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STEAM Newsletter – Friday, December 1, 2023
STEAM Newsletter Vol. 36
Exciting Opportunities in Tech : CSEdWeek 2023 and Illinois Innovation Challenge
The Illinois Department of Innovation & Technology will participate in High-Tech CHI (registration link: https://hightechchi.eventbrite.com), a day-long event focused on exposing K-14 students to new and innovative technology. This event will be part of the Computer Science Education Week (CSEdWeek) celebrations taking place across the globe and will be hosted at Google, 320 N Morgan St Suite 600, Chicago, IL 60607 from 9:30 am to 2:30 pm on December 9, 2023.
In a dynamic showcase of collaboration, the Illinois Department of Innovation & Technology (DoIT) will host the Illinois Innovation Challenge at High-Tech CHI. This competition invites students to propose ingenious solutions to real-world opportunities within state government, fostering a culture of innovation, creativity, and problem-solving. Winning projects will be highlighted on the DoIT STEAM website and DoIT Newsletter.
Computer Science Education Week is being celebrated December 4-10, 2023 across the world as a way to promote computer science across the enterprise with students, families, educators, businesses, and communities. During this week, educators and families are encouraged to organize an Hour of Code to recognize the importance of inspiring students of all ages to better understand computer science and coding concepts. Resources, tutorials, and promotional ideas can be accessed through the Hour of Code and CSEdWeek websites to help guide participation across the curriculum. Students are encouraged to explore activies and learn how AI works.
Let off some STEAM with these fun activities!
Recent News on STEAM
"Creativity and curiosity are strongly tied to NASA’s missions and vision. Many of the agency’s public opportunities foster these traits by engaging students and educators. Participants of all ages and levels, from kindergarten to college, used their imaginations and enthusiasm to solve open innovation challenges related to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education in fiscal years 2021-2022."
"In October, the USGS Landsat Flight Operations Team executed the 100th Drag Make-Up Maneuver (DMU) on the Landsat 8 satellite, researchers released a study cautioning the use of Landsat Surface Reflectance Products for long-term water quality studies, and Landsat 8 recovered from a spacecraft anomaly."
"Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning can effectively detect and diagnose polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), which is the most common hormone disorder among women, typically between ages 15 and 45, according to a new study from NIEHS intramural researchers and colleagues. Researchers systematically reviewed published scientific studies that used AI and machine learning to analyze data to diagnose and classify PCOS and found that AI and machine learning-based programs were able to successfully detect PCOS."
"People who are environmentally literate can be effective workers and problem solvers as well as thoughtful community leaders and participants. The Chesapeake Bay Watershed Education and Training program helps students in the Chesapeake Bay watershed become environmentally literate.
NOAA Fisheries has announced two funding opportunities that will support outstanding projects through Chesapeake B-WET this year. These projects provide hands-on environmental education about issues affecting the Bay watershed through meaningful watershed educational experiences for all students in a given school district or even state. These experiences also support professional development for K-12 educators. In addition, NOAA Fisheries also aims to support state-wide efforts."
"The U.S. Department of Energy’s Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Nov. 6 to open “The Quantum Garage,” a new flagship quantum research facility. The 6,000-sq.-ft. lab was imagined, designed and built by the Superconducting Quantum Materials and Systems Center to unite scientific communities, industries and start-ups nationally and internationally to advance quantum information science and technology.
Senior officials attending the event included DOE Undersecretary for Science and Innovation Geri Richmond, Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker and Deputy Gov. Martin Torres, U.S. Rep. Bill Foster, members of the Illinois state legislature, the consul generals of U.K. and Italy, as well as leaders from other federal agencies, including NASA, federal labs, academia and industry from across the U.S. and the world."
Upcoming Events
Mon. Dec 4 | 3:30 pm - 4:30 pm | Online
"Let’s celebrate CS Ed Week! This meeting will be devoted to all things CS Ed Week and Hour of Code. Check out the newest resources to engage everyone with CS education, ideas to engage all stakeholders, and ways to build interest in and excitement for CS education in your district.
Join LTC Program Manager Sarah Phelps for a monthly CS & STEM networking meeting where participants can:
- Learn about new resources
- Ask questions
- Share experiences
- Expand their CS professional network
Teachers, administrators, and curriculum stakeholders are invited to attend, as well CS & STEM educators of all experience levels and at all grade levels. Whether you’re just starting out or interested in taking your district’s CS & STEM program to the next level, this networking group will help you achieve your goals."
Mon. Dec 4 | 6 pm - 7 pm | Online
"Join us on Monday, Dec. 4, 2023, from 6-7 p.m. CT as we kick off CSEdWeek 2023. CSEdWeek is an annual program that inspires K-12 students to take an interest in CS. This year, our focus will be on the Impacts of Computing. “Impacts of Computing” refers to the positive and negative effects on various aspects of our lives, including education, privacy, security, and accessibility. A panel of 2023 CSHeroes will discuss these topics with a particular focus on Artificial Intelligence and Computer Science."
Mon. Dec 4 - Sun. Dec 10 | Online
"Hour of Code is available year-round, but every year in December your class can join millions of students around the world celebrating Computer Science Education Week with the Hour of Code."
Tue. Dec 5 | 5:30 pm | Online
"We provide an overview of what AI is and why AI literacy is critical for our students, and explore the AI around us – without high-level technical training. These ‘AI 101’ sessions have been successfully delivered to teachers and administrators alike. Participants will build comfort with AI, spark interest in AI discovery, test AI Tools, and compose their why."
Tue. Dec 5 | 5:45 pm - 7 pm | Online
“When NASA sent astronauts to the moon in the 1960s and 1970s, the agency excluded women from the corps, arguing that only male military test pilots had the right stuff. But in 1978 six elite women took their place as astronauts. Drawing on her book The Six: The Untold Story of America's First Women Astronauts, journalist Loren Grush discusses how these brilliant and courageous women made history as part of America’s space program."
Tue. Dec 5 | 11 am - 12 pm | Online
Robots to the Rescue: Leveraging AI to Design Innovative Work-Based Learning
“The ChatGPT workshop on designing work-based learning is an engaging and informative event where participants learn to harness the power of AI as a brainstorming partner for generating ideas and solving complex problems. Through this workshop attendees will leverage AI’s creativity and vast knowledge to explore diverse perspectives and prompt innovative solutions for their work-based learning needs. While the session will provide WBL examples of how to collaborate with ChatGPT, attendees should come prepared with 1-2 priority questions or needs that they want to explore.”
Wed. Dec 6 | 3:30 pm - 4:30 pm | Online
Wednesday Webinar | 10 High Powered Google Skills To Level Up Your Teaching
“Join us and Shawn McCusker, IDEA Governing Board member, to explore often overlooked Google Tools and strategies to help you save time and work efficiently. These skills will allow you to work faster, simplify redundant tasks and communicate more efficiently.
Illinois educators can earn 1 PDHs for attending this webinar live.”
Sat. Dec 9 | 9:30 am - 2:30 pm | Google Chicago, 320 North Morgan Street, Suite 600, Chicago
“Join us for an exciting opportunity to showcase your creativity and problem-solving skills while making a difference! The Department of Innovation and Technology (DoIT) will host the Illinois Innovation Challenge as part of High-Tech CHI during Computer Science Education Week.
High-Tech CHI is a citywide initiative that brings together K-14 students, families, and community members to explore the world of technology.”
Tue. Dec 12 | 5:30 pm | Online
"Whether you are using our AI Snapshots or our Intro to AI curriculum, we want to set you up for success. This training supports educators utilizing our curricular offerings and provides an inside scoop. Participants will build comfort in accessing and using AI Snapshots, Intro to AI, the AI Project Dashboard, and AI Challenges."
Thu. Dec 14 | 5 pm - 6:30 pm| DeKalb Public Library
"Learn about ChatGPT, swarm robotics and the impact of these artificial intelligence systems on businesses.
Speakers: Sachit Butail, Ph.D., NIU Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering, and Andy Jeon, Ph.D., NIU Assistant Professor of Marketing
What are Teen STEM Cafés?
- Expert speaker presentations, designed for teens and their families, to connect science, technology, engineering and math concepts to current events.
- An opportunity to engage with STEM content through fun, interactive activities.
- A space to meet fellow teens who share your interest in STEM.
- Enjoy free pizza provided by NIU STEAM, with support from HyVee and the DeKalb Public Library.
Teens and families welcome!"
Educator's Corner
STEAM resources for in-person, hybrid, remote learning, and professional development
- Google | More help with math and science problems in Search
- Amazon Future Engineer | Homepage
- ATEC | Algae Technology Educational Consortium (algaefoundationatec.org)
- NASA | Teachable Moments
- Q12 Education | National Q-12 Education Partnership Quantime
- Microsoft Learn | Minecraft Education
- CIS | K-12 Report: CIS MS-ISAC Cybersecurity Assessment of the 2022–2023 School Year
STEAM Resources Spotlight
“IDEA (and previously ICE) knows that innovative ideas in our schools sometimes need an extra financial boost to come to fruition, which is why being able to offer mini-grant awards to educators who are IDEA members in good standing is so important to us. Although the mini-grant award application is opening a little later than usual this year, it is now open! If you are looking for a way to make your school or classroom Maker Space a reality, seeking a few more devices to facilitate an engaging and exciting classroom project, or wanting to try a cutting-edge innovation that is so new that you missed your school’s budget cycle, apply for a mini-grant today. Access the mini-grant application guidelines here and then complete your mini-grant application before 11:59 PM CST on December 31. If you have questions about the mini-grant application or process, please contact us at info@ideaillinois.org.”
"Amazon Future Engineer students can boost their future for themselves and their community with the support of college funding, paid internships, and industry mentors.
You can receive a scholarship of up to $40,000 (up to $10,000/year) towards an undergraduate degree in engineering or computer science and an offer to complete a summer internship at Amazon! Applications are now OPEN and will close on December 15th at 4:00pm EST."
"Helping Your Students Build Essential Skills Like Analytical Thinking for the Careers of Tomorrow. As our economy continues to evolve in response to the advancement of the STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) fields, it’s up to educators across the country to in turn help their field make its own transformation.
Originally constructed to cultivate an organized workforce to fill the jobs prevalent during the Industrial Revolution, our nationwide education system is unfortunately out of date. Recently, the World Economic Forum (WEF), an independent organization that helps shape global economic policy across all sectors, released its biannual “Future of Jobs” report that details many of these seismic changes."
"Get free math and science teaching materials, attend training workshops and get hands-on demonstrations to illustrate classroom activities. Find it all at the NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory Educator Resource Center in Pasadena, California.
What can I expect from the Educator Resource Center?
- Each educator has unique needs. The JPL staff works with educators to find out what they need and provide appropriate NASA resources.
- Educators may receive single copies of posters, lithograph pictures, educator guides with activities, booklets and information on NASA/JPL missions (subject to supplies on hand).
- Educators can call the Educator Resource Center to learn about receiving materials via mail.
- Workshops are conducted at JPL in Pasadena, California."
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.
"Each year, Illinois students, grades K-12, are invited to participate in an annual Art Contest sponsored by the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum and the Illinois State Board of Education. This exciting collaboration creates more visibility for young Illinois artists and showcases their talent while reinforcing the importance of the arts in the growth and development of all students.
We invite Illinois students across four entry levels (K-2, 3-5, 6-8, and 9-12) to participate by submitting an original work of art inspired by this year’s theme of “I Wonder…” by January 5, 2024. To read all contest rules and learn more about how students can enter, please see our Annual Art Contest page. While there, you can also check out some of the winning pieces from previous years’ competitions!"
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.