If you're a longtime fan of this blog, you know that our family had a lot of school struggles. While I encourage everyone to at least try their public schools, I know they aren't always a fit. We moved our boys to a private school after it became clear that our public school could not meet my son's needs. That's why I put together this Chicago private school guide. It originally appeared on STEM Kids Chicago, and I thought it made sense to share ... [ Read More ]
National Manufacturing Day 2019
It's no secret that I love behind-the-scenes tours. I think it's fascinating to see how things get made. And as we discussed during the recent #STEMchat on STEM at Work in Manufacturing, many people don't have a sense of what a modern manufacturing facility looks like. That's one of the reasons we now have a National Manufacturing Day. It's also one of the reasons I worked with Alcoa Foundation and SkillsUSA earlier this year to clear up ... [ Read More ]
The Best STEM Books for Kids
This post contains affiliate links. We're excited to share this great list of STEM books that feature female scientists, engineers, and protagonists and/or were written by women. After all, Rosie Revere isn't the only engineer to inspire a generation of girls--and boys. These books are appropriate for all kids! And if you want to move beyond books, you can find some of our favorite toys, kits, and robots here. Whether you're looking to add to ... [ Read More ]
AAUW Tech Savvy for Girls
The AAUW, American Association of University Women, offers a STEM program for girls in grades 6-9 called Tech Savvy and it might be coming to your town! AAUW branches in nearly 20 states across the country put on this daylong science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) career conference designed to attract girls to STEM fields. Tech Savvy also has a parent component that keeps families in the know when it comes to STEM education and ... [ Read More ]
Winter STEM and STEAM Fun in February
We're adding to our series of guides to seasonal STEM fun! There are special STEM days all year long and we're working to compile them into family-friendly bits that will help guide your family activities, whether for homeschool, supplementing, or work with youth groups. Use these February STEM themes to guide your winter study, reading, and fun You can find the STEM in any day. For example, you can make these crystal hearts for Valentine's ... [ Read More ]
2019 Summer STEM Camp Guide: Chicago Edition
Is it possible that all those hours playing Minecraft will lead your child to a lucrative career? With the right guidance, all that screen time may pay off! In partnership with our companion site, STEM Kids Chicago, we're present with Chicagoland's most comprehensive guide to STEM and STEAM camps. Whether they are in elementary school, middle school, or high school, these camps can ignite your child's passion for science and technology or fan the ... [ Read More ]
Chicago Spring Break STEM Camps 2019
In the Chicago area, suburban schools tend to have earlyish breaks in March while Chicago Public Schools often don't break until mid- to late-April. Spring Break weather can be unpredictable to say the least, but regardless of timing, there are fantastic options in the metro area for enrichment for kids up through middle school. We're pleased to present you with our inaugural list of Chicago Spring Break STEM and STEAM Camps. Coding? Check. ... [ Read More ]