PEORIA, Ill.-Science educators from across Illinois got a firsthand look at innovative STEAM learning opportunities during a visit to the Jump Trading Simulation & Education Center in Peoria.
The experience was part of the Illinois State Board of Education’s Science Educator Summit, connecting teachers with hands-on activities and classroom resources focused on science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics.
Educators toured simulation labs, explored health care innovation spaces, and participated in workshops designed to spark new ideas for student engagement.
Chicago public middle school teacher Misty Richmond said seeing how medical professionals use 3D-printed models helped her envision similar projects at her own school. “They [OSF simulation specialists] were sharing stories about how they use some of these 3D models to help them [surgeons] practice for a surgery they’re going to do and so being able to have a student be able to experience something like that it’s like, ‘Wait, we have a 3D printer at school. We can make a heart. And I’m like ‘Yes, they can send us the molds!” So, then we could make those kinds of things at our own school. And so just being able to make those connections for myself and then being able to extend those opportunities to students.”
Organizers with OSF HealthCare say the goal is to provide educators with tools and free resources available through steam@osfheathcare.org that inspire students while building interest in future health care and STEAM careers.
