STEAM in the Classroom is a University of Illinois Extension program developed to educate youth in concepts within Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Agriculture, and Math. We are introducing new programs and resources involved with STEAM education in order to provide authentic learning experiences for youth in McLean County.

We serve educational facilities throughout Livingston, McLean, and Woodford counties including (but not limited to) 4-H Clubs, Library Programs, Youth Programs, and K-12 Schools. Educational programming presentations are available upon request.

Everyday Steam Activities: Challenge Young Minds to Create, Innovate, and Explore!

STEAM challenges are a great resource for teachers, at-home learners, and families. STEAM in the Classroom Program Coordinator, Heather, offers activities to use inside the classroom or at home. Classroom program assistance is available upon request.

Seasonal Program Offerings

STEAM Program Activities: Screen-Free Coding

Are you searching for engaging, screen-free activities for your youth this winter? Check out these STEAM program resources that will involve youth in fun, hands-on coding!

Find Resources Here

STEAM Program Activities: Cold and Frosty

Don't get the winter blues. Check out these STEAM program resources related to the snow and the cold weather to inspire youth!

Find Resources Here

STEAM Program Activities: Old-Fashioned Toys

The holiday season often means time for toys, games, and fun! Check out these STEAM program resources related to old-fashioned toys.

Find Resources Here

Program Offerings Available Year-Round

Space STEAM Resources

STEAM in the Classroom offers a variety of resources for out-of-this-world STEAM activities for students. Star Lab Planetarium presentations are available upon request. Please contact for more information.

Dairy STEAM Resources

STEAM in the Classroom offers a variety of resources for dairy-related STEAM activities for students. These resources will introduce students to dairy products through STEAM experiments and projects!

Circuit STEAM Resources

STEAM in the Classroom offers a variety of resources for circuit-inspired STEAM activities for students. These resources will introduce students to circuits, how to build them, spark interest in renewable energy.

STEAM Resource Catalog

Check out the FREE resources offered to teachers, home-school groups, 4-H leaders, and other youth service organizations.

STEAM Kits for Checkout

The resources in our catalog are available free of charge. Teachers, 4-H leaders, and community youth service organizations are encouraged to check out our kits to facilitate STEAM exploration with youth and create authentic learning experiences.

We hope these resources are an easy-to-use way to get youth involved with fun, hands-on activities guided by research-based curriculum. If you find that any resource does not live up to that expectation, please provide feedback so we can ensure quality resources for the youth.

Contact our STEAM in the Classroom Program Coordinator!

Sign up for a class presentation Have a topic that is not listed? Have questions?

STEAM Challenges

STEAM challenges are creative activities, experiments and projects designed for youth, at-home learners, or teachers to utilize with common everyday items. Check out these challenges for STEAM exploration, discovery and innovation!

Check out our STEAM Challenges resource guide here!

Winter

Exploding Snowman

Poinsettia Pinwheel

Winter Solstice Ice Lantern

Salt Crystal Snowflake

Find the full Winter Challenge Guide Here!

Design & Engineering

Marble Run

Paper Chain

Ring Wing Glider

Become a Scientist

Information for these STEAM challenges coming soon!

Magic Science

Mental Health

Food

Cultures

Native American Stick Game

Spy Kids- Make Your Own Code

Engineer A Menorah

Australian Clapping Sticks

Weather and Earth

Outdoors and the Enironment

3-D Paper Evergreen Forest

Recycled Wind Chime

Animals

Flying Bird

Exploring Penguin Insulation

Art

Art That Matters

STEAM At Home

Weekly STEAM Challenges provide experiential STEAM learning experiences to youth, wherever they may be. Please enjoy these virtual activities and feel free to share your creation and experience on our STEAM in the Classroom Facebook page.

Have ideas for a challenging STEAM activity or want to share what your club, class, or youth have done related to STEAM? Contact Heather Hoffman and your idea may be featured here or on our Facebook page!

For more information and activity ideas visit the STEAM Challenges resource.