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STEAM Newsletter – Sunday, June 1, 2025
STEAM Newsletter Vol. 54
Summer Engagement Opportunities!
In the May 2025 DoIT STEAM Newsletter we shared opportunities for students and educators to participate in summer camps at the Illinois public universities across the state. In this volume we want to encourage educators as well as students to explore a variety of summer learning programs at community colleges throughout Illinois. While several colleges offer programs to build skills in sports, many programs expand interests in STEAM fields, encourage career exploration, and stimulate academic enrichment. Many community colleges organize learning opportunities by grade level and topic. While we have not listed the links for all 39 community college districts, below please find an assortment of resources. Some camps are already full so we encourage you to explore offerings at your local community college as well as park districts for learning opportunities soon.
Black Hawk College offers a variety of Youth Programs that include classes as well as summer camps. College of DuPage is hosting summer camp programs for children entering kindergarten through grade ten. Danville Area Community College is hosting “College for Kids” in June. Explore “Kids’ College” offered by Elgin Community College. Harper College offers “InZone Summer Sports and Enrichment Camp 2025”, from June 2-August 8. Heartland Community College will provide “Reach New Heights" learning adventures for grades K-12.”
Illinois Eastern Community Colleges “curated a diverse array of camps” called “Ingite Curiosity Summer Camps” across their four campuses. Illinois Valley Community College offers a variety of “2025 Youth Summer Camp Programs” and they also offer “online LIVE STEAM Camps.” John Wood Community College will share hands-on learning for students in grades K-12 in their “JDub Academy.” Joliet Junior College offers “Kids College” for students to explore. Kaskaskia College offers “Kids In College at Kaskaskia” for a variety of fun learning options. Join Lewis & Clark Community College for “College for Kids” and personal enrichment programs. Lincoln Land Community College is offering "College for Kids" and more than 60 camps for students of all ages.
McHenry County College offers a variety of hands-on classes for students of all ages. Oakton College will provide diverse academic “STEAM Youth Programs” for ages 8 to 14. Parkland College offers summer fun at “College for Kids” enrichment camp for kids ages 6-13. Explore the “Summer Speech Camp” at Prairie State College. “College for Kids” at Sauk Valley Community College is intended for students entering 3rd through 8th grades. Shawnee Community College is offering a variety of classes, camps and events for students of all ages. Southwestern Illinois College Kids Summer Camp Program 2025 “to provide students with unique and enjoyable educational, cultural and recreational activities.” Find out how the Triton College offers “hands-on learning and creative exploration in a fun and supportive environment” for students.
Let off some STEAM with these fun activities!
Recent News on STEAM
"Inside the digestive tract lives a host of microorganisms known as the gut microbiome. Chris Gaulke, professor of pathobiology at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, studies the gut microbiome and its role in human health. In an interview with News Bureau biomedical sciences editor Liz Ahlberg Touchstone, Gaulke talked about what roles our gut inhabitants play in digestion, immune health and cancer, as well as how what we consume affects them. Video by Andy Savage."
"New interdisciplinary research uniting microelectronics and immunology could help pacemakers, sensors, and other implantable devices keep people healthier for longer.
In a paper published today in Nature Materials, a group of researchers led by UChicago Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering (UChicago PME) Asst. Prof. Sihong Wang outlined a suite of molecular design strategies for the semiconducting polymers used in implantable devices, strategies that can reduce the foreign-body response the implants trigger."
"The Vertical Farm at Illinois State University officially opened on Thursday, May 1, 2025, to train and prepare students for careers in agriculture and horticulture specialty crop production and as a demonstration site for local community groups, schools, and business entrepreneurs. The $200,000 project is a joint partnership of The College of Applied Science and Technology, Department of Agriculture, and Office of Sustainability and is located adjacent to the Office of Sustainability at 305 North School Street, Normal, Illinois."
"Not much is known about the impacts of microplastics in our environment, except that there’s a lot—and it doesn’t go away or biodegrade like many other materials.
The widespread and rapidly accumulating presence of microplastics in waterways and the air poses a concern for potential risks to living creatures. Microplastics are unknowingly ingested by a wide range of animals, including people. It’s in our blood, and in our brains.
Now NIU faculty and student researchers are using cutting-edge technology to learn more, focusing on identifying and quantifying microplastics in creeks, rivers and groundwater. Their work is taking them across the region—and around the world.
Learn more about the research in the accompanying video from the second annual “Huskie Trek Talks: Ideas in Motion.”"
Upcoming Events
Mon. Jun 9 - Fri. Jun 13 | 9 am - 3 pm | Sun Foundation Art and Nature Center, Washburn, Illinois | Register
“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.”
Sat. Jun 14 | 9 am - 3 pm | Morton Arboretum, Lisle | Register
"Sometimes a weed growing in the cracks of a sidewalk, or pigeons nesting in the eaves of a building are better teachers than we realize. Learn more about how urban flora and fauna can be just as impactful as visiting a forest preserve. Educators will be introduced to strategies to utilize nature in their neighborhood to bring their science curriculum to life. Although targeted to teachers of pre-K through second grade, all educators are welcome to register for the workshop, but the information may need to be adapted, as appropriate. Supplemental resources will be provided. Professional Development Hours are available. This workshop is part of the ENTICE (Environment and Nature Training Institute for Conservation Education) program from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources."
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 16 - Wed. Jun 18 | Hilton Chicago, 720 South Michigan Avenue, Chicago
"The National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE) and National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) are excited to announce the return of the Joint Conference for Elementary Literacy and Mathematics!
Back by popular demand, this unique event offers elementary teachers and leaders another opportunity to refine their skills in both mathematics and language arts. Participants will dive into teaching practices and strategies that foster connected learning across these essential domains, building on the success of last year's conference while offering fresh insights and approaches for the year ahead."
Mon. Jun16 | 4:30 - 7:30pm | Pop-Up Chicken Shop, 800 SW Adams St, Peoria, IL | Register
"The Business of Art is designed to connect entrepreneurial artists with business professionals who can help them navigate the world of business. Through seminars and networking, Business of Art assists artists of all disciplines with establishing or enhancing their businesses.
In 2025, we’re introducing a fresh take with the all-new “Spark Sessions.” This series of meet-ups offers participants opportunities to connect year-round, network, and learn from experts to grow their creative businesses."
Sat. Jun 21 | 9 am - 3 pm | Urban Stream Research Center, Warrenville | Register
ENTICE Education Workshop: Livers of the Rivers: Restoring Freshwater Mussels | IDNR
"Join us for a day learning about the most imperiled aquatic organisms in our community, freshwater mussels. Explore the life cycle of freshwater mussels, their ecological value, the challenges they face in the wild, and the cutting-edge science happening to help keep common mussels common at the Urban Stream Research Center in Blackwell Forest Preserve. We will end with a freshwater mussel experience in a local stream that includes identifying local freshwater mussels. Supplemental resources will be provided. Professional Development Hours are available. This workshop is part of the ENTICE (Environment and Nature Training Institute for Conservation Education) program from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources."
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
“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!”
Wed. Jul 16 - Thu. Jul 17 | Register
“Mark your calendars for the education conference of the summer! The 2025 Smithsonian National Education Summit takes place July 15th–17th, 2025 — offered both virtually for a global audience and in-person in Washington, D.C. This free, multi-day event brings together leading education experts to explore the latest trends, policies, and resources that empower educators and their learners.
This year’s theme, Together We Thrive: One Nation, Indivisible, explores how pivotal moments in history continue to shape our present and future.”
Jul 24 | 8:30 am – 3:45 pm | Illini Union | University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign | Register
STEM Career Exploration and Symposium
"Information for Student Presenters: Take advantage of this opportunity to connect! Come prepared to talk with people from across STEM disciplines and across levels of expertise. Make sure to attend the Networking Fair to learn more about STEM career opportunities and supports.
Information for Visitors: Family and friends are welcome to attend to learn and give support!
We also welcome high school and community college students and educators to explore STEM careers and the role of research experiences in STEM career pathways.
Faculty and other research mentors are also encouraged to attend.
Other community and university visitors are also welcomed.
All visitors — Please register by July 1 to help us plan a successful event. Drop-in visitors are also welcome if pre-registration is not possible, but make sure to check in when you arrive.
Sat. Aug 9 | 9 am - 5 pm | Peoria Civic Center | Register
"Central Illinois’ premier arts and makers fest returns to the Peoria Civic Center on August 9, 2025!
Perfect for the whole family, Ignite Peoria showcases hundreds of local makers, musicians, artists, innovators, dancers, and actors, all in one STEAM inspired interactive FREE day of fun and learning! The proud home of Midwest Makerfest, Sensory Ignite, and Fashion Ignite, this one of a kind festival boasts hands-on creation stations booths where attendees can learn about singing, writing, dancing, building, acting, painting, drawing, coding, 3D printing, robotics, and so much more! Additionally, the event showcases theatre, dance, spoken word, literary arts; and includes two live performance stages.
And it’s free! So mark your calendars and join us for Ignite Peoria 2025."
Sat. Sep 13 | Online | Register
“On average, young adults today spend nearly 10 hours a day consuming media, including at school and in their free time. Within that timeframe, they can be exposed to thousands of media messages – some of which require extra effort to analyze and contextualize.
Do these young adults fully understand what they are seeing on a daily basis? Can they distinguish between real or altered content? Now more than ever, digital literacy — the ability to use information and communication technology to find, evaluate, create, and communicate information — is a critical skill that needs attention if students are going to thrive in the classroom and beyond.
Join education stakeholders from around Illinois for a two-day conference centered on digital literacy, with presenters offering their views on how to best integrate these cognitive and technical skills into instruction across subject areas and grade levels. With this knowledge, educators will be better able to guide their students toward becoming productive, ethical, and empathetic digital citizens – both as consumers and as creators.”
Wed. Nov 12 - Fri. Nov 14 | BOS Center Springfield, IL | Register
“At IETC, 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.
With over 700 attendees, 120 sessions and workshops, and 70 vendors, IETC offers unique and intimate learning opportunities for everyone in edtech."
Educator's Corner
STEAM resources for in-person, hybrid, remote learning, and professional development
STEAM Resources Spotlight
"Open for Public Comment: Incorporating Clean Energy in the State of Illinois Model Programs of Study Guides
Together with the Illinois Community College Board and the Clean Energy Working Group, Education Systems Center at NIU is releasing draft updates to the State of Illinois Model Programs of Study Guides in Architecture, Construction, and Energy and Manufacturing and Engineering to incorporate pathways to clean energy careers. As part of our ongoing commitment to preparing Illinois students for the jobs of tomorrow, these guides reflect the latest industry needs."
“There are endless opportunities in health care. But not every child has the chance to explore the possibilities. We connect families and community organizations across the country to in-person classes, digital platforms and online activities to ensure no young person is left behind.”
“Browse a variety of unique, engaging projects for high school students. Choose what’s right for your classroom from our mix of independent and teacher-led projects in a variety of subjects.”
“ISBE is accepting applications from eligible public and charter high school students for the 2025-2026 Student Advisory Council. Students entering the fall semester as a sophomore, junior, or senior are eligible to apply. The deadline to apply is June 30.
If you, your teachers, or your students have any questions, please email ISBE at: ISBESAC@isbe.net.”
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.
"A new book by UC Santa Cruz astrophysicist and visual artist Nia Imara"
"A new book by UC Santa Cruz astrophysicist and visual artist Nia Imara debuts tomorrow that explains the universe and traces how art has blended with science throughout human history. Painting the Cosmos is a rare work that reveals the cosmic connection between art, science, and humanity—citing examples ranging from the Great Pyramid of Giza, to seminal astronomer Johannes Kepler’s 17th century writings on how our solar system’s planets sing, to the starry quilts created by Black women during slavery that pointed the way to freedom.
At a time when art and science are treated as separate disciplines in society, Imara says we have much to gain by looking at them together. And she hopes her 288-page book will leave readers with a greater sense of our interconnectedness. “I hope this book sheds light on some of the fascinating ways in which scientists and artists understand the universe,” she writes. “My bigger hope is that it encourages a feeling of interconnectedness and unity—within ourselves, with one another, with the entire cosmos.”
An assistant professor of astronomy and astrophysics, and a self-taught painter, Imara says her body of work reflects her love for vibrant color, people, and their stories. She was the first Black woman to receive a Ph.D. in astrophysics from UC Berkeley, and now at UC Santa Cruz, she investigates how stars are born in the Milky Way and other galaxies throughout the universe."
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.