Category: STEM Education

The Powerful Impact of Real-World, Problem-Based Learning

The Powerful Impact of Real-World, Problem-Based Learning

By Alex Larson, Applied Technology Teacher, Township High School 211 Problem Based Learning (PBL) is an approach that’s often discussed in STEM education, with curriculum typically based around teacher-developed problems meant to engage students on multiple levels. While this can be effective, nothing compares to the learning and engagement created by real-world problem-based learning. For […]

ISTI’s Inaugural Student Research Showcase: Giving Students a Platform to Excel

ISTI’s Inaugural Student Research Showcase: Giving Students a Platform to Excel

The Illinois Science and Technology Institute (ISTI) hosted its inaugural Student Research Showcase on Friday, March 22nd at MxD, the Design and Manufacturing Institute, as a celebration of inquiry and student-mentor collaboration. The Showcase highlighted a selection of the vast student research that has been taking place throughout the 2018-19 academic year over the Mentor […]

Employers Guiding STEM Talent: 2nd Annual Employer Summit Recap

Employers Guiding STEM Talent: 2nd Annual Employer Summit Recap

On June 12th, the Illinois Science & Technology Institute (ISTI) and NIU’s Education Systems Center hosted our 2nd STEM Employer Summit focused on STEM talent pipeline development and building effective learning partnerships in Illinois. Employers and stakeholders discussed best practices for impactful talent development models through K-20 mentorship, internships, and college apprenticeships. Speakers shared their […]

How Corporate-High School Partnerships Cultivate Illinois Innovation

How Corporate-High School Partnerships Cultivate Illinois Innovation

BY ISTC Board Chair Shelley Stern Grach, Director, Civic Engagement for Microsoft Chicago For the past five years, Microsoft has participated in ISTI’s STEM Challenge program to authentically engage with Chicago Public School students by presenting a technology challenge that allows students to develop their own innovations under the guidance of Microsoft mentors. Microsoft deepened its […]