State of Illinois
05/01/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 05/01/2026 14:08
STEAM Newsletter Vol. 65
STEAM Newsletter Vol. 65
STEAM Newsletter - Friday, May 1, 2026
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Happy May!
We're still energized by the momentum from the third annual CareerSpark STEAM Expo, co-hosted in collaboration with Junior Achievement of Central Illinois and the Learning Technology Center. This year we welcomed over 1,800 students and nearly 60 exhibitors, who shared their creativity, curiosity and real-world problem solving throughout the two-day event. From VR welding to building apps- this year was a reminder of how Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math (STEAM) inspire innovation.
May also brings National Teacher Day, a celebration meant to recognize the dedication and impact educators make every single day. Their commitment to fostering curiosity and resilience make events like CareerSpark STEAM Expo possible, so remember to thank an educator who inspires you this month!
As we welcome the final stretch of the school year, this is also one of the most exciting times to bring STEAM learning to life. Our public universities in Illinois offer a variety of summer programs.
- Chicago State University will provide programs for students from kindergarten through 12th grade.
- Eastern Illinois University will host a Eastern Music Camp and Summer Art Camp.
- Governors State University will host Summer STEAM Camp for students ages 12 to 16.
- Illinois State University summer camps include the Redbird Esports Summer Camp for students ages 8-17.
- Northeastern Illinois University will host Summer EsCAPE programs for a variety of ages.
- Northern Illinois University STEAM Camps offers a multitude of opportunities for students and educators.
- Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville will host a variety of summer camps in academics and the arts.
- Southern Illinois University at Carbondale summer camps include medicine and aviation.
- The University of Illinois at Chicago will host an Engineering Summer Camp with hands-on challenges for students in grades 6th through 12th.
- University of Illinois at Springfield has organized a variety of athletic summer camp opportunities
- The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign will host Grainger Engineering Summer Camps.
- The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign will also host a STEM Career Exploration and Symposium on July 30, 2026 where high school and community college students and educators are invited to attend.
- Western Illinois University will host summer enrichment camps for students in grades 4th through 12th.
- The Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy will host Summer @IMSA.
- Homewood Science Center will host STEAM camps for ages 5 to 14.
For more summer camp ideas, you can also explore nearby museums and check resources from several organizations. Discover exciting K-12 summer camps hosted by Griffin Museum of Science and Industry. Find out how the Summer Tinkering Camp at DuPage Children's Museum provides an immersive opportunity for budding engineers to find joy in challenges. Check Nature Museum Camps to "immerse children into the wonderful world of nature and science!" Find out more summer camp options at Children's Discovery Museum and Children's Museum of Illinois.
We encourage you to explore universities, IMSA, your nearest community colleges, museums, and different organizations for inspiring resources!
Let off some STEAM with these fun activities!
Grade K - 4
Grade 5 - 8
Recent News on STEAM
"Deep-sea waters are warming due to heat waves and climate change, and it could spell trouble for the oceans' delicate chemical and biological balance. A new study, however, demonstrates that the microbe Nitrosopumilus maritimus may already be adapting well to warmer, nutrient-poor waters."
"Gupta, a Bio- and Immunoengineering PhD student, was one of 18 UChicago PME graduate students who shared interactive science demonstrations at the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry as part of the yearly MSI STEM Showcase. The event, free to all attendees with museum admission, is part of a slate of offerings from UChicago PME's Science Communications Program that break down the walls between University of Chicago labs and the South Side Chicago community."
Fermilab researchers develop AI tools to advance the future of particle accelerators | Fermilab
"Particle accelerators are some of the most powerful tools that humanity has ever built, supercharging discoveries in physics, chemistry, materials science and biology. The new technologies developed for accelerators have been critical in many modern advancements from producing lifesaving medical isotopes for cancer treatment to breakthroughs in fusion research to eliminating forever chemicals in water."
Upcoming Events
Fri. May 1 - Sun. May 31 | 9 am - 11 pm | Online | Register
"We believe professional learning should be responsive, inclusive, and available when you need it most. That's why we've reimagined ideaU as a monthly series of on-demand videos, each centered around a timely theme that speaks to the heart of today's educational landscape."
Drones for High Flying Creativity and Computer Science | Learning Technology Center
Tue. May 5 | 9 am - 3 pm | North Cook ISC 1001 E Touhy Ave, Suite 200, Des Plaines | Register
"Take learning to new heights with drones! You'll complete a series of missions with your CoDrone EDU to learn how to fly safely and confidently, program it for autonomous flights, and complete authentic tasks that simulate real world use. We'll demonstrate how drones are used in a variety of careers as we combine coding and flying into a day of fun and learning."
Career Connections Conference | Illinois State Board of Education
Wed. May 6 | 9:00 am - 3:30 pm | Bone Student Center at Illinois State University, Normal | Register
"The Illinois State Board of Education Career Connections Conference enables educators to learn from and collaborate with their peers from across Illinois. At the ISBE Career Connections Conference, CTE educators exchange ideas, share best practices, and foster meaningful connections that contribute to more opportunities and deeper learning for all students."
Thu. May 7 | 4:00 pm - 5:30 pm | Online | Register
"Think coding is just for the experts? Think again.
If computer science feels a bit daunting, this is the perfect place to start. We're stripping away the mystery and walking through the most impactful CS lessons you can share with your students."
Picture This: Engagement with AI Image Generation in the Classroom | Learning Technology Center
Tue. May 12 | Register | Online
"Explore how AI image generation can be used in the classroom to increase engagement, creativity, and instructional impact, with practical examples and classroom applications."
Wed. May 13 | 3:30 pm - 4:00 pm | Online | Register
"Visuals are more than just flare for your lessons. Used well, they provide accessibility and add depth to your content to digital materials - both essential when engagement it as a premium.
How can you utilize visuals that are conducive to comprehension and learning retention? Let's dive in and explore practical, actionable tips for making digital materials more comprehensible for all learners."
Promoting STEAM Innovation and Invention in the Classroom | Smithsonian Institution
Wed. May 20 | 4 - 5 PM EDT | Online | Register
"Join Nyssa Buning of the National Museum of American History's Spark!Lab and Carol O'Donnell of the Smithsonian Science Education Center to explore strategies for cultivating an inventive mindset in your students."
AI Vision & Strategy | Learning Technology Center
Fri. Jun 5 | Register | Madison County Farm Bureau 900 Hillsboro, Edwardsville
"Participants will engage in strategic planning, focusing on how to lead change, foster a culture of responsible innovation, and align AI initiatives with school improvement goals."
Art & Science in the Woods | Sun Foundation
Mon. Jun 8 - Fri. Jun 12 | Sun Foundation Art and Nature Center | Register
"Art and Science in the Woods is a week long day camp held at the Sun Foundation Art and Nature Center in the summer, where students as young as five learn from and are inspired by professional artists and scientists in nature's classroom."
Hands-On STEM at Work: Inside the Laborers' Construction Trades
Fri. June 12 | 9 am - 3 pm | SCI Center, 2001 Eilerman Ave, P.O. Box 444, Litchfield
"All teachers (math, CTE, science, etc.), counselors, and administrators are invited to take-part in this engaging learning opportunity! Attendees will experience how STEM-especially math as a foundational skill-shows up in construction through real, hands-on activities, not just discussion."
CS + AI PD Week | Learning Technology Center
Mon. Jun 15 - Thu. Jun 18 | Capital Area Career Center (Springfield, IL) | Apply
"Launch your CS Program
with four days of expert-led learning and organic networking
Join fellow K-12 CS educators for a 4-day learning experience centered on building prosperous computer science programs in every Illinois school district."
SummIT | Learning Technology Center
Tue. Jun 16 - Wed. Jun 17 | Register | Campus Instructional Facility (CIF)1405 W Springfield Ave, Urbana
"Are you a school technology coordinator or director looking to stay ahead of the curve and connect with colleagues? Look no further than SummIT!
This summertime conference will directly address the challenges and opportunities facing today's K-12 school technology personnel."
2026 Smithsonian National Education Summit | Smithsonian
Tue. Jul 14 - Thu. Jul 16 | Register
"The Smithsonian is hosting the sixth annual National Education Summit July 14-16. Taking place both virtually and in-person in Washington, D.C., this free event brings together leading education experts to explore instructional strategies and resources that empower educators and their learners."
Educator's Corner
STEAM resources for in-person, hybrid, remote learning, and professional development
STEAM Resources
Teacher Appreciation Week - Events | National PTA
"Every day, teachers transform ordinary moments into extraordinary discoveries. They turn curiosity into confidence, challenges into triumphs and classrooms into launchpads for dreams. This Teacher Appreciation Week, May 4-8, 2026, we're celebrating the magic that happens when dedicated educators pour their hearts into helping our children grow."
Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month | U.S. National Park Service
"Every May during Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month and year-round, the National Park Service and our partners share ways to learn about and experience culture and history of these diverse communities. Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders have a rich heritage thousands of years old preserved and practiced in national parks today."
Launch into Learning | Learning Blade
"Launch into Learning for the 2026-2027 School Year!
Get a head start on Fall 2026! Now's the time to prep your STEM, Computer Science, and CTE curriculum with Learning Blade's 500+ standards-aligned lessons for grades 5-9.
Plan Ahead: Book your FREE summer or back to school PD and explore how Learning Blade brings real-world careers and hands-on learning to life."
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.
Image Source: CSO for Kids
CSO for Kids | Chicago Symphony Orchestra
"For over a century, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra has presented programming that is designed specifically for children and their families or teachers. Today, CSO for Kids encompasses a wide array of live concerts and digital offerings that immerse young audiences in the magical world of symphonic music.
There are myriad ways to participate, from attending a concert or open rehearsal at Symphony Center, to exploring free content on CSOtv, to embarking on a partnership that brings interactive performances and other music education resources into the classroom.
The CSO invites you to connect the young people in your life to music."
Please submit STEAM ideas, comments, or questions using our contact us form.
State of Illinois published this content on May 01, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on May 01, 2026 at 20:08 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]