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STEAM Newsletter – Saturday, February 1, 2025
STEAM Newsletter Vol. 50
Celebrate Black History Month
According to the “Library of Congress,“ "in 1986, Congress passed Public Law 99-244, which designated February 1986 as ‘National Black (Afro-American) History Month.’ This law noted that February 1, 1986, would ‘mark the beginning of the sixtieth annual public and private salute to Black History.’"
In this newsletter, we share resources to teach and learn about Black History focused on STEAM activities and lessons. The Griffin Museum of Science + Industry’s “Black Creativity” website “celebrates African American achievement in science, technology, engineering, the arts and mathematics.” The University of Illinois Bruce D. Nesbitt African American Cultural Center shares “stories of impact” at “Black History Month.” Informative resources and events can be found at the Smithsonian’s “Black History Month” website. The National Museum of African American History & Culture “Celebrate Black History Month 2025” honors “invisible changemakers of industry and community building.” The U.S. Census Bureau website “National Black History Month: February 2025” includes facts and statistics.
College Transitions provides “45 Black History Month Activities” on their recent blog. The National Endowment for the Humanities EDSITEment offers “Teacher’s Guide of African American History and Culture in the United States.“ The National Education Association “Black History Month Lessons & Resources“ website helps honor achievements of African American scientists, engineers and artists across the country. And the Illinois Department of Natural Resources Historic Preservation Division shares “African Americans in Illinois” research.
Let off some STEAM with these fun activities!
Recent News on STEAM
"Roughly 400,000 years after the Big Bang, the universe cooled just enough to allow photons to escape from the primordial cosmological soup, an opaque cloud consisting of a plasma of electrons and nuclei. As stars and galaxies formed over the next 14 billion years, these ancient photons — the universe’s first light — continued traveling. This relic light is known as the cosmic microwave background (CMB).
In a new study, researchers from the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Argonne National Laboratory joined a large team to analyze observational data on the CMB, collected from the South Pole Telescope (SPT). Situated at the National Science Foundation’s (NSF) Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station in Antarctica, the SPT provides high-precision measurements crucial for cosmological investigations. At the heart of this telescope is its third-generation (SPT-3G) camera, equipped with 16,000 detectors — 10 times more than its predecessor. It was installed in 2017 after development by several universities and an Argonne-led team of national laboratories."
"Understanding the behavior of matter at the level of molecules—how they bond, react, and change— is crucial for designing better materials, creating new medicines, and solving environmental challenges.
To understand these systems, researchers use quantum chemical computer simulations, which can interpret and predict new molecular systems and behavior, including catalytic processes, quantum phenomena, light-matter interactions.
Over the past 10 years, Prof. Laura Gagliardi of the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering (UChicago PME) and her collaborator Prof. Don Truhlar at the University of Minnesota have developed and refined a theory that makes it feasible to study larger quantum systems.
Now, they have advanced that theory with a new method that achieves high accuracy without the steep computational cost of other advanced methods.
The results were published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
“We think this method could be a game-changer in terms of understanding complex chemistry and materials science problems,” said Gagliardi, the Richard and Kathy Leventhal Professor in UChicago PME and the Department of Chemistry. “It’s a way to study certain phenomena at a much more affordable computational cost.”"
"A new study overcomes a key challenge to switching commercial aircraft in the U.S. from their near-total reliance on fossil fuels to more sustainable aviation fuels. The study details a cost-effective method for producing ethylbenzene — an additive that improves the functional characteristics of sustainable aviation fuels — from polystyrene, a hard plastic used in many consumer goods.
The findings are reported in the journal ACS Sustainable Chemistry and Engineering.
Fuels derived from waste fat, oil, grease, plant biomass or other nonpetroleum sources lack sufficient levels of aromatic hydrocarbons, which help keep fuel systems operational by lubricating mechanical parts and swelling the seals that protect from leaks during normal operations, said Hong Lu, a research scientist at the Illinois Sustainable Technology Center who led the new research. ISTC is a division of the Prairie Research Institute at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.
While ethylbenzene is an aromatic hydrocarbon and can be derived from fossil fuels, finding a sustainable way to produce it would aid the aviation industry’s conversion to sustainable jet fuels.
The U.S. Department of Energy, the U.S. Department of Transportation, the U.S. Department of Agriculture and other government agencies created a roadmap for addressing the climate-related impacts of fossil-fuel-derived aviation fuels. The Sustainable Aviation Fuel Grand Challenge sets ambitious goals for the production of domestic sustainable aviation fuels to 3 billion gallons per year by 2030, and 100% of projected aviation jet fuel use, or 35 billion gallons per year, by 2050."
Upcoming Events
Sat. Feb. 8 | 9 am – 3 pm | Morton Arboretum, Lisle | Register | Morton Arboretum, Lisle
"Have some wintry fun this season at The Morton Arboretum! Learn how to utilize the winter season to teach students about how to find and track animals, and their adaptations for the seasons. Educators will be introduced to strategies on how to utilize the seasons to bring their science curriculum to life. Although targeted to teachers of pre-K through third 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."
"This workshop is designed for educators across all disciplines and grade levels. Whether you teach math, science, language arts, or any other subject, computer literacy and computer science are becoming increasingly relevant to your students’ success.
First, we’ll define computer literacy, differentiate it from computer science, and explore how to seamlessly integrate both into your classroom, regardless of your subject area. Discover practical and engaging strategies to enhance your students’ digital skills and prepare them for the future.
Then, we’ll break down the Illinois computer science standards into manageable steps, highlighting best practices for incorporating CS concepts into any classroom or content area. Learn how to foster computational thinking, problem-solving, and creativity in your students, even if you don’t consider yourself a “tech” teacher.
Join us to gain the knowledge and confidence to empower your students with essential skills for the digital age."
Tue. Feb. 11 | 8:30 am - 2:30 pm | Register | ROE 40 Jerseyville Office
"Join us as we dive into artificial intelligence (AI) and its incredible potential in education. This workshop offers educators an in-depth exploration of AI fundamentals, advantages, and limitations, along with invaluable insights into leveraging AI tools to elevate teaching and learning experiences in the classroom."
Sat. Feb. 15 | 9 am – 3 pm | Chicago Botanic Gardens, Glencoe | Register
"Explore Coyote Track interactive visualization tool. This online site centers around coyote ecology and behavior related to data collected from radio-collared coyotes in urban and rural areas of Illinois. Using real data, this workshop will guide participants through the visualization data tool and standard-based lessons that support the unit. Participants will learn about how and why scientists are studying coyotes in Illinois including learning about telemetry and how the information is gathered. The workshop is for teachers of Illinois high school and middle school students. Professional Development Hours are available. Sponsored by the IDNR, this workshop is part of the ENTICE (Environment and Nature Training Institute for Conservation Education) program."
Mon. Feb. 17 - Wed. Feb 19 | Register | Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center Hotel
"IDEAcon isn't just a conference; IDEAcon is an experience.
For three days, educators become immersed in a community of leaders and learners. Attendees enjoy a welcoming environment as they create their own journey full of breakout sessions, exhibit hall demos, hands-on activities, thought leader talks, networking opportunities and more. Go at your own pace, take the time to discover, and relish the opportunity to learn, share, and play. IDEAcon is where you'll find your next learning adventure."
Fri. Feb. 21 | 9:00 am - 2:30 pm | McHenry County Community Foundation | Register
"Innovative problem solvers are using 3D printing in every industry, from medicine to construction to space exploration. Teach your students to design for the future by adding 3D printing to your curriculum!
Whether you’re brand new to 3D printing or you have one that’s not being used to its full potential, this workshop will give you the foundation you need. We’ll begin at square one of the 3D printing process and go from ideation to finished print, covering everything in between. You’ll then learn how 3D printers work, how to create and prepare models for printing, how to operate your printer and optimize its settings, and how to troubleshoot your printer when issues arise.
We’ll also explore tools, materials, and software you’ll need and what to consider when choosing a printer for yourself. From there, we’ll discuss lesson ideas, ways to manage projects effectively, and how to design your space to maximize learning. You’ll even build your own project in Tinkercad that you can take back to your students."
Sat. Feb. 22 | 8:30am - 3:30pm | Register | SIUE School of Engineering, Edwardsville
Introduce a Girl to Engineering Day at SIUE is presented by Ameren Illinois
"Are you a middle or high school student with a curiosity for the world around you? Do you love to solve problems, create innovative solutions, and dream of making a difference? If so, the field of engineering might just be your calling!
The SIUE Society of Women Engineers (SWE) invites you to an event where you can discover the boundless opportunities that engineering offers and ignite your passion for a future in this dynamic field.
What to Expect:
Inspirational Stories: Hear from successful female engineers who will share their personal journeys and experiences, proving that a career in engineering is within your reach.
Interactive Activities: Test your problem-solving skills and creativity through interactive activities and challenges that will showcase the fun side of engineering.
Sneak Peak: Get a glimpse of the state-of-the-art facilities and cutting-edge labs at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, where your engineering dreams can become a reality.
Networking: Connect with like-minded students and professionals who are passionate about engineering. This event is your opportunity to build a support network for your future endeavors."
Sat. Feb. 22 | 9 am - 3 pm | Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, Chicago | Register
"Flutter in and join other educators of grades prekindergarten through four as we are introduced to the butterflies of Illinois! The emphasis of this workshop will be on butterfly conservation and the related work of staff members of the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum in the field and lab. Information on developing butterfly habitat on the school grounds and how to incorporate learning activities related to it will also be included. Correlations between the information presented and Illinois Early Learning and Development Standards and Next Generation Science Standards will be addressed. Supplemental educational resources will be provided. Professional Development Hours are available. Teachers of other grade levels are welcome to register for this workshop but may need to adapt the materials for their students, as appropriate. Sponsored by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, this workshop is part of the ENTICE (Environment and Nature Training Institute for Conservation Education) program."
Tue. Feb. 25 | 8:00 am - 4:15 pm | Register | I Hotel & Illinois Conference Center, Champaign, Illinois
2025 Conference | Illinois Education and Career Success Network
"Register now for our 12th annual conference, themed Building the Future We Want: Increasing Equitable Postsecondary Attainment, on Tuesday, February 25, 2025. This year’s in-person, one-day conference will be held at I Hotel & Illinois Conference Center in Champaign, Illinois. The conference is an engaging learning opportunity designed for leaders from secondary and postsecondary education, local and state government, community-based organizations, policy advocates, grantmakers, employers, and other stakeholders interested in equitably increasing postsecondary attainment in Illinois."
"Typically, all Illinois regional Poetry Out Loud contests are held throughout the month of February. The Illinois state contest is held in early March. The national contest is held in Washington, D.C. The 2025 national POL contest is scheduled for May 5-7, 2025.
Generally, each state contest winner must register to participate in the national contest approximately six weeks prior to the national contest date. Exact date for national contest registration will be provided to the Illinois state contest winner after the state contest concludes.
Teachers and students should plan on spending approximately three weeks on the POL curriculum materials and preparing for their school’s contest. Consider the timing of the regional contest for your school when planning the introduction of the POL curriculum and scheduling a school contest.
Students must participate in a school-level contest prior to competing in a regional contest. All regional contests require that schools register with the regional POL coordinator, the name of their school’s contest winner and the poems to be recited.
Eligibility rules, lesson plans, tips for organizing contests, examples of students' recitations, and the list of poems approved to be recited during school, regional and the national contests, etc., can be found on the official Poetry Out Loud website; www.poetryoutloud.org. Be mindful that the list of approved poems changes every year."
Wed. April 9 | 5:30pm – 8:00pm | Rochester 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. Admission is free, but tickets are required. To register as an exhibitor and to reserve your free tickets, go to https://centralillinoisstemfair.eventbrite.com/"
Tue. April 29 & Wed. April 30 | 9:15 am – 11:15 am & 11:45 am – 1:45 pm | Orr Building, Springfield
CareerSpark is a hands-on, interactive work and career readiness experience designed to spark students’ interest in the exciting careers in the STEAM field. Join us for an exciting event tailored for 8th-grade students, where the world of Science, Engineering, Technology, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) comes to life!
Visit the CareerSpark STEAM EXPO Event page for more details.
Registration Link for School Attendees
Highlights:
- Interactive exhibits for every passion: expand possible career interests with live demonstrations and interactive exhibits
- No fee to exhibit
- Free admission and parking
- Be part of an event that introduce students to new STEAM opportunities!
Date and Time:
- April 29-30, 2025
- 9:15 AM – 11:15 AM & 11:45 AM – 1:45 PM
Location:
- Orr Building at the Illinois State Fairgrounds in Springfield
Educator's Corner
STEAM resources for in-person, hybrid, remote learning, and professional development
- Black Girls Do STEM
- Black Creativity - Griffin Museum of Science and Industry
- Google: Celebrate Black History, Culture & Identity - Applied Digital Skills
- How Do We Advance AI Literacy in Schools? | Teach AI
- Celebrating 100+ Free Lesson Plans for K-12 STEM Education! | Science Buddies Blog
- Introduction to the Toolkit | Customized Arts Learning Toolkit
STEAM Resources Spotlight
“WeTeach_CS educates, empowers, and inspires K-12 CS teachers, administrators, professional development providers, and university instructors to realize the vision of computer science for all.”
“NASA’s Office of STEM Engagement (OSTEM) paid internships allow high school and college-level students to contribute to the agency’s mission to advance science, technology, aeronautics, and space exploration.
OSTEM internships offer students an opportunity to gain practical work experience while working side-by-side with mentors who are research scientists, engineers, and individuals from many other professions. Internships may be full time or part time; and, they may be on a NASA center or facility, or even working from your home or dorm.
Join our NASA team and gain valuable on-the-job experience, build your resume, and strengthen your career readiness. We offer three sessions annually, so visit our website often for opportunities.
2025 Internship Application Deadlines:
Summer 2025: Feb. 28, 2025
Fall 2025: May 16, 2025”
“In Summer 2025, the Illinois Aerospace Institute (IAI) summer camps are tentatively scheduled to consist of two one-week on-campus camps and one virtual program for students entering grades 9-12 who are interested in learning about the field of aerospace engineering. Though most of the students who attend are from the Midwest, students come to us from all over the U.S. and internationally. Many campers have some sort of experience with the aerospace field, through model rockets, remote control airplanes, or having a family member who is a pilot, but no experience is necessary; just an interest in learning about the field of aerospace engineering. Students will learn about a variety of topics regarding, engineering through discussion sessions, demonstrations, and hands-on activities.”
“Illustrative Mathematics is a nonprofit organization founded on the belief that all students are capable of learning grade-level mathematics. Our innovative problem-based K–12 curriculum is designed to energize math classrooms and equip students with critical skills, understandings, and practices that can benefit them for a lifetime. The IM Certified® Experience leads students to this enduring math proficiency by giving educators exclusive access to engaging content, comprehensive professional learning, and an inclusive community of scholars working together to build a world where all learners know, use, and enjoy mathematics.
Help students become lifelong math learners. Preview IM K–12 Math.”
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.
"The Independent Film & Media Arts Field-Building Initiative is a collaborative partnership between the National Endowment for the Arts and Bay Area Video Coalition (BAVC) focused on creating a space for knowledge exchange and relationship-building, with an emphasis on promoting regional networks, equity, and career sustainability for individuals working in the film and media arts industry.
This initiative contributes to strengthening regional arts infrastructure by exploring the following areas of special interest:
- Providing a national forum for ideas exchange, peer learning, and technical assistance to improve career pathways and support networks for emerging and established film and media artists and practitioners, with a focus on the inclusion of individuals and historically underserved communities whose opportunities might be limited by geography, ethnicity, economics, or disability.
- Strengthening connectivity between existing networks and media arts communities across the United States, as well as strengthening the capacity of local, regional, and national arts infrastructure to better serve independent film and media artists. This includes fostering awareness of the interconnected issues, systemic challenges, and opportunities facing the independent film and media arts field and the broader cultural sector.
- Elevating strategies, best practices, and exemplary models for building accessible and equitable career pathways into the film and media arts industry, and providing relevant expertise to local and regional cultural organizations and service providers.
- Promoting the contributions of the independent film and media arts field to the wider arts sector and beyond, including aspects such as strengthening communities through the power of storytelling.
With Sundance Institute as the inaugural partner from 2019-2022, the initiative established the Independent Media Arts Group (IMAG), a nationwide network of more than 800 individuals representing local, regional, and national stakeholders across the United States, including artists and collectives, film and media arts organizations, film festivals, art house cinemas, cultural institutions, content distributors, broadcast entities, arts service organizations, and funders. IMAG activities include quarterly field meetings open to the public, which serve to provide a continuous forum for ideas exchange; peer learning; and technical assistance led by practitioners within and outside the IMAG network. Registration is free to join the IMAG network and gain access to the IMAG listserv. To register, please send an email to MediaArts@arts.gov with subject line: Register for IMAG and email addresses to register.
IMAG Meeting Dates for 2024-2025
- NEW DATE
Wednesday, 2/12/25 | 2:00-4:30pm ET | Register - Wednesday, 4/09/2025 | 2:00-4:30pm ET | Registration link coming soon!"
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.