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STEAM Newsletter – Tuesday, December 2, 2025
STEAM Newsletter Vol. 60
Explore opportunities with Computer Science Education Week
December brings two wonderful opportunities: the joy and generosity of the holiday season and the excitement of Computer Science Education Week (CSEdWeek), celebrated this year from December 8th until December 14th. CSEdWeek highlights the importance of computer science as a foundational skill for the future.
As festive traditions take shape, it’s also an ideal moment to spark curiosity, creativity, and problem-solving in students. Whether students dream of designing video games, exploring robotics, or using technology to solve real-world challenges, computer science offers the tools to turn ideas into an impact on reality. Learning Blade created a complete Computer Science Education Week 2025 activity plan, making it easy to practice real-world coding and technology lessons.
The Learning Technology Center recently promoted CS for All’s Hour of AI, a resource that provides an accessible way for kids to explore emerging technologies and discover the power of computer science firsthand while making the holiday season an event more inspiring time to nurture innovation.
This is a wonderful time to encourage students to discover the magic of STEAM—one activity at a time. Check out various resources on Computer Science for children in different sections below.
Let off some STEAM with these fun activities!
Recent News on STEAM
"Over 1,100 people from around the world gathered in downtown Chicago and online last week for a Chicago Quantum Summit marked by a defining message: the future of quantum technology will be shaped not by a single sector, company, or country but through coordinated action and sustained collaboration."
"Cyanobacteria, commonly known as blue-green algae, are found almost everywhere in the world—from hot springs to arctic ice to antioxidant smoothies.
Part of their extreme adaptability lies within a unique light-harvesting structure called the phycobilisome."
From gut feelings to real science: Exploring the brain-belly connection | NIU Newsroom
"Whether it’s an intuitive hunch, a sour mood or a belly pain, scientists have confirmed that signals between the gut and the brain can affect our cognition, emotions and physical health. It’s why the gut (or our intestines) is sometimes called the “second brain” of the body."
Upcoming Events
ideaU December 2025 | Joyful Classrooms | IDEA
Mon. Dec 1 – Wed. Dec 31 | 9 am - 11 pm | Register
“We believe professional learning should be responsive, inclusive, and available when you need it most. That’s why we’ve reimagined ideaU as a monthly series of on-demand videos, each centered around a timely theme that speaks to the heart of today’s educational landscape.”
Celebrating CS Ed Week with Code.org's Hour of AI | Learning Technology Center
Tue. Dec 2 | 3:30 pm - 4:30 pm | Register
“For over a decade, we’ve celebrated CS Ed Week with an Hour of Code. This year, we’re adding to our annual celebration with a new Code.org hour for students – Hour of AI!”
CSEdWeek Official Kickoff Event | Computer Science Teachers Association
Mon. Dec 8 | 04:30 pm - 05:30 pm | Register
“Please log in to your CSTA Account to register! CSTA is excited to launch this year’s Computer Science Education Week (December 8–14, 2025) with a dynamic kickoff event! We’re spotlighting how computer science fuels the innovations behind artificial intelligence.”
Learning Blade at CS ED Week 2025
Mon. Dec 8 – Sun. Dec 14
“Inspire students to explore the world of computer science during Computer Science Education Week (Dec 8–14) without the stress of planning. Learning Blade has already created a complete CS Ed Week plan for you, making it easy to bring real-world coding and technology lessons into any classroom.”
Hi, AI! (AI Conference) | Learning Technology Center
Thu. Jan 15 – Fri. 16, 2026 | Register
“The age of AI in education is here, and it’s time to say hello. Hi, AI is a virtual conference designed for K-12 educators, administrators, and technology leaders to explore artificial intelligence’s rapidly evolving role in schools. Whether you’re curious, cautious, or already experimenting, you’ll find sessions designed with you in mind.”
Apply to Discover Computing | Connect with p5js!
Every Sat. | Jan 24 – Feb. 28, 2026 (6 Saturdays Total) | 9 am – 1 pm | Discovery Partners Institute at 200 S. Wacker Drive, Chicago | Apply
“Throughout the p5.js series of the Discover Computing Program, participating high schoolers will CONNECT with their inner artist through creative coding projects using JavaScript and the p5.js platform.
VIRTUAL INFO SESSIONS
We are holding virtual information sessions on the following dates if you're interested in learning more and getting your questions answered!
Thursday, December 18 – 6:00 p.m. to 6:45 p.m. – Register Here
Monday, January 5 – 6:00 p.m. to 6:45 p.m. – Register Here”
Apply to our middle school program, Digital Explorers!
Every Sat. | Jan 24th – March 14th, 2026 (8 Saturdays) | 9 am – 1 pm | Discovery Partners Institute at 200 S. Wacker Drive, Chicago | Apply
“Digital Explorers (DE) is a mobile app development series for middle school students (6th through 8th grades) interested in tech, but with limited experience, access, or awareness.
VIRTUAL INFO SESSIONS
We are holding virtual information sessions on the following dates if you're interested in learning more and getting your questions answered!
Thursday, December 18 – 6:00 p.m. to 6:45 p.m. – Register Here
Monday, January 5 – 6:00 p.m. to 6:45 p.m. – Register Here”
Mon. Feb 9 – Wed. Feb 11 | Schaumburg, IL & Virtual | Register
“IDEAcon isn't just a conference; IDEAcon is an experience.
For three full days, attendees have access to experienced thought leaders and regional speakers all focused on current topics in education and who represent innovative practices.”
FIRST Robotics Competition | Central Illinois Regional
March 18th - March 21st, 2026 | Renaissance Coliseum, 1600 West Main Street, Peoria, IL
“The Central Illinois Regional (CIR) FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) is an intense three-day event showcasing robots developed and operated by teams of high school students. The competing robots are the result of 6-1/2 weeks of high school students and professional engineering/science mentors teaming up to solve the engineering challenges presented by the Season Challenge/Robot Game.”
Educator's Corner
STEAM resources for in-person, hybrid, remote learning, and professional development
STEAM Resources
CLEAN | a Collection of Climate and Energy Education Resources
“Discover support, resources, and professional learning tools for teaching climate and energy. Learn about climate and energy science and effective teaching approaches. Find curriculum development guides and supporting resources from the reviewed CLEAN collection.”
Concord Consortium | Revolutionary digital learning for science, math, and engineering
“The Concord Consortium is a nonprofit research and development organization dedicated to advancing STEM inquiry through technology to equip learners and empower lives.
We've been helping develop critical thinkers and problem solvers worldwide for over 30 years with our innovative, free STEM learning resources.”
Why Science | Illinois Science Council
“Why Science? Because Science is Everywhere
Enjoying and appreciating science makes all aspects of our life better. And adults? Well, adults are the ones buying, voting, and creating communities. We need to understand how to make the best decisions.”
"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."
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.
Image Resource: The Art Institute of Chicago
Drawn Together: A Celebration of Sketching at the Museum | The Art Institute of Chicago
"For a couple of hours once a month, one of the museum’s galleries is transformed into a bustling drawing studio, filled with people immersed in their creative labor.
If you’ve come across this sight in one of your visits to the museum, you’ve probably stumbled upon our monthly Drop-In Sketching. This popular art-making program takes place on the first Thursday of the month and rotates to a different gallery each time, giving participants the chance to take inspiration from art from various time periods and geographies.
The sketchers themselves are similarly disparate—adults of various ages, experience levels, and backgrounds—but all are equipped with the same basic materials (supplied by the museum): drawing papers clipped to a Masonite board, graphite pencils, an eraser, and a lightweight folding stool to sit on. A special exhibition in our Ryan Learning Center—“A Celebration of Drop-In Sketching”—showcases the creativity, talent, and personal expression of program participants and runs through February 2, 2026."
Please submit STEAM ideas, comments, or questions using our contact us form.
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