Welcome to the second post on the STEMCON blog! If you are as passionate about STEM education as we are, we hope you have or will register for STEMCON in April 2018! The big day is steadily approaching and you can check out our expert presenters and keynote speaker on our website.

If you’re planning on attending STEMCON, then we’ve got some suggestions for you to extend your stay in Chicago for some STEM-related activities!

The Field Museum of Natural History – This museum is over 120 years old and it’s been dedicated to exploring and acquiring scientific knowledge since its origins! You can meet SUE, the famous T. rex or travel beneath the surface of the Earth to discover the hidden secrets that are waiting for you.

Navy Pier Centennial Wheel – Experience the physics of the Ferris Wheel first-hand as well as see the best 360 degree views of Chicago and Lake Michigan on the Centennial Wheel at Navy Pier.

Museum of Science and Industry – See the amazing LEGO structures at this museum in the Brick by Brick exhibit or walk through a simulated tornado in the Science Storms exhibit. The Museum of Science and Industry is basically a STEM educator’s playground!

Millennium Park – Believe it or not, the Cloud Gate sculpture or, as Chicago natives call it, “The Bean,” in Millennium Park was designed with computer modeling and had to be shipped in carefully measured and curved pieces to be put together in the city. Go see The Bean for yourself and see what other STEM wonders you can gather from its structure!

The Willis Tower – Skydeck – There’s nothing like admiring the achievement of constructing a building from 1,353 feet in the air! Learn about the construction of the tallest building in Chicago that used to be one of the tallest in the world.

iFly Indoor Skydiving – Stop by the iFly vendor table at STEMCON to learn more about the physics of flight and how you can experience it first-hand! iFly even offers STEM field trips across the U.S.

Adler Planetarium & Astronomy Museum – The Adler Planetarium has something for every space-lover and wanna-be astronaut! There is even a Community Design Lab (CDL) where you can experiment and be creative with all your STEM ideas.

Shedd Aquarium – Does petting a stingray appeal to you? What about a 4-D experience with sharks? Whether you’re a freshwater or saltwater type of person, you can find an exhibit or experience to enjoy at the Shedd Aquarium.