Contact Us

Oyewole Ajifolokun
Extension Educator, Small Animal Health
University of Illinois Extension
Enterprise Center
2205 Enterprise Drive, Suite 501
Westchester, IL 60154
Phone: 708-449-4320
FAX: 708-492-1805
aji@illinois.edu

Susan Gasper
Extension Educator, S.T.E.M.
University of Illinois Extension
10244 South Vincennes Avenue
Chicago, IL 60643
Phone: 773-233-2900
FAX: 773-233-9183
smgasper@illinois.edu

Courtnye Nichole Jackson
Extension Educator, Small Animal Health
University of Illinois Extension
8751 Greenwood Avenue, Suites 112-122
Chicago, IL 60619
Phone: 773-768-7779
FAX: 773-768-4818
courtnye@illinois.edu

Karen Meyer
Extension Educator, S.T.E.M.
University of Illinois Extension
Enterprise Center
2205 Enterprise Drive, Suite 501
Westchester, IL 60154
Phone: 708-449-4320
FAX: 708-492-1805
meyerk@illinois.edu

Science, Technology, Engineering and Math

Science, Technology, Engineering and Math

Educators - Are you looking for enriching activities for your classroom?

S.T.E.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) TEAM

The STEM Educators in Cook County are offering innovative and exciting educational programming for all ages. The team provides a variety of hands-on foundational skills in the STEM fields for students and teachers. All courses meet the Illinois State Board of Education learning standards as well as the Common Core. Specifically, the team provides relevant and engaging activities that help nurture positive academic development in youth. After school and weekend programs are offered to youth and adults in order to improve their scientific literacy and raise awareness of career opportunities in STEM fields.

Current Program Offerings

- Bio I.D.— Experience fun ways to learn about DNA and fingerprinting.

- Core Workout — This math series is organized around grade levels and will give teachers ideas and activities to help them implement the new Common Core.

- Excellent Adventure— Increase your knowledge of plant and animal cell structure and functions.

- Edible Math — Develop your appetite for learning mathematics using a variety of foods.

- Forensics— Bridges interactions between all science areas to solve a crime.

- It's What's Inside that Matters— Be able to locate, identify and describe body organs through dissection of an animal.

- Let it Flow— Get hands-on activities about the concepts of osmosis and diffusion.

- Let the Games Begin— This series uses math games to differentiate and encourage learning, focusing on different skills.

- Polymer Adventure — Learn about giant molecules called polymers by making them form household materials

- There's a Frog on My Science Book! -

Currently the STEM educators are working with teachers in Cook County to promote hands-on learning through teacher professional development workshops and summer institutes. The aim of these enrichment programs is to enhance teachers' instructional skills by introducing them to practical and interactive teaching methods in STEM. The current workshops are designed for those who work with students at the elementary or middle school levels. Workshops are held at Extension offices or at your location.

Featured Websites

Science on the Go Adventures of Herman Food Fun from Apples to Zucchini Great Plant Escape Walk in the Woods Fresh From the World...Where Your Food Comes From

Additional Websites

Local Resources and Information

Additional Topics

4-H Youth Development Community and Economic Development Community Health Consumer Economics En Español Environment and Energy Stewardship Family Life Horticulture Leadership and Local Government Local Food Systems and Small Farms Nutrition and Wellness Schools Online