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STEAM Newsletter – Monday, January 1, 2024
STEAM Newsletter Vol. 37
Happy New Year !!!
Welcome to 2024!
As we celebrate a new year, we look forward to new adventures and journeys. We hope that you enjoy the resources we share in our monthly DoIT STEAM newsletter. We appreciate your feedback on ways that we can be of more service to your work in STEAM education. You can connect with us through multiple avenues listed at the end of this newsletter.
On December 9, the Illinois Department of Innovation & Technology (DoIT) participated in High-Tech CHI as part of the celebration for Computer Science Education Week. The day-long event focused on exposing K-14 students to new and innovative technology. As part of the celebration, DoIT hosted the Illinois Innovation Challenge to invite students to propose innovative solutions to real-world opportunities within state government. The winner of the competition was a team representing Harold Washington Community College and the University of Illinois at Chicago comprised of Adrian R. Anaya, Elizabeth Gonzalez, Ulises Martinez, and Luis Sanchez. Their proposal was titled “Talk to Illinois” and focused on providing better information for young adults on “how to do life in Illinois.” Their creative proposal suggested creating a website that offers practical advice in areas such as insurance, filing taxes, and applying for jobs. Development is already underway to incorporate their suggestions as well as ideas from other participants in the Challenge into the state website and operations. Thanks for inspiring new innovation!
Let off some STEAM with these fun activities!
Recent News on STEAM
""We are thrilled about our recent discovery!” said Xiao Huang, the paper’s lead author. “We've observed that the current AI model is increasingly exhibiting human-like behavior, adept at integrating multiple perspectives, synthesizing them, and striving to derive meaning from these views.”
The most detailed satellite-based maps of our whole planet still can’t show details smaller than hundreds of meters [about 330 feet]. That means that a park in a city may be too small to show up on the global map. When you use the GLOBE Observer: Land Cover app, you help scientists fill in local gaps and contribute to consistent, detailed global maps that should us how our world is changing."
“With a revised curriculum, Argonne’s partners can run science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) events themselves. This summer, the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Argonne National Laboratory launched a revised curriculum for its annual All About Energy (AAE) program, a high school workshop that addresses real-world sustainability issues in local Chicago communities. The newest edition, developed in partnership with the University of Chicago (UChicago) and Project SYNCERE, marks a new direction for Argonne’s science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) outreach. It is the first time that Argonne has directly shared its curriculum with an outside organization so that their partner can use it to expand STEM education even further.”
A student from All About Energy presents her group’s project, pitching an electric vehicle charging station that her team designed for a local community. (Image by Project SYNCERE.)
“The Presidential Innovation Award for Environmental Educators recognizes outstanding kindergarten through grade 12 teachers who employ innovative approaches to environmental education and use the environment as a context for learning for their students. Up to two teachers from each of EPA's 10 regions, from different states, will be selected to receive this award.
The White House Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ), in partnership with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) administers this award to honor, support and encourage educators who incorporate environmental education in their classrooms and teaching methods. Application period is now open and closes on January 15, 2024.”
"As a STEM & Computers teacher, the new developments in technology are super exciting! It's also a bit like a maze, full of twists and turns, new innovations, and responsibilities to share these technologies with students not knowing the future implications. We struggle with the question: “Is all this amazing innovation for the better or does it bring future unforeseen challenges?”
Upcoming Events
Tue. Jan 9 | 3:30 pm - 4:30 pm | Online
"Calling all K-12 computer science and STEM educators! Join your peers from across the state each month for an informative, engagement-rich networking meeting centered on topics that matter most to you.
Hosted by CS & STEM Program Director Sarah Phelps, each month’s networking meeting is a place where participants can:
- Learn about new resources
- Ask questions
- Share experiences
- Expand their CS and STEM 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!"
"Heritage Hall
The Many Futures of Dr. King (Inspired by Afrofuturism: The History of Black Futures)
Student artists from the Cinematic Arts & Media Production Department at the Duke Ellington School of the Arts will perform original work that reimagines and reinterprets the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. These brief but powerful performances will take place throughout the day.
On L2 in Explore More!
- Reflect Your Dreams – make a button inspired by Dr. King
- Share your own dream about Dr. King on the community talkback board
- Make a Star – Celebrate a group or person who is doing good for their community
Concourse, Sweet Home Café
Celebrate Dr. King’s 95th birthday with pecan pie. True to his southern roots, Dr. King’s favorite dessert was pecan pie. Take home a recipe or visit the Sweet Home Café where you can celebrate Dr. King with a slice of Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Pie (for purchase)."
Mon. Jan 15 | 9:30 am - 2:30 pm | Museum of science +industry Chicago
"Join us for a day of activities celebrating the power of creativity and innovation!
Black Creativity kicks off annually in mid-January with Family Day. Families can participate in a day of community art experience, engage in creative activities, and explore the Juried Art Exhibition.
Black Creativity Family Day events and activities are included in Museum Entry."
Tue. Jan 16 & Wed. Jan 17 | Online
SecurED Schools - K-12 Data Privacy & Cybersecurity Conference
“A two-day professional development event focused on data privacy and cybersecurity for K-12 Administrators, Technology Leaders, and IT Staff. SecurED Schools is an annual conference hosted by the Learning Technology Center that focuses on cybersecurity and data privacy best practices, strategies, and tools. Over two days, attendees participate in hands-on demonstrations, panel discussions, and presentations led by local, state, and national experts.
The goal of SecurED Schools is to improve the security posture of school districts. We know that the global pandemic fueled digital transformation and technology adoption in school districts across our country. With increased reliance on technology to empower learning comes increased risk, and PK-12 technology and education leaders increasingly understand the vulnerability of their networks and data.”
Wed. Jan 17 | 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm| Fatty’s Pub and Grille, 1312 W Lincoln Hwy, DeKalb, IL 60115
STEM Café: Quantum Computing: Next Big Thing or Next Big Flop?
"Quantum computing has experienced tremendous growth in the last ten years. But will it be the next big thing – or the next big flop?
Join us to learn the basics of quantum computing, find out where the field stands today and learn what else needs to happen before quantum computing can live up to its potential."
Thu. Jan 18 | 1:30 pm - 3 pm | Online
"Join instructional technology coaches from across Illinois during our monthly virtual meetings to connect with other coaches, brainstorm, and share resources. Although the focus is on technology coaches, all instructional coaches, media specialists, or teachers involved with technology are welcome to attend. These meetings are held virtually via Zoom."
Wed. Jan 24 | 6 pm - 8:30 pm | Online
"Learn how to paint expressive portraits as you improve your observational skills, ability to see angles and shapes, and understanding of color and value. The class emphasizes how to define a subject’s unique features by determining shapes of light and shadow."
Deadline Thu. Feb 1 | Online
“We invite your students to participate in the annual Poster, Poetry, and Prose Contest. The theme of the 2024 event is “Where Does Rain Go? How Can We Slow the Flow?” focusing on understanding how rain moves through the landscape, the effects of droughts and floods, and how we can adapt to help protect our water resources.”
Illinois 5th and 6th grade students are eligible to participate. Participation packet includes contest rules, information, and timetable. Entries must be submitted electronically by February 1, 2024.
Mon. Feb 19 - Wed. Feb 21 | 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.”
Educator's Corner
STEAM resources for in-person, hybrid, remote learning, and professional development
- Smithsonian Science Education Center | Learn how we're transforming science education
- DiscoverE | Transform a student’s future
- U.S. Department of Agriculture Educational Games | Play These Games Then Check Back for More
- U.S. Geological Survey Educational Resources
- CompTIA Spark
- Eduaide.Ai | Instruction by Design
STEAM Resources Spotlight
“Apple is proud to support and uplift the next generation of developers, creators, and entrepreneurs with the Swift Student Challenge. The Challenge has given thousands of student developers the opportunity to showcase their creativity and coding capabilities through app playgrounds, and earn real-world skills that they can take into their careers and beyond. We’re releasing new coding resources, working with community partners, and announcing the Challenge earlier than in previous years so students can dive deep into Swift and the development process — and educators can get a head start in supporting them. Applications will open in February 2024 for three weeks.”
“Data Science for Everyone is a coalition advancing data science education so that every K-12 student is equipped with the data literacy skills needed to succeed in our modern world. Equitable access to data science education is an opportunity to open doors to higher education, high-paying careers, and an engaged community.
Created by the University of Chicago Center for RISC and organized in partnership with The Learning Agency and the Concord Consortium, we support a growing community that knows that the data revolution has transformed modern life and we need to prepare our students.”
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.
"Today, Girls Who Code launched GirlJams, an AI songwriting experience empowering girls to get comfortable with and explore the creative possibilities AI technology can offer.
Right now, the AI workforce is overwhelmingly men. And this disparity permeates into its user base as well. According to a recent survey, 54% of men use AI in either their professional or personal lives, while just 35% of women use it.
Despite its controversies, AI isn’t going anywhere. To ensure that women help define the future of AI, it’s crucial that more girls get interested in, are inspired by, and have fun with AI.
GirlJams was designed to do just that. Created in partnership with Mojo Supermarket and digital studio Active Theory; GirlJams invites girls to write and create a song using different AI technologies, while simultaneously learning the basics of AI through learning moments, introductory language, and prompt engineering tips displayed throughout the experience.
We can’t wait to jam out to these hot tracks and see our students making (sound) waves in tech!. Visit GirlJams.ai to create a smash hit using AI. Tag us in your jam for a chance to be featured on our social media."
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.