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STEAM Newsletter – Monday, April 1, 2024
STEAM Newsletter Vol. 40
Explore ways to celebrate Innovation and Technology Month!
Governor JB Pritzker has proclaimed April 2024 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. There are numerous events 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 5 and 6, 2024 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 Total Solar Eclipse will occur on April 8, 2024. This event is an opportunity to demonstrate scientific phenomena and share information about scientific advancements. A list of resources can be found on the DoIT Total Solar Eclipse webpage.
The 7thAnnual Central Illinois STEM Fair will be held from 6pm - 8pm on April 10, 2024 at the Rochester High School Athletic Complex. The free event is open to students grades K-12, families, teachers, and school administrators. Admission is free but tickets are required.
The third World Quantum Day will be celebrated on April 14, 2024 with activities and events hosted on April 13, 2024 by the Illinois Quantum Information Science and Technology Center (IQUIST) at the University of Illinois Urbana Champaign. Discover Quantum at Illinois for resources and information. Learn What you can do with quantum science, featuring LaVar Burton. The National Q-12 Education Partnership has developed informal and formal learning opportunities for Quantum Information Science and Engineering (QISE) learning. Additional quantum information science resources are available on the DoIT STEAM Quantum Illinois website to help educate students about these emerging fields.
On April 25, 2024, the 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. Two sessions for student attendance will be offered from 9:00am – 11:00am or 11:40am – 1:40pm. Registration is required. The event is hosted by the Illinois Department of Innovation & Technology, Junior Achievement of Central Illinois, Learning Technology Center of Illinois, Lincoln Land Community College, Regional Office of Education #51, Springfield Sangamon Growth Alliance, and University of Illinois at Springfield. Additional information and applications to attend or exhibit are available on the DoIT STEAM website.
The College of DuPage will host STEMCON on April 27, 2024. The event includes hands-on experiments and demonstrations “designed to inform, entertain and spark interest is a broad range of STEM topics.”
Let off some STEAM with these fun activities!
Recent News on STEAM
“The Monday, April 8, 2024, total solar eclipse will cross North America, passing over Mexico, the United States, and Canada. The total solar eclipse will begin over the South Pacific Ocean. Weather permitting, the first location in continental North America that will experience totality is Mexico’s Pacific coast at around 11:07 a.m. PDT.
The path of the eclipse continues from Mexico, entering the United States in Texas, and traveling through Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine. Small parts of Tennessee and Michigan will also experience the total solar eclipse. The eclipse will enter Canada in Southern Ontario, and continue through Quebec, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and Cape Breton. The eclipse will exit continental North America on the Atlantic coast of Newfoundland, Canada, at 5:16 p.m. NDT.”
"Illinois Governor JB Pritzker is asking state legislators for half a billion dollars for quantum technologies in the proposed budget he released Wednesday—the latest show of support for a regional quantum ecosystem that has attracted millions of dollars in corporate and government investment in recent years and is emerging as a central driver of US leadership in the field.
In an interview with Axios, Pritzker said his proposal includes $200 million for a cryogenic facility needed to keep quantum computing systems cool and $100 million for the development of a quantum campus.
"We already were establishing ourselves as a leading hub for quantum development—now we have the opportunity to take it a big step further," Pritzker told the outlet."
"A future quantum network may become less of a stretch, thanks to researchers at the University of Chicago, Argonne National Laboratory and Cambridge University.
A U.S. National Science Foundation-supported team has announced a breakthrough in quantum network engineering. By "stretching" thin films of diamond, they created quantum bits that can operate with significantly reduced equipment and expense. The change also makes the bits easier to control.
The researchers hope the findings, published in Physical Review X, can make future quantum networks more feasible.
"This technique lets you dramatically raise the operating temperature of these systems, to the point where it's much less resource-intensive to operate them," said Alex High of UChicago, who led the study.
Quantum bits, or qubits, have unique properties that are of interest to scientists searching for the future of computing networks — for example, they could be made virtually impervious to hacking attempts. But there are significant challenges to work out before it could become a widespread, everyday technology."
Upcoming Events
Fri. Apr 5 & Sat. Apr 6 | 8 am - 10 pm | Bardeen Quadrangle, The Grainger College of Engineering, UIUC
“Engineering Open House (EOH) is an annual two-day event organized entirely by engineering students at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.
It is held each spring semester, and draws estimated crowds of 35,000 people including students, teachers, parents and families, from all over Illinois and beyond. For the past 100+ years EOH has drawn hundreds of thousands of visitors to the University of Illinois and provided a unique outlet for visitors to explore engineering. Welcome to EOH 2024.”
Mon. Apr 8 | Estimated 1:59pm to 2:04pm across Illinois
This website includes resource links intended to offer opportunities to learn more about the total solar eclipse that will be visible over 128 miles of Illinois during the afternoon of April 8, 2024. The next total solar eclipse will not be visible in the United States until 2044!
Wed. Apr 10 | 6 pm - 8 pm | Rochester High School Athletic Complex
"The 7th Annual Central Illinois STEM Fair will be held Wednesday, April 10, 2024 from 6-8 pm at the Rochester High School 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 (not just Rochester). Admission is free, but tickets are required. Reserve your tickets today! If you are interested in being an exhibitor with a hands-on activity please see this flyer!"
Fri. Apr 12 & Sat. Apr 13 | 9:30 am - 2 pm | Museum of science+industry Chicago
"Celebrate National Robotics Week with our Robot Block Party featuring cool 'bots and mecha-stars presented by area robotics groups. Learn what they can do and how they do it—and discover how robots are increasingly becoming part of everyday life.
All activities are included in Museum Entry. Features and schedules for Robot Block Party will be announced shortly."
"Join IQUIST on Saturday, April 13, 2024, in celebrating World Quantum Day. Enjoy activities and events that will showcase quantum research and discoveries, including scavenger hunts, demonstrations and liquid nitrogen ice cream! World Quantum Day is open to all campus community members and the public.
Quantum science has led to the development of revolutionary technologies such as LED lights, MRI scanners, solar panels, lasers and the atomic clock, which is essential for GPS. World Quantum Day is an opportunity for the public to get to know the quantum scientists, who will share knowledge and inspire the next wave of quantum discoveries, from quantum computing to sensing and communication. The possibilities are limitless!"
Thu. Apr 18 | 9 am - 12:30 pm | ROE 21 Training Center, 502 West Jackson Street, Marion
“Is your district interested in adding 3D printing to the curriculum? Does your district currently have 3D printers that are simply gathering dust? Join us for an informative, hands-on session where we’ll explore the basics of 3D printers and 3D printing.”
Mon. Apr 22 | Online
"Explore these lessons and activities from NASA/JPL Edu to engage students in Earth Day on April 22."
Thu. Apr 25 | 9 am - 11am & 11:40 am - 1:40 pm | Orr Building, Springfield
"CareerSpark is a hands-on, interactive work and career readiness experience designed to spark 8th-grade students’ interest in the exiciting careers in the STEAM fields. Join us for an educational event tailored for 8th-grade students, where the world of Science, Engineering, Technology, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) comes to life!"
Sat. Apr 27 | 10 am - 4 pm | Physical Education Center, College of DuPage
“From soldering and robots to microorganisms and fossils, COD STEMCON lets you explore the fascinating world of STEM. Get hands on with dozens of high-quality, well-facilitated experiments and demonstrations designed to inform, entertain and spark interest in a broad range of STEM topics.”
Mon. Apr 29 | 1 pm - 2:15 pm | Free webinar
“Workers, learners, and leaders across the education-to-career ecosystem are racing to understand and respond to the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on jobs, skills, and the future of work itself.
Join Kristina Francis, Executive Director of JFFLabs, and Alex Swartsel, Managing Director, Insights at JFFLabs, for new insights into the ways in which AI will transform jobs that offer pathways to economic advancement – and actionable recommendations for the skills that will be augmented and elevated by AI. They’ll share a new blueprint created by Jobs for the Future’s Center for Artificial Intelligence & the Future of Work for navigating the new landscape of work with equity and humanity at its core.”
Tue. Apr 30 | 5 pm Deadline to Submit
“Designed to showcase modern manufacturing, which is high-tech, clean, diverse, and sustainable, the Makers on the Move bus visits manufacturing facilities, colleges, and high schools across the state to highlight the innovative manufacturing sector and amazing job opportunities that are available today. This year, the Illinois Manufacturers Association and the Illinois Manufacturing Excellence Center are hosting a design contest for the bus wrap. This contest is open to all Illinois high school students to participate and submit their designs for the 46-foot charter bus. Winners of the contest will not only have their design featured on the bus for the entire week-long statewide tour, but you will also win the offer for the bus to stop at your high school!
Please share this opportunity with our students! Interested students should complete this interest form. Once submitted, students will be sent the dimensions of the bus, and the information about the design format must be used for submission (formats accepted include EPS, PDF, AI, and INDD). Please note that all submissions must include space for sponsor logos, and the IMA and IMEC retain the right to edit the design. The design is due to the IMA by Tuesday, April 30, at 5:00 pm. If you have any questions about this contest, please reach out to Sarah Hartwick at shartwick@ima-net.org.”
Thu. May 9 | 9:30 am - 11:45 am and 12:45 pm-3 pm | Illinois State Capitol in Springfield
“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. That is why we are so excited to once again host our Students for Innovation Advocacy Day (formally known as Tech 20xx) on May 9, 2024!
Students are selected through an application process to present in-person their innovative progress during a one-day event at the Illinois State Capitol in Springfield. We encourage all schools throughout Illinois to apply. (Space is limited.) All interested participants must use this form to submit their project for consideration. Submissions are due by the end of the day April 2, 2024.”
Tue. Jun 11 - Fri. Jun 14 | Patterson Hall Complex (formerly New Hall)
NIU College of Education Social Justice Summer Camp for Educators
"Our seventh annual summer camp is designed to bring together teams of new and returning campers (educators) to discuss issues, pedagogies and practices beneficial for all students. Campers will have interactive opportunities to discuss equity and justice issues, both general and specific to their schools, with experts and colleagues, as well as time for individual reflection and group activities. Custom content for school district and community college administrators, teachers and counselors."
Tue. Jun 18 | 8:30 am - 3:30 pm | Tinley Park Convention Center
"The Illinois State Board of Education Career Connections Conference offers educators the opportunity to learn from and collaborate with educators from across Illinois. At the ISBE Career Connections Conference, CTE educators come together to exchange ideas, share best practices, and foster meaningful connections with their peers in order to improve opportunities and deepen learning for all students."
Mon. Jul 8 - Fri. Jul 12 | 6327 N Sheridan Rd, Peoria, IL 61614
"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!"
Educator's Corner
STEAM resources for in-person, hybrid, remote learning, and professional development
- LTC | Drones in the Classroom – Q&A for Curricular Integration and Funding
- Science Buddies | Cybersecurity: Denial-of-Service Attack
- NASA Educator Professional Development (EPD) Opportunities
- CODE | Teach computer science & ignite possibilities
- CISA, FBI, MS-ISAC | Understanding and Responding to Distributed Denial-Of-Service Attacks
STEAM Resources Spotlight
"The Illinois Science & Technology Coalition has been hosting Teacher Externships for the past four years in partnership with innovative companies like Google and CDK Global. This program allows high school teachers from across Illinois the opportunity to work alongside industry professionals and get a glimpse into the corporate world where they can gather critical insight that they can take back into their classroom.
Teachers connect with employees at the partner company for 20 hours over the summer and gain an opportunity to experience the latest real-world applications of STEM disciplines to better enhance their classroom practices. This year's CDK Global cohort has new spots available for teachers across the state from June thru August 2024 with flexible scheduling in a hybrid format depending on teacher location. The application contains additional details."
“The Illinois Department of Natural Resources' (IDNR) Division of Education sponsors educator workshops through the ENTICE program. These workshops offer Professional Development Hours for teachers. Please register for workshops through the link shown with each workshop description.
A nonrefundable registration fee is required. The fee is $10.00 per person plus a $1.00 convenience fee per registration unless stated otherwise in the workshop description. Should you have questions about workshop registration please email (dnr.teachkids@illinois.gov) or call (217-524-4126) the IDNR Division of Education. Should the IDNR cancel a workshop, registrants will be asked if they want to transfer their registration to another ENTICE workshop or receive a refund. Some restrictions apply. ENTICE workshops are available to teachers, home-schooling educators, nonformal educators and youth-group leaders in Illinois only.”
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.
"In this podcast, 2024 NEA Jazz Master Amina Claudine Myers talks about her journey from the gospel choirs of Arkansas to playing jazz on stages around the world, exploring her contributions to jazz, gospel, and blues. We discuss her early life in Blackwell, Arkansas, and Dallas, Texas; sharing stories of how family and church planted the seeds of her future in music; and her transition from gospel music to discovering jazz and blues in college, detailing her growth as a musician and composer. She reflects on her time in Chicago and her involvement with the Association for the Advancement of Creative Musicians (AACM), emphasizing the impact this had on her musical direction and compositions.
Myers describes her move to New York, the challenges she faced there, and how she found her footing through innovative performances and compositions. She discusses how she integrates jazz, gospel, and blues into her music, creating a unique sound that speaks to her diverse influences and experiences, and her efforts to preserve the legacy of gospel music with Generation 4. And finally Myers shares her thoughts on being named a 2024 NEA Jazz Master."
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.