What is the STEM Teen Read?We examine science fiction books and discuss the science behind the fiction with peers and experts in related fields.

ScienceTechnologyEngineeringMath

Explore With Us

• Expert videos• Online discussions• Interactive games• Educator materials• Creative writing projects

Why do we do what we do?

Determination

Curiosity

Goals• Increase educational offerings in reading,

writing, and STEM literacy for teens• Connect teens with university and professional

experts in STEM and writing fields• Raise awareness of and interest in STEM careers • Provide recognition for youth who create fiction

and art rooted in STEM concepts

Topics We Explore• Parasitology• Public Health• Epidemiology• History of Medicine• Biology• Neurology• Psychology• Electrical Engineering• Science Ethics

• Blindness and Adaptive Tech• Cancer Research• Food Science• Geology• Green Energy• Alternative Fuels• Climatology• Computer Science• Marketing

NIU Destinations We’ve Visited

Future videos and interactive sites will include virtual field trips

• Observatory• Green House• Rare Books and Special Collections – Vintage Sci-Fi

Collection• Psychology Lab• Prairie Vole Lab• Clinical Pathology Lab• Nursing Simulation Lab

But Don’t Take Our Word For It…

Current Books Kat Falls• Author visit (STEM Fest) & expert interviews

– Inhuman• Science: Genetics, Transgenic Viruses, Futuristic

Gadgets

– Dark Life• Science: Oceanography, Sea Life, Underwater Farming,

Global Warming, Energy, Genetic Conditioning

– Rip Tide• Science: Oceanography, Aquatic Predators, Deep Sea

Diving, Underwater Farming

Orson Scott Card• Ender’s Day at NIU

– Ender’s Game• Science: Video Games, AI, Entomology, Space Travel

Upcoming Books

Spring: The Maze Runner by James Dashner

Summer: Robopocalypse by Daniel H. Wilson

Connect With Us Online

teenread.niu.edu

SmartSpace@NIU

www.niu.edu/p20/smartspace

Contact Us!

Mary BakerSmartSpace Coordinatormarybaker@niu.edu

Gillian King-CargileSTEM Teen Read Coordinatorgkingcargile@niu.edu