Agencies
Services
STEAM Newsletter – Sunday, October 1, 2023
STEAM Newsletter Vol. 34
Remain Aware of Risks and Explore Opportunities to Make a Difference
Immersed within the digital realm, it's crucial to stay vigilant and informed about the tools and strategies available for managing cyber risks effectively. October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month which is designed to empower individuals to safeguard themselves and make informed choices in their professional, educational, and personal online activities.
The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) announced a voluntary pledge for K-12 education technology software manufacturers to commit to designing products with greater security built in called “Secure by Design.” As of September 1, CISA has received commitments from six K-12 software technology providers to build cybersecurity into the design and manufacture of technology products.
As we embrace the fall with new opportunities, we embark on a journey of reflection, awareness, and action centering around Digital Inclusion Week October 2nd to October 6th, 2023. We unite with communities worldwide to observe Digital Inclusion Week, an annual event dedicated to promoting digital equity.
Digital Inclusion Week invites us to consider the stark disparities that persist in our society and how we can celebrate the heroes who are working tirelessly to bridge this divide. It's about YOU, our vibrant community of STEAM enthusiasts, educators, innovators, and leaders, coming together to make a real difference.
Find resources at Connect Illinois and the Illinois Broadband Lab websites as well as the Federal Communications Commission Affordable Connectivity Program Consumer Outreach Toolkit. One example of organizations hosting Affordable Connectivity Program sign-ups is LatinX Digital Leaders Now which will be available at the Summit Public Library from 4pm to 7pm every Monday in October.
Consider taking steps in your community to expand digital equity opportunities.
Let off some STEAM with these fun activities!
Recent News on STEAM
"On August 23 the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully landed a spacecraft on the moon's south pole, a location that has always been of particular interest to scientists due to the unique conditions created by the planet's extremities.
The moon rover, Chandrayaan-3, which recently completed its 14-day mission, made history by landing on the lunar south pole. Dr. Laura McKemmish, an astrochemist from UNSW Sydney, explains the significance of the mission and what the future holds for lunar exploration." Credits: by Lilly Matson, University of New South Wales
"Cybersecurity Awareness Month is a collaboration between government and private industry to raise awareness about digital security and empower everyone to protect their personal data from digital forms of crime.
The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Agency (CISA) and the National Cybersecurity Alliance partner to create resources and communications for organizations to talk to their employees and customers about staying safe online! ... GET READY FOR OCTOBER 2023!
2023 marks 20 Years of Cybersecurity Awareness Month. In honor of the 20th year, we’re looking at how far security education and awareness has come in that time, and where it needs to go in order to fulfill our vision of a secure interconnected world.
Cybersecurity Awareness Month 2023 will focus on four key behaviors all month long:
Upcoming Events
Sun. Oct 1 | 8:30 am - 9:30 am | Online Tickets & Museum of Science & Industry
"Explore the Museum in a less crowded and more sensory-friendly environment before the Museum opens to the general public.
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 of the day, with most Museum experiences remaining in sensory-friendly mode until noon."
Sun. Oct 1 | 10 am - 4 pm | Veterinary Medicine Basic Sciences Building
“Discover a world of exciting possibilities at Science Works' Museum-wide career celebration, where the spotlight shines on cool jobs and sizzling careers in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM).
In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, the event will showcase vibrant speakers, immersive hands-on activities, and engaging one-on-one discussions. Youth and families will have the chance to explore the captivating realms of STEM, learning about intriguing professions, transforming their passions into tangible careers, and gaining invaluable advice for navigating a future in these fields.”
Mon. Oct 02 - Fri. Oct 06
"Digital Inclusion Week (DIW) is an annual week of awareness, recognition, and celebration. With support from NDIA, organizations and individuals across the country host special events, run social media campaigns, and share their digital inclusion actions and progress with media, among other actions.
Everyone deserves the opportunity to use technology to live, learn, work, and thrive. If you agree, please join us October 2-6, 2023 to promote digital equity in your community!
In 2022, 238 organizations, agencies, Tribes, and towns took action during Digital Inclusion Week. Can you help us reach 500 this year?
Why Should You Participate in DIW2023
This year is a pivotal time to take action during Digital Inclusion Week. More resources than ever are available now and will continue to be released to support digital inclusion work. Take the opportunity this year to share your work, offer services to your community, raise awareness, and gain supporters, who may be key to continuing digital inclusion."
Wed. Oct 4 | 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm | Fatty’s Pub and Grille, DeKalb
STEM Café: Ethics, Creativity and the Impacts of Artificial Intelligence
"Chat GPT, DALL-E and other generative AI technologies are changing the face of human creativity and impacting professions in marketing, art and literature. However, polarizing arguments about these new technologies’ ability to either save or doom humanity are at least as old as Plato – who recorded a debate about that new fantastic and disruptive technology that was called writing more than 2,000 years ago.
Join two experts in new and emerging technologies to learn more about the practical and ethical implications of artificial intelligence on creativity and communication."
Tue. Oct 10 | 3:30 pm - 4:30 pm | Online
"During this month’s meeting, let’s take a step back and look at the big picture. In particular, let’s ask ourselves a big question – how can we create CS and STEM pathways that supports students from grades K-12?
Join us as we strive to answer that question piece by piece by sharing experiences from each of our home districts. Whether you’re aligning a single course for multiple grade levels or you’re trying to chart out district-wide pathway, this month’s discussion will help you take a high level look at the process of setting goals for CS and STEM instruction."
Wed. Oct 11 | 1 pm - 2 pm | Online
"Conservation Classroom is a collection of programs that include live virtual programs each month from September through May. These programs are designed for multiple groups of students to join and learn together. We welcome all audiences from individuals and home-schooling families to large groups and schools.
Programs are hosted via Zoom in the webinar format. Individual participants’ audio and video will be disabled, but students can actively participate using polls, emoji reactions, Q&A, and chat to hosts. Program includes live captioning, American sign language (ASL) interpretation, and simulcast Spanish translation. The program will be recorded and posted on our website and emailed out to those who have registered approximately 48 hours after the program. ASL TIP: If you would like to see the ASL interpreter, we recommend joining on a computer instead of a phone or tablet so the interpreter will be visible the entire time."
Fri. Oct 13 | 9 am - 9:45 am | Online
Flights of Fancy Story Time: The Sun is My Favorite Star by Frank Asch
"Join us as we read Frank Asch’s celebratory book, The Sun is My Favorite Star and learn about the many ways our sun helps life on our planet Earth. Learn how you can enjoy safely viewing an eclipse and make a sun catcher to celebrate our amazing sun.
ASL interpretation will be available during this program."
Wed. Oct 18 | 3:30 pm - 4:30 pm | Online
Creating a Healthier School Culture by Addressing Cyberbullying
"Bullying in the modern world is more complicated than ever and can have a direct impact on students’ mental health and academic performance. Anonymous social media accounts, passive-aggressive texts, hurtful comments and more can all take their toll on students, whether it’s a one-off incident and an ongoing, targeted attack.
But there is hope. According to a recent study by Cyberbullying.org, 57% of bullying incidents stop within 10 seconds when another person speaks up. That means students, as well as educators, can play a critical role in breaking the cyberbullying cycle whenever it rears its head at school.
Join us as we explore ways to strengthen school culture, reinforce student well-being, and support academic success by helping students take a stand against cyberbullying’s ever-evolving threat.
During this webinar, attendees will learn:
- Productive ways for educators to identify cyberbullying
- Modern strategies students can use to stand up against cyberbullying and support fellow students when cyberbullying occurs.
- Strategies for combating the negative behaviors that lead to cyberbullying by amplifying positive behaviors from influencers, role models, and friends
Illinois educators who attend live can earn 1.0 PD credit."
Tue. Oct 24 | 9:00 am - 12:00 pm | Online
“Cyber attacks on schools are on the rise, and school staff are one of the most common targets. What can you as an educator do to keep your professional data and your district safe?
With the help of a few digital tools, you can become the chief defender of your digital data. Join us as we explore several tech-powered strategies for evaluating your cyber health, as well as resources for cleaning up your data-sharing habits online.
During this workshop, educators will learn:
- The basics of personal cybersecurity
- Best practices for keeping your data safe online
- Tips for becoming more cybersecurity aware
- Recommendations for keeping yourself, colleagues, and students protected against new and emerging digital threats.”
Thu. Oct 26 | 8:30 am - 1:00 pm | Online hosted by Regional Office of Education Kane County & TCEA
“Artificial intelligence (AI) is here to stay. And it’s only going to become more and more prominent in our lives and work. So how do we harness powerful AI tools – and use them for good – to personalize learning, boost engagement, increase productivity, and enhance processes in education? We equip ourselves with knowledge and take AI by the reigns.
The AI for Educators Conference, put on in partnership with TCEA, is designed to bring together professionals and enthusiasts in the field of AI and education to discuss innovative applications, strategies, and best practices for integrating AI into the educational landscape.
This virtual conference will be on Thursday, October 26th, from 8:30 am - 1:00 pm. All sessions are 45 minutes. Tickets will cost $125. Whether or not you are able to attend, you will have 30-day access to all recorded sessions after the conference."
Tue. Oct 31 | 8:30 am - 12:00 pm | ROE 3 Vandalia
“Join us as we delve into the fascinating realm of artificial intelligence (AI) and its incredible potential in education. This workshop offers educators a comprehensive exploration of AI's fundamentals, advantages, and limitations, along with invaluable insights into leveraging AI tools to elevate teaching and learning experiences in the classroom.”
Wed. Nov 1 - Fri. Nov 3 | Bank of Springfield Center, Springfield, IL
“Education and technology leaders throughout Illinois gather in central Illinois to learn, collaborate, and connect. Sessions focus on technology integration strategies, engaging instructional practices, digital tools and resources, and emerging trends. With over 600 attendees, 120+ sessions and workshops, and 70+ vendors, IETC offers unique and intimate learning opportunities.
IETC is produced by the Learning Technology Center and is recognized as one of the midwest’s most influential education technology conferences. It serves as an important learning opportunity for teachers, instructional coaches, library and media specialists, administrators, and IT leaders and highlights a combination of local and national experts. Attracting approximately 600 attendees, the event is held annually in November at the BOS Center in Springfield.”
Sat. Nov 4 | 8 am - 1 pm | Convention Center Drive, Tinley Park, IL
“The Illinois Veterinary Exploration Day career fair is a free experience where students can interact and engage with different veterinary professionals from a variety of veterinary career paths. They will have the opportunity to learn about different veterinary careers and get tips from veterinary professionals on how they can be successful in a veterinary career. There will be interactive activities for the students to participate in. This event is aimed at high school students.
The event will be held at the Tinley Park Convention Center on Saturday, November 4, from 8 am - 1 pm. The address is 18451 Convention Center Drive, Tinley Park, IL 60477. Space is limited to the first 100 registrants, and the deadline for signup is Tuesday, October 24, 2023.”
Educator's Corner
STEAM resources for in-person, hybrid, remote learning, and professional development
- Code.org | Computer Science Connections
- National Science Teaching Association | Picture Perfect STEM Lessons
- National Centre for Computing Education in England | Teach Computing
- NSTA | Eclipses
- Southern Illinois University | Eclipse
- Illinois Broadband Lab Series | Adoption, Affordability & Digital Inclusion
- IDEA | Project Based Learning (PBL) in K-12 STEM Courses
- NASA | Branch Out with Artemis Moon Trees! Apply for an Artemis Moon Tree Seedling
STEAM Resources Spotlight
“Imagine this - your students go to take a selfie but as they snap the picture, the phone displays “There is not enough available storage to take a photo.” They want to free up some storage by uploading photos to the cloud, but is it safe and sustainable? On this second tour, students explore the data center infrastructure, the physical and cybersecurity measures, and Amazon’s sustainability efforts that protect data and keep it green! Meet a data center engineering operator, control technician, cybersecurity specialist, and sustainability specialist to explore careers of the future.”
“Are you a member of the Computer Science Teacher Association (CSTA)? It is a FREE professional organization that supports K-12 teachers bringing CS education into their classrooms with professional development opportunities, conferences, resources, and access to a global network of educators. CSTA+ is an enhanced membership with even more benefits. Whether you are brand new to CS or a veteran teacher, CSTA is an amazing way to connect with other teachers and resources! You can sign up at Join CSTA - Computer Science Teachers Association!
Previously, there were three separate CSTA chapters for Illinois- Chicago, Chicago Suburban, and Central Illinois. The Suburban and Central Illinois chapters are merging into a unified CSTA Illinois (Chicago will remain a separate chapter). If you are already member affiliated with the Suburb or Central Illinois chapter, your new affiliate will be CSTA Illinois.
If you aren't affiliated with a chapter, you can login to the CSTA website and connect with the CSTA Illinois chapter! Finally, if you are already affiliated with another chapter, you can ADD the CSTA Illinois chapter in addition to your existing chapter. This will help you stay connected with all of the CSTA Illinois events statewide! There will be regional representatives and events taking place across the state, so connect to stay in the loop.”
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.
"We celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15 through October 15 with Smithsonian events, resources, exhibitions, and podcasts. The Smithsonian is building the National Museum of the American Latino to recognize the accomplishments, history, and culture of the Latino communities.”
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.