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STEAM Newsletter – Friday, August 1, 2025
STEAM Newsletter Vol. 56
Kick off School Year with High Energy!
Take the quantum leap with the Illinois Department of Innovation & Technology’s (DoIT) celebration of Illinois and Quantum, where innovation and STEAM will be center stage at the 2025 Illinois State Fair in Springfield August 7-17, 2025.
We’re kicking off the school year with high energy and innovation at this year’s Illinois State Fair, featuring exciting STEAM and quantum-focused activities! Students will dive into hands-on experiments, interactive exhibits, and mind-bending demonstrations that explore everything from robotics and coding to the fascinating world of quantum. It’s a fun and inspiring way to spark curiosity and set the tone for a school year of discovery and learning!
DoIT has partnered with organizations around the state to showcase engaging and innovative STEAM activities and demos for all ages. DoIT’s theme, “Connecting Innovation: STEAM, Quantum and Empowering the Future” will inspire fairgoers with creative activities focused on quantum, science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM).
Starting August 7th, attendees will have the opportunity to participate in a variety of fun and educational activities at the Governor’s Tent located at Brian Raney Avenue and Main Street, including:
- August 7-9: Presented in partnership with the Learning Technology Center, DoIT is bringing back a fan favorite for three days! Visitors can observe live 3D printing demonstrations as the time-honored 3D mini butter cow is created. This exhibit blends a classic Illinois tradition and cutting-edge technology, showcasing the kind of innovation that points toward a quantum powered future.
August 10: Presented by DoIT, cast your line and test your skills against a sea of scams. Identify the threats and reel in your cybersecurity knowledge.
August 11: Presented by DoIT, attendees can create friendship bracelets and learn how these objects can be linked through the principles of quantum mechanics.
August 12: Presented in partnership with the Illinois Assistive Technology Program, this day highlights cutting-edge tools designed to make technology more inclusive. A variety of assistive technologies will be on display, illustrating how adaptive technology and advancements like quantum computing are creating a more accessible future.
August 13: Presented in partnership with Google Cloud, demonstrations will showcase AI applications and explore how quantum computing is expected to improve machine learning and data analysis, revealing how AI and quantum are shaping the future.
- August 14-15: Presented by the DoIT Illinois Century Network, (ICN) team, attendees can experience the Laser Maze, an interactive demonstration of quantum physics principles where participants navigate a 3D mini track using mirrors and laser beams to guide them. Additionally, the Illinois Quantum Information Science and Technology Center will be available with hands-on activities.
August 16: Presented in partnership with the Techno Tigers FIRST Robotics Team, experience the thrill of robotics with live demonstrations and a behind-the-scenes look at the teamwork and tech that drive competition.
- August 17: Presented in partnership with the Illinois Quantum Information Science and Technology Center, attendees can expect hands-on activities, mind bending puzzles and fun activity books.
Let off some STEAM with these fun activities!
Grade K - 4
Recent News on STEAM
"A new technology that uses clinical MRI machines to image metabolic activity in the brain could give researchers and clinicians unique insight into brain function and disease, researchers at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign report. "
"Lithium, the lightest metal on the periodic table, plays a pivotal role in modern life. Its low weight and high energy density make it ideal for electric vehicles, cellphones, laptops and military technologies where every ounce counts."
"In the wide-open prairies of Montana, a remote-controlled badger on wheels helped uncover a new layer of communication in nature — one that could have a significant impact on bird conservation efforts."
Upcoming Events
Using Canva’s Magic Studio | Learning Technology Center
Mon. Aug 4 | 10:00 am - 11:30 am | Register
“Unleash the power of Canva’s Magic Studio and transform your teaching materials with AI!”
RPF Code Clubs Intro to Microbit | Learning Technology Center
Wed. Aug 6 | 9 am - 10 am | Register
"Are you looking for an engaging, hands-on, and low-cost way to bring computer science and STEM to your students? Join us to learn about using the micro:bit and the Raspberry Pi Foundation’s Code Club resources to use in your classroom or to start an afterschool club."
Illinois State Fair | General Information
Thu. Aug 7 - Sun. Aug 17 | State Fairgrounds
"The 2025 Illinois State Fair runs from August 7th through August 17th. The Fairgrounds are open from 7 a.m. to Midnight for the duration of the Fair. The Fair Administration Office is open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. during the fair."
Ignite Peoria 2025 | ArtsPartners | Peoria, IL
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! "
AI as Your Ally: AI-Powered Innovation for Special Educators | Learning Technology Center
Thu. Aug 14 | 12:00 pm - 2:30 pm | Lincoln-Way East High School, 201 Colorado Ave, Frankfort, IL
“Discover practical AI tools that not only support diverse student needs but also expertly streamline your administrative tasks, freeing up valuable time. Join us to power up your approach to special education, making AI a valuable ally for both you and your students.”
Program: S.T.E.M. Exploration Day 2025
Sat. Aug 16 | 1 pm - 4 pm | 500 W Fifth Avenue, Naperville, IL
"This FREE event is perfect for kids in Kindergarten through 8th grade and their families. Explore hands-on experiments, interactive activities, and creative projects designed to spark curiosity and inspire young minds."
Computer Science Series: Finch Robot 2.0 (K-12) | Learning Technology Center
Tue. Sep 9 | 9 am - 11 am | Register
"Bring computer science to life with the Finch Robot 2.0 powered by micro:bit! This hands-on workshop will guide you through the exciting possibilities of this robot, designed for learners of all ages, from kindergarten to 12th grade."
One Conference | Illinois Education Association
Fri. Oct 17 & Sat. Oct 18 | DoubleTree by Hilton Chicago-Oakbrook | Preregister
“Join us in 2025 for a two-day event offering a variety of elective sessions for Education Support Professionals, Higher Education, and IEA Retired members.”
IETC | Learning Technology Center
Wed. Nov 12 - Fri. Nov 14 | BOS Center | Springfield, IL | Register
"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."
Educator's Corner
STEAM resources for in-person, hybrid, remote learning, and professional development
STEAM Resources
Customized Arts Learning Toolkit | Arts Education
“The Customized Arts Learning (CAL) toolkit supports personalized learning in arts education and promotes strength-based instructional practice. The CAL toolkit is intended to provide educators with resources to support the needs of various students, thus addressing gaps that impair learning.”
Providing Cooking & Nutrition Education to Children & Families | Common Threads
“At Common Threads, we are a dynamic team of passionate problem-solvers and lifelong learners, united by a shared commitment to building healthy, self-sustaining communities. Our approach is bold and innovative—intentionally thoughtful yet entrepreneurial in spirit.”
Music Education Charity for Schools | Save The Music
“Our mission is to help students, schools, and communities reach their full potential through the power of making music. For over 27 years we have been delivering equitable access to music education for millions of students nationwide.”
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.
Arts and Healing: Creative Forces at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson Hospital
"“The goal of everything that we do as a military medical service is to support a member in doing their job effectively. It’s critical that we provide evidence-based, safe, effective patient care … Here at JBER, we know that music and art facilitate healing in a very powerful way … You can see the brain waking up as the patients are engaged in these therapies and regaining their capabilities substantially over time."
~ Major Jonathan Brown, Mental Health Flight Commander
673RD Operational Medical Readiness Squadron, U.S. Air Force
Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson
In this video from the Creative Forces®: NEA Military Healing Arts Network, we travel to Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Anchorage, Alaska, to learn how art therapy and music therapy are transforming the lives of service members at JBER’s Traumatic Brain Injury Clinic.
The program has extended clinical treatment into the community by partnering with Anchorage Concert Association, giving service members and veterans additional tools for lasting recovery. "
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.