About STEM
STEM is a free event for girls in 7th through 12th grades who are interested in STEM programs (Science - Technology - Engineering - Math).
The overall vision of STEM is to motivate middle school and high school girls interested in STEM careers to become innovative and creative thinkers and to pursue careers in this area by introducing them to college life at CLC through a series of hands on activities and inspiring presentations.
Featuring:
- Fun hands-on science, technology, engineering and math sessions
- Informative career advice from successful women and men scientists and engineers
- Presentations on lunar exploration, nanotechnology, X-ray technology, chemistry, ecology, food science and more!
- Free light breakfast and lunch
- Mini College Fair by Four-Year Institutions
NEW! STEM for Parents!
Attend STEM for Parents to learn about STEM programs at CLC and how to encourage your daughter now. Additionally, there will be a mini college fair with visiting four-year universities.
Schedule for Girls
- 8:00-8:30 a.m. Registration in C Wing lobby (light breakfast provided)
- 8:30-8:45 a.m. Rep. Robert Dold (R-Kenilworth) welcomes participants. (C005)
- 9:00-9:45 a.m. Hands-On Workshops
- 10:00-10:45 a.m. Hands-On Workshops
- 10:45-11:30 a.m. Lunch with CLC student mentors. Visit with representatives from four-year colleges and universities about programs, scholarships and more (Lancers Cafeteria)
- 11:45 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Hands-On Workshops
- 12:45-1:30 p.m. Hands-On Workshops
- 1:45-2:15 p.m. How To Encourage Your Daughter Now! Speaker: Joanne Bader (C005)
Hands-On Workshops
7-9th Grade Track
- "X-Ray Energy" (Medical Imaging)
with Dr. Lynn Wiechert
The production of X-rays uses many principles of physics including electricity, magnetism and electromagnetism. Part of the X-ray tube, the anode, is powered by a motor, which converts electrical energy into mechanical energy. You will build a simple motor to learn how a battery, a magnet and a small coil of wire can generate magnetic fields and current flowing through a conductor to generate force. - "FIRE...works" (Natural Science)
with Stacey Iwaniki
How much water can you carry in a back pack? Journey with our naturalist from the bog to discover the newest technologies behind prescribed prairie fires and to learn about the importance of fire in ecosystems. - "Taming the Earth" (Engineering)
with Julia Foreman
How do engineers build on unsuitable ground? In this session, participants will experiment with a variety of familiar materials to create stable platforms. Learn to tame the "shake, rattle and roll" of the Earth's crust with the right techniques. - "Slime! Creation of Chemistry Fun"
with Mary Urban
Experience chemistry fun! Use chromatography to separate a mixture, learn about acids and bases by measuring the pH of everyday products and perform a chemical reaction to create a slime polymer.
10-12th Grade Track
- "Combat the Nasties" (Food Science)
with Laura Sherin
How can organisms too small to see with the naked eye cause so much human misery? Learn the importance of safe food handling, not only the food industry, but in your own home. Scientists are finding ways to combat these little nasties and keep us safer. - "Microworld" (Nanotechnology)
with Emma Tevaawerk
One of the characteristics of nanosized objects is that the surface area to volume ratio is much greater than bulk sized objects. Faster explosion looks at the effect of different surface area to volume ratios on the speed of reaction. - "3,2,1...Lift Off" (Aeronautics and Space)
with Pamela Greyer
To get to the Moon, Mars and into space, NASA uses rockets. On November 27, 2011, NASA launched the largest Mars robotic rover mission to date, the Mars Science Laboratory. In August 2012, the Curiosity Rover will land on Mars. Using rockets you build and data from your launch trials, you will experience the process NASA uses to launch and accurately land rovers on Mars. - "Simulation Central - An Exploration of Nursing" with Debbie Colver
Actively participate in various simulation experiences in the nursing lab. You will witness a birth (using a sim-baby), listen to heart and lung sounds and take each other's vital signs. Registered Nurses as well as current students will be available to answer questions regarding the nursing profession.
Presenters
Dr. Lynn Wiechert, CLC Medical Imaging faculty and department chair, has been a practicing radiologic technologist and educator for 15 years.
Laura Sherin received multiple degrees in molecular biology and microbiology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Her job as the corporate quality program supervisor at Kikkoman Foods encompasses not only food safety but communications between countries.
Stacy Iwanicki is a naturalist employed with the Illinois Department of Conservation. Stationed at Volo Bog in Ingleside, she develops educational programs, provides community outreach and oversees the daily issues that impact the future of this unique and rare environment.
Emma Tevaarwerk did her postdoctoral work at the National Center for Learning and Teaching in Nanoscale Science and Engineering at Northwestern University. As product manager at NanoInk in Skokie, Emma is involved in developing products that address needs in cell biology, sensors and nanofabrication.
Julia Foreman is a graduate of the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, with a master's degree in civil engineering. A licensed engineer, Julia is an associate at McClelland Consulting Engineers, a full-service engineering firm.
Pamela Greyer is a Chicago Public Schools science teacher and NASA ambassador who coordinates engineering and science programs for young women.
Mary Urban, CLC Chemistry faculty, earned B.S. and M.S. degrees in chemistry from DePaul University. She has been a CLC chemistry professor for 11 years and has more than 17 years experience working as a chemist for pharmaceutical and environmental firms.
Debbie Colver, CLC Nursing faculty, has 20 years experience as a Registered Nurse and six years as a nurse educator. She enjoys incorporating technology into education and has been a simulation coordinator for the nursing program for the past two years.
Register Online
To register for the conference, complete the form. Pre-registration is required!
Location
Grayslake Campus
C Wing Auditorium (C005)
19351 W Washington Street
Grayslake, IL 60030-1198
View Campus Map
Registration will take place in the upper level of the C Wing lobby. Greeters will meet girls at the entrance to get them checked in and take them to the conference center.
Drop-off
If you will be dropped off, please come to the C Wing doors, located closest to the Brae Loch Road and Route 45 entrance of the college.
Parking
If you will be driving, please park in lot 7 or 7A closest to the C Wing. You can access this parking lot by taking Brae Loch Road to Lancer Lane to College Drive. This is closest to the CLC entrance at Brae Loch Road and Route 45 entrance.
Questions?
For additional information, contact Nasima Patel at (847) 543-2422 or email npatel@clcillinois.edu.
STEM is sponsored by the College of Lake County and supported by a Perkins Postsecondary Grant.