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STEAM Newsletter – Friday, March 1, 2024
STEAM Newsletter Vol. 39
Celebrate Women’s History Month and Learn About the Career Spark STEAM Expo
History.com shares that “Women’s History Month is a celebration of women’s contributions to history, culture and society and has been observed annually in the month of March in the United States since 1987.”
The National Women’s History Alliance states that the “National Women’s History Month’s theme for 2024 celebrates “Women Who Advocate for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion.” The theme recognizes women throughout the country who understand that, for a positive future, we need to eliminate bias and discrimination entirely from our lives and institutions.”
According to the American Association of University Women (AAUW), “Women make up only 34% of the workforce in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM), and men vastly out number women majoring in most STEM fields in college. The gender gaps are particularly high in some of the fastest-growing and highest-paid jobs of the future, like computer science and engineering.” Representation in STEAM fields needs to reflect our society. This volume of the newsletter provides resources that help amplify women’s voices in STEAM. We encourage you to explore womens' stories in order to help promote gender equity in STEAM education domains.
On April 25, 2024 Career Spark STEAM Expo will provide a free hands-on, interactive work and career readiness experience designed to spark 8th grade students’ interest in the exciting careers in the STEAM fields. Join us as an exhibitor or as an attendee for an exciting event tailored for 8th grade students, where the world of Science, Engineering, Technology, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) comes to life! Two sessions for student attendance will be offered from 9:00am – 11:00am or 11:40am – 1:40pm. The event is hosted by the Illinois Department of Innovation & Technology, Junior Achievement of Central Illinois, Learning Technology Center of Illinois, Lincoln Land Community College, Regional Office of Education #51, Springfield Sangamon Growth Alliance, and University of Illinois at Springfield. Additional information and applications are available on the DoIT STEAM website.
Let off some STEAM with these fun activities!
Recent News on STEAM
“The Monday, April 8, 2024, total solar eclipse will cross North America, passing over Mexico, the United States, and Canada. The total solar eclipse will begin over the South Pacific Ocean. Weather permitting, the first location in continental North America that will experience totality is Mexico’s Pacific coast at around 11:07 a.m. PDT.
The path of the eclipse continues from Mexico, entering the United States in Texas, and traveling through Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine. Small parts of Tennessee and Michigan will also experience the total solar eclipse. The eclipse will enter Canada in Southern Ontario, and continue through Quebec, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and Cape Breton. The eclipse will exit continental North America on the Atlantic coast of Newfoundland, Canada, at 5:16 p.m. NDT.”
"The Canary Islands - More than 1000 years ago, a young man stood on the northern shore of the island now known as El Hierro. Across the wave-swept Atlantic Ocean, he could see the silhouettes of other islands, a volcanic peak on one soaring toward the clouds only 90 kilometers away. Yet, for him, those islands were as unreachable as the Moon.
His body betrayed the rigors of life on his arid volcanic outcrop. His molars were worn almost to the gums from grinding fibrous wild fern roots. His ancestors here had farmed wheat, but he and his contemporaries grew only barley and raised livestock such as goats. His genes held evidence that his parents were closely related, like many of the roughly 1000 people on the island, who had not mingled with outsiders for centuries. Also like many of his fellow islanders, he bore signs of an old head injury, likely sustained in a fight."
"For the past 40 years, Jacqueline “Jackie” Grebmeier and Lee Cooper have spent months in a variety of locations within the Arctic aboard 100+ foot research ships. Grebmeier and Cooper, both professors at the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science (UMCES), have dedicated their scientific careers to characterizing and communicating the impacts a warmer Arctic is having on marine ecosystems. Currently, the Arctic is warming nearly four times faster than the rest of the planet, resulting in sea ice loss, a warmer ocean, and marine food webs that are changing dramatically.
However, Grebmeier and Cooper are not just contributing to the research, they are connecting and building scientific communities focused on improving our understanding of Arctic marine ecosystems."
Upcoming Events
Sun. Mar 3 | 8:30 am - 9:30 am | Museum of science +industry Chicago
"Low-Sensory Mornings provide exclusive early access to MSI from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m., allowing you to explore with exhibits with modified lighting and sound. Your tickets also include Museum Entry for rest the of the day, with most Museum experiences remaining in sensory-friendly mode until noon."
Mon. Mar 4 | 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!"
Thu. Mar 14 | 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm | Dekalb Public Library, 309 Oak St, Dekalb, IL 60115
"Learn about cybersecurity and innovation through hands-on activities.
Speakers: Robert Barton, NIU Director of Information Security, and Federico Bassetti, NIU Assistant Director for Innovation and Economic Development
What are Teen STEM Cafés?
- Designed for middle and high school students and their families.
- Engaging speakers and fun hands-on activities connect science, technology, engineering and math concepts to current events.
- Meet fellow teens who share your interest in science and technology.
- Enjoy free pizza provided by NIU STEAM, with support from HyVee and the DeKalb Public Library."
"To celebrate Women’s History Month, the ALPLM is excited to host Sarah Egge, for this month’s PD in Your PJs presentation. By the late-nineteenth century, as white settlers colonized the region that became the Midwest, the emerging states embraced a political culture that included both men and women. Men and women organized separately and together to pursue a host of community-building initiatives. By the early-twentieth century, women advocated for causes as diverse as they were, from temperance to woman suffrage to labor reforms to public health. They were unapologetic, and even sometimes radical, but the values of their politics made the Midwest a democracy.
For the PD in Your PJs series, we invite you to come as you are, drink what you want, engage with the experts, and leave with 1.0 CPDU credit."
Mon. Apr 8 | Estimated 1:59pm to 2:04pm across Illinois
“What is a solar eclipse? A solar eclipse is a rare, celestial event that occurs when the moon passes between the Earth and the sun, causing the sun to be partially or completely obscured from view as observed from a specific region on Earth. This happens because the moon's shadow is cast onto the Earth's surface, blocking or partially covering the sun's light. When is the next total solar eclipse? On April 8, 2024, a total solar eclipse is set to occur, marking the final one visible from the United States until the year 2045. Where will the eclipse be visible? This celestial event will pass through a path of totality encompassing 13 states, including Illinois.”
Wed. Apr 10 | 6 pm - 8 pm | Rochester High School Athletic Complex
"The 7th Annual Central Illinois STEM Fair will be held Wednesday, April 10, 2024 from 6-8 pm at the Rochester High School 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 (not just Rochester). Admission is free, but tickets are required. Reserve your tickets today! If you are interested in being an exhibitor with a hands-on activity please see this flyer!"
Thu. Apr 25 | 9 am - 11am & 11:40 am - 1:40 pm | Orr Building, Springfield
"CareerSpark is a hands-on, interactive work and career readiness experience designed to spark 8th-grade students’ interest in the exiciting careers in the STEAM fields. Join us for an educational event tailored for 8th-grade students, where the world of Science, Engineering, Technology, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) comes to life!"
"Our seventh annual summer camp is designed to bring together teams of new and returning campers (educators) to discuss issues, pedagogies and practices beneficial for all students. Campers will have interactive opportunities to discuss equity and justice issues, both general and specific to their schools, with experts and colleagues, as well as time for individual reflection and group activities. Custom content for school district and community college administrators, teachers and counselors."
Tue. Jun 18 | 8:30 am - 3:30 pm | Tinley Park Convention Center
"The Illinois State Board of Education Career Connections Conference offers educators the opportunity to learn from and collaborate with educators from across Illinois. At the ISBE Career Connections Conference, CTE educators come together to exchange ideas, share best practices, and foster meaningful connections with their peers in order to improve opportunities and deepen learning for all students."
Mon. Jul 8 - Fri. Jul 12 | 6327 N Sheridan Rd, Peoria, IL 61614
"Join fellow K-12 CS educators for a 5-day learning experience centered on building prosperous computer science programs in every Illinois school district.
During this one-of-a-kind event, new and experienced CS educators from across Illinois will:
- Engage with current curriculum from top CS trainers and providers (including Code.org)
- Build community during group meals and team-building activities
- Discover strategies for expanding access to rigorous, inclusive computer science learning
Attendees can choose one of five learning tracks aligned to specific roles and grade bands, with learning opportunities available for elementary, middle, and high school teachers.
Reserve your spot today to help CS learning achieve liftoff in your classroom or district!"
Educator's Corner
STEAM resources for in-person, hybrid, remote learning, and professional development
STEAM Resources Spotlight
"Software engineering is instrumental in all fields, protecting and organizing user data, keeping business practices efficient and allowing for accessible communication and entertainment. The two main types of software engineers are applications software engineers—who design computer applications for users, such as games, word processors and internet browsers—and systems software engineers—who build full operating systems and networks for user-facing applications and integrate different software products onto single platforms."
"An Instructional Technology Coach provided through the LTC Coaching Program works with teachers and school leaders to create and implement a customized coaching plan. Although plans are unique to each district’s needs and priorities, the Coach’s consistent goal is to help educators improve their teaching practices and enhance their integration of technology – all with the goal of improving student learning. Many coaching plans include one-on-one coaching cycles, facilitated grade-level team discussions, or large-group professional learning opportunities.
In addition, school districts:
- Participate in a kick-off call with LTC staff to identify priorities and determine services.
- Receive individual, ongoing support from an assigned instructional coach throughout the year.
- Gain access to the LTC’s online community and professional learning opportunities."
"Ciara Sivels had her heart set on becoming a pastry chef and attending culinary school after graduation, until her high school chemistry teacher encouraged her to pursue chemical engineering after realizing how good she was at the subject.
“I was like, ‘No, I don’t even know what that is. I’m going to culinary school. I have no interest in that,’” Sivels said. Still, her chemistry teacher asked her to try the Advanced Placement chemistry class.
Sivels found that she liked chemistry and the idea of “atoms and elements and putting them together and making something new.” She connected it back to cooking and baking, because there’s a similar process of “taking all these different ingredients and coming up with something delicious.”"
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 2024 Dr. Mary Edwards Walker Quarter is the 13th coin in the American Women Quarters™ Program. Dr. Mary Edwards Walker was a Civil War era surgeon, and women’s rights and dress reform advocate.
Characteristics
The obverse (heads) depicts a portrait of George Washington, originally composed and sculpted by Laura Gardin Fraser to mark George Washington’s 200th birthday. A recommended design for the 1932 quarter, then-Treasury Secretary Mellon ultimately selected the familiar John Flanagan design.
The reverse (tails) depicts Dr. Mary Edwards Walker holding her pocket surgical kit, with the Medal of Honor on her uniform, and surgeon’s pin at her collar. After receiving the award, she continued to wear the Medal of Honor for the rest of her life. The left side of the design showcases the details of the Medal of Honor."
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.