U of I Extension STEAM in the Classroom

U of I Extension STEAM in the Classroom STEAM in the Classroom is a program developed to educate youth on concepts within Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Agriculture, and Math.

Even though agriculture is still a large part of our educational services, we are introducing new programs involved with STEAM in order to provide authentic learning experiences for youth in McLean and Woodford County. Here are some of the things we do. Loaning curriculum and programming kits in order to help teach about various STEAM-related topics. These kits have lesson plans and most items to

complete the lessons included. Possible kit options are:
• Crops
• Plants
• Livestock and other animals
• Farm machinery
• Weather
• Soil
• Minerals
• Robotics
• Computer programming

Educational programming presentations, upon request. Type of locations served:
• Schools (Pre-K-12)
• Library Programs
• Youth Programs
• Daycares

Many FREE resources for teachers including:
• STEAM Programming and curriculum kits
• STEAM lessons
• Ag Mags
• Soy crayons
• Coloring books

Provide educators with a monthly electronic newsletter detailing new resources, upcoming events, such as workshops to earn professional development credits, and important information for your county. For more information on what this program can offer you and your school, please contact us here or staff at (309) 663-8306.

Our fishing clinic is coming up! 🐟Youth are invited to Let's Get Hooked, a fishing clinic on Tuesday, June 23, from 9:30...
06/10/2026

Our fishing clinic is coming up! 🐟

Youth are invited to Let's Get Hooked, a fishing clinic on Tuesday, June 23, from 9:30-11:30 am at Miller Park Lake. This catch-and-release event is a great opportunity to explore the sportfishing project area.

Register at https://go.illinois.edu/letsgethooked

Office Closure update! See below for more details!
05/19/2026

Office Closure update! See below for more details!

Extension Office Hours Update! Hope everyone has a safe holiday weekend. We're back to normal hours on Tuesday, May 26.

Great mackerel! Our fishing clinic is coming up! 🐟Youth are invited to Let's Get Hooked, a fishing clinic on Tuesday, Ju...
05/12/2026

Great mackerel! Our fishing clinic is coming up! 🐟

Youth are invited to Let's Get Hooked, a fishing clinic on Tuesday, June 23rd, from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at Miller Park Lake. This catch-and-release event is a great opportunity to explore the sportfishing project area.

Register at https://go.illinois.edu/letsgethooked

Want to be a part of something that helps make the community greener? We’re inviting volunteers of all ages to help plan...
04/30/2026

Want to be a part of something that helps make the community greener? We’re inviting volunteers of all ages to help plant trees and make a lasting impact on our environment. Join us for a Community Tree Planting and Workshop in Pontiac, IL!

📅 May 9, 2026
⏰9 am - 12:00 pm
📍 Westview Park, 1315 Indian Drive, Pontiac, IL 61764

🌱 Register now!

https://go.illinois.edu/PontiacTreePlantingProgram

Together, we can grow a greener future one day at a time!

✨🔭🪐🌍
04/28/2026

✨🔭🪐🌍

4-H grows a harvest worth sharing. The collective efforts of many local clubs in our counties, Giving Gardeners, fed the...
04/14/2026

4-H grows a harvest worth sharing. The collective efforts of many local clubs in our counties, Giving Gardeners, fed their communities. Join the Giving Garden program in spring 2026 with a pledge to donate 50% of your garden produce. Illinois Extension provides free seeds, plants, and resources to grow your Giving Garden. Learn more at go.illinois.edu/GivingGarden

Are you interested in learning to code your own video game? Want to Youth ages 8 to 12 can attend one of our upcoming S...
04/13/2026

Are you interested in learning to code your own video game? Want to Youth ages 8 to 12 can attend one of our upcoming Scratch Coding Workshops! Using Scratch, a beginner-friendly coding platform, participants will design characters, add movement, and make games they can play with friends and family!

On April 26, learn how to create your own Zombie Crusher at the McLean County Extension office from 3 to 4 pm. This workshop is limited to 10 participants, so don't wait, register now at https://go.illinois.edu/ScratchCoding

Our Annual Impact Report has just been published! 🌱 For over 100 years, Illinois Extension has been deeply rooted in our...
04/09/2026

Our Annual Impact Report has just been published! 🌱 For over 100 years, Illinois Extension has been deeply rooted in our communities. Our 2025 report showcases the stories and people behind that great work.
➡️ Explore the University of Illinois Extension impact, in Livingston, McLean, and Woodford Counties 🔗 go.illinois.edu/AnnualReportLMW2025

Are you interested in learning to code your own video game? Youth ages 8 to 12 can attend one of our upcoming Scratch Co...
04/02/2026

Are you interested in learning to code your own video game? Youth ages 8 to 12 can attend one of our upcoming Scratch Coding Workshops! Using Scratch, a beginner-friendly coding platform, participants will design characters, add movement, and make games they can play with friends and family!

On April 26, learn how to create your own Zombie Crusher at the McLean County Extension office from 3 to 4 pm. This workshop is limited to 10 participants, so don't wait, register now at https://go.illinois.edu/ScratchCoding

This workshop is CANCELED, but will be POSTPONED. Stay tuned for more updates to come. Build Resilience, Nurture Well‑Be...
04/02/2026

This workshop is CANCELED, but will be POSTPONED. Stay tuned for more updates to come.

Build Resilience, Nurture Well‑Being, and Grow Community with our Healthy Minds, Strong Communities Series. 💪Grow, learn, and build together!

Take a closer look at why you snack—true hunger or habit—and discover how to choose foods that actually fuel your body. This session blends mindful eating with practical nutrition tips, helping you slow down, notice your food, and understand how different snacks support energy, focus, and overall health. Enjoy a guided food demonstration and leave with simple, nutrient‑rich snack ideas you can confidently use every day.

➡️Participants may register once for a single $5 fee and attend any OR all sessions in the series.
➡️ When: Weekly, Tuesday evenings from April 14 through May 5 – 5:30 pm-7:00 pm
➡️ Location/Time: McLean County Extension Office – 1615 Commerce Pkwy, Ste. A, Bloomington, IL 61704
🔗 Don't wait, register now at https://go.illinois.edu/SpringWellnessSeries
Questions? Give us a call at 309-663-8306.

Address

1615 Commerce Parkway
Bloomington, IL
61704

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 11:30am
12:30pm - 4:30pm
Tuesday 8am - 11:30am
12:30pm - 4:30pm
Wednesday 8am - 11:30am
12:30pm - 4:30pm
Thursday 8am - 11:30am
12:30pm - 4:30pm
Friday 8am - 11:30am
12:30pm - 4:30pm

Telephone

+13096638306

Website

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