Opportunities From: Argonne National Laboratory

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this if for mentors of ESRP

This is for IMSA mentors

Tracking volunteer hours for FY26 STARS Mentors

A 5th grade teacher at Science Academy of Chicago in Mt. Prospect is inviting a researcher to talk with her 5th graders who are currently learning about astronomy. They’re excited to meet with a scientist who can talk with them about the universe and answer their questions. If you have expertise in astronomy, astrophysics, space science, or related areas this should be an enjoyable opportunity. This would be a short virtual or in-person engagement based on your availability.

Grande Park Elementary in Plainfield has invited Argonne to take part in their upcoming Family STEM Fair, and we’re looking for a staff member to facilitate a hands-on activity with students and families. All materials and training will be provided by the STEM Outreach team — this is a great opportunity to connect with the community and share your enthusiasm for science and engineering in a fun, low-pressure setting.

Kendall Elementary School in Naperville is requesting a staff member to participate in a STEM night. Materials and training will be provided by Argonne STEM Outreach staff.

Jones Elementary in Joliet has invited Argonne to take part in their upcoming Family STEM Fair, and we’re looking for a staff member to facilitate a hands-on activity with students and families. All materials and training will be provided by the STEM Outreach team — this is a great opportunity to connect with the community and share your enthusiasm for science and engineering in a fun, low-pressure setting.

The Maercker School district has invited Argonne to take part in their upcoming Family STEM Fair, and we’re looking for a staff member to facilitate a hands-on activity with students and families. All materials and training will be provided by the STEM Outreach team — this is a great opportunity to connect with the community and share your enthusiasm for science and engineering in a fun, low-pressure setting.

On January 31st, 2026 we will host the Illinois Middle School Regional of the DOE National Science Bowl.

The National Science Bowl is a fast-paced academic competition that brings together middle school students who are passionate about science and engineering. Teams of four students, an alternate, and a teacher-coach compete in timed, buzzer-based matches covering biology, chemistry, earth science, physics, energy, and math.

Volunteers play a vital role in ensuring each match runs smoothly, fairly, and on time. By supporting the flow and integrity of the competition, volunteers help create a professional, engaging experience that inspires the next generation of scientists and engineers.

Question Judges play a key role in ensuring each Science Bowl round runs smoothly, fairly, and according to official rules. All judges are required to sign a DOE-mandated non-disclosure agreement prior to the event.

A few details about the position:

Ensure round accuracy and proper competition flow

Manage the buzzer system and verbally recognize students

Support and facilitate official challenges

Training for this role will take place during the week of January 12th and lunch will be provided on competition day.

The event is scheduled to run from 8am-2pm, you are welcome to serve during a portion of the competition.

Thanks,

STEM Outreach

On January 31st, 2026 we will host the Illinois Middle School Regional of the DOE National Science Bowl.

The National Science Bowl is a fast-paced academic competition that brings together middle school students who are passionate about science and engineering. Teams of four students, an alternate, and a teacher-coach compete in timed, buzzer-based matches covering biology, chemistry, earth science, physics, energy, and math.

Volunteers play a vital role in ensuring each match runs smoothly, fairly, and on time. By supporting the flow and integrity of the competition, volunteers help create a professional, engaging experience that inspires the next generation of scientists and engineers.

Rules Judges are responsible for maintaining a fair, focused, and rule-compliant competition environment. All judges are required to sign a DOE-mandated non-disclosure agreement prior to the event.

Enforce National Science Bowl rules and maintain a quiet, distraction-free room

Monitor timing, rule compliance, and the use of materials and electronic devices

Address rule violations immediately and report issues to the Information Desk

Training for this role will take place during the week of January 12th and lunch will be provided on competition day.

The event is scheduled to run from 8am-2pm, you are welcome to serve during a portion of the competition.

Thanks,

STEM Outreach

On January 31st, 2026 we will host the Illinois Middle School Regional of the DOE National Science Bowl.

The National Science Bowl is a fast-paced academic competition that brings together middle school students who are passionate about science and engineering. Teams of four students, an alternate, and a teacher-coach compete in timed, buzzer-based matches covering biology, chemistry, earth science, physics, energy, and math.

Volunteers play a vital role in ensuring each match runs smoothly, fairly, and on time. By supporting the flow and integrity of the competition, volunteers help create a professional, engaging experience that inspires the next generation of scientists and engineers.

Scorekeepers are responsible for accurately tracking points and ensuring the official score sheet reflects the progress of each match. All judges are required to sign a DOE-mandated non-disclosure agreement prior to the event.

Complete and maintain the official score sheet, including team names

Record points correctly for each toss-up and bonus question and maintain the running score

Apply official scoring values for all questions throughout the match

Training for this role will take place during the week of January 12th and lunch will be provided on competition day.

The event is scheduled to run from 8am-2pm, you are welcome to serve during a portion of the competition.

Thanks,

STEM Outreach

On January 31st, 2026 we will host the Illinois Middle School Regional of the DOE National Science Bowl.

The National Science Bowl is a fast-paced academic competition that brings together middle school students who are passionate about science and engineering. Teams of four students, an alternate, and a teacher-coach compete in timed, buzzer-based matches covering biology, chemistry, earth science, physics, energy, and math.

Volunteers play a vital role in ensuring each match runs smoothly, fairly, and on time. By supporting the flow and integrity of the competition, volunteers help create a professional, engaging experience that inspires the next generation of scientists and engineers.

Timekeepers are responsible for managing the official game clock and ensuring time is applied consistently and accurately throughout each match. All judges are required to sign a DOE-mandated non-disclosure agreement prior to the event.

Maintain focus on timekeeping rather than gameplay

Track timing for toss-up and bonus questions across two ten-minute halves

Start and stop the game clock in coordination with the moderator’s reading of each question

Training for this role will take place during the week of January 12th and lunch will be provided on competition day.

The event is scheduled to run from 8am-2pm, you are welcome to serve during a portion of the competition.

Thanks,

STEM Outreach

On January 31st, 2026 we will host the Illinois Middle School Regional of the DOE National Science Bowl.

The National Science Bowl is a fast-paced academic competition that brings together middle school students who are passionate about science and engineering. Teams of four students, an alternate, and a teacher-coach compete in timed, buzzer-based matches covering biology, chemistry, earth science, physics, energy, and math.

Volunteers play a vital role in ensuring each match runs smoothly, fairly, and on time. By supporting the flow and integrity of the competition, volunteers help create a professional, engaging experience that inspires the next generation of scientists and engineers.

Science Bowl Operations Volunteers support the overall flow of the event and help ensure a smooth, welcoming experience for students, coaches, judges, and staff throughout the day.

Assist with event logistics including check-in, room support, and lunch coordination

Help direct teams, volunteers, and guests to the correct locations as needed

Support staff with on-site tasks to keep the competition running on schedule

Training for this role will take place during the week of January 12th and lunch will be provided on competition day.

The event is scheduled to run from 8am-2pm, you are welcome to serve during a portion of the competition.

Thanks,

STEM Outreach

Ranch View Elementary School in Bolingbrook has invited Argonne to take part in their upcoming Family STEM Fair, and we’re looking for a staff member to facilitate a hands-on activity with students and families.

All materials and training will be provided by the STEM Outreach team — this is a great opportunity to connect with the community and share your enthusiasm for science and engineering in a fun, low-pressure setting.

The Lombard School district has invited Argonne to take part in their upcoming Family STEM Fair, and we’re looking for a staff member to facilitate a hands-on activity with students and families. All materials and training will be provided by the STEM Outreach team — this is a great opportunity to connect with the community and share your enthusiasm for science and engineering in a fun, low-pressure setting.

Ben Franklin Elementary School in Glen Ellyn has invited Argonne to take part in their upcoming Family STEM Fair, and we’re looking for a staff member to facilitate a hands-on activity with students and families. All materials and training will be provided by the STEM Outreach team — this is a great opportunity to connect with the community and share your enthusiasm for science and engineering in a fun, low-pressure setting.

Spencer Intermediate School in New Lenox has invited Argonne to take part in their upcoming Family STEAM Night, and we’re looking for a staff member to facilitate a hands-on activity with students and families.

All materials and training will be provided by the STEM Outreach team — this is a great opportunity to connect with the community and share your enthusiasm for science and engineering in a fun, low-pressure setting.

Scott Elementary School in Naperville is requesting a staff member to serve as a judge in their science fair.

We invite you to support the next generation of innovators by serving as a volunteer scorer for the Presidential AI Challenge.

The Presidential AI Challenge engages students and educators in exploring real-world applications of artificial intelligence. As a scorer, you will play a critical role in reviewing and evaluating submitted projects and helping determine which teams advance to the regional competition.

What does volunteering involve?

Participate in a one-hour virtual volunteer training in January

Create a login for the online project review platform

In February, review and score approximately 12–15 student or teacher AI projects using a provided rubric

Time commitment

Approximately 1 hour for training

Approximately 4 hours total for project scoring

Your expertise helps ensure a thoughtful, fair review process and directly supports students and teachers engaged in AI learning and innovation.

Haines Elementary School in Chicago is holding a Career Day for students in grades 6-8.

The school is welcoming an Argonne staff member to discuss their personal/professional journey to their current position at the lab.

The Bellwood school district has invited Argonne to take part in their upcoming STEAM expo, and we’re looking for a staff member to facilitate a hands-on activity with students and families. All materials and training will be provided by the STEM Outreach team — this is a great opportunity to connect with the community and share your enthusiasm for science and engineering in a fun, low-pressure setting.