleled opportunities for peers to collaborate and network. Connect with colleagues from across the state, share ideas and best practices, and learn from their experiences in the field, both between sessions and during a special evening social.
Don’t miss out on this must-attend event for school technology leaders!”
Educator's Corner
STEAM resources for in-person, hybrid, remote learning, and professional development
STEAM Resources Spotlight
"In June 2024, the United Nations declared 2025 the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology. Next year will mark 100 years since crucial quantum theories were first developed and published. This work paved the way for a century of innovation based on our increasing understanding of how to understand, predict, and manipulate the behaviors of atoms, molecules, electrons, and light. International Years are great times to engage in educational activities and science communication. Learn more about IYQ here. If your organization has resources or events plan you can submit them there."
"We believe in inspiring artistic expression, promoting self-respect, and developing independence for all of our community members. We strive to create safe and supportive spaces for artists to experiment, take risks, and explore their creativity.
We are proud to offer a variety of programs to meet the needs of anyone interested in making art and connecting with fellow artists. Our collective decision-making model ensures that our artists have a voice in shaping and directing our programs, promoting collaboration and mutual respect."
"The Chicago Creative Initiative is an Illinois-registered nonprofit dedicated to driving social impact and transformation, serving underserved communities through creative-based purpose-driven; participatory art-expression, modern alternative education, and entrepreneurship mentorship programs.
Through our programs, structured-and-guided by experienced professionals, our organization uses creativity as a catalyst for cultural expression, modern-learning, community revitalization, social connection, and healing."
“Artificial intelligence is making waves in education, promising to personalize learning, enhance student engagement, and support teachers in new ways.
But like all educational technology, there’s a time and place for AI in the classroom. Before jumping on the AI bandwagon, educators need to ask the right questions to ensure this emerging technology helps—not hinders—student learning.
While assessing a new AI-powered tool, ask yourself these practical question based on state AI guidelines:”
The 'A' in STEAM
"Arts foster scientific success" -Dr. Temple Grandin
This series is dedicated to showing how art and creativity play a crucial role in our society within the STEM fields.
"See dynamic works from both professional and amateur African American artists from around the country.
This longest-running exhibition of African American art has been displayed annually at Griffin MSI since 1970. Black Creativity Juried Art Exhibition features paintings, drawings, fine art prints, sculpture, mixed-media, ceramics and photography by African Americans, including youth artists between the ages of 14 and 17.
This exhibition is now open through April 27, 2025 and is included in Museum Entry.
Online Gallery
Explore the artwork of this year's Juried Art Exhibition.
Online Gallery
About the exhibition
Work is submitted in the fall, and a panel of jurors select the pieces for exhibition. A youth component offers opportunities for high school students to submit their artwork to the exhibition.
About the Black Creativity program
The Griffin Museum of Science and Industry’s annual Black Creativity program invites students, teachers, families and the public to explore the legacy of rich contributions and achievements made by African Americans while encouraging deeper interest in science and technology among youth.
Please submit STEAM ideas, comments, or questions using our contact us form.
Any links being provided are for educational purpose use only; they do not constitute an endorsement, approval, affiliation, sponsorship, or partnership by the State of Illinois, Department of Innovation & Technology (DoIT) of any products, services or opinions of any of the linked entities. The State of Illinois bears no responsibility for the accuracy, legality or content of the external site or for that of subsequent links. Contact the external site for answers to questions regarding its content. The State of Illinois reserves the right to add or remove the links provided at any time without notice in its sole discretion and shall not be obliged to give a reason for doing so.