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 ]
Girls Who Code Summer Program 2018
Registration is open for the Girls Who Code Chicago Summer Immersion Program. This selective, hands-on, seven-week summer program is growing once again. This year they will host programs in 17 cities around the country, including Chicago, Charlotte, Austin, Atlanta, Boston, Miami, LA, NYC, Seattle, Newark, DC, and around the San Francisco Bay Area. The Summer Immersion Program helps them grow their tech skills and build personal networks in the ... [ Read More ]
Fidget Spinners with The Maker Mom
Are fidget spinners still a thing? They were when I held this event in late April! Back then, the only thing cooler than a fidget spinner was a DIY fidget spinner. By June, I think fidget spinners topped the list of reasons teachers couldn't wait for school to end. I'll spare you my (totally legit) excuses for the delay and just offer up a few photos. DIY Fidget Spinners with The Maker Mom On April 29, I hosted a fantastically fun event at ... [ Read More ]
Dawn Partners with Shedd Aquarium to Inspire Wildlife Education
I'm proud to continue my work with Dawn Dish Soap as a Wildlife Ambassador to spread the word about their commitment to wildlife rescue and rehabilitation. This is a sponsored post. Last week on Penguin Awareness Day, I had the honor of joining Dawn and Chicago’s Shedd Aquarium as they launched a new national in-classroom and web accessible STEM curriculum called NextGen Animal Responders. Dawn and the Shedd are rolling out this program as ... [ Read More ]
Chicago Northside Mini Maker Faire 2016
It's almost the National Week of Making, so it seems like a good time to finally post a recap of the Chicago Northside Maker Faire. The Southside Faire is coming on up August 6, so save the date! By the way they're currently looking for Makers to join in the fun. Locals, be sure to keep you eye out for cool #ChicagoMakes programs in honor or the National Week. Speaking of which, I have a sweet deal on a great littleBits class for you. It will ... [ Read More ]
Chicago STEM Stuff
Hi everyone! In recent months, I've been working hard to build up The Maker Mom's local companion site, STEM Kids Chicago, as a one-stop guide to what's cool in STEM and STEAM in the Chicago area. It's still a work in progress, but our event calendar is robust and the site is gaining visitors each month. I know a lot of you, locals even, have yet to click over. So I'm sharing a bit of the content over here. Most importantly, I want to make ... [ Read More ]
Meet Jackie Lomax, Founder of Girls 4 Science
Jackie Lomax is the Founder and Executive Director of Chicago’s first all-girls science initiative for 10-18 year-olds, Girls 4 Science. Meet Jackie Lomax of Girls 4 Science Your background includes communications, early childhood education, career counseling and tourism. What inspired you to get involved in science education for under-served kids? A few years ago, my daughter expressed an interest in her science classes and wanted to learn ... [ Read More ]