Opportunities From: Argonne National Laboratory

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This is for IMSA mentors

Tracking volunteer hours for FY26 STARS Mentors

Setting up an opportunity for symposium volunteers to record their hours (i.e. time spent meeting with subcommittees, planning, sending emails, etc.)

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.

Argonne is hosting Introduce a Generation to Engineering Day (IGED) and is seeking employees interested in serving as mentors for the on-site event.   The event will be held on Thursday, Feb. 26th, at the Building 240 TCS Conference Center from 7:30 am to 4 pm.

IGED gives eighth-grade students a unique opportunity to discover STEM careers alongside world-class scientists and engineers. Participants will be able to enjoy motivational presentations, tour Argonne’s cutting-edge research facilities, connect with a mentor, engage in hands-on experiments, and compete in a team challenge.

Mentors must be available to commit to the all-day in-person event as well as attend a 1-2 hr virtual mentor training the week of the event. If you are unable to be there the entire day we encourage you to volunteer instead. 

Registration is open through February  3rd or until capacity is reached. 

FAQs

Do I need to be an engineer or scientist to mentor?

No!  Anyone with STEM experience is important and welcome.  

What does a mentor do? 

As a mentor, you will be paired with two students.  You will accompany the students throughout the day’s scheduled activities, which include a variety of presentations, hands-on activities, and laboratory tours. Transportation to and from the tours will be provided for the students and mentors.  

Do I need to plan any activities?

No, the day’s schedule is set ahead of time and will be given to you.  Tours are given by tour guides and the larger group events are run by various speakers and hosts.  At lunchtime, mentors will be provided lunch and eat side by side with students to foster discussion.  As a mentor, your main role is to guide the students throughout the day.  You are also there to answer questions, encourage participation, and act as role models.

Argonne is hosting Introduce a Generation to Engineering Day (IGED) and is seeking employees interested in serving as volunteers for the on-site event. The event will be held on Thursday, Feb. 26, at the Building 240 TCS Conference Center from 7:30am to 4pm. Volunteers will select a time shift and task that they will be complete. 

Registration is open through February 3 or until capacity is reached. Please note, if you sign up to be a mentor, DO NOT sign up to volunteer as well, this is a one or the other opportunity. 

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.

Setting up an opportunity for symposium volunteers to record their hours (i.e. time spent meeting with subcommittees, planning, sending emails, etc.)

Honor Flight Chicago’s mission is to Honor, Thank, and Inspire by building awareness and appreciation of the debt of gratitude America owes its veterans for their service and sacrifice for our nation.

Membership in the Veterans ERG is open to all Argonne employees. All members are eligible to chair committees, become candidates for elected office, and vote in VET-ERG elections. Contact veterans@anl.gov to join the Employee Resource Group today!

Membership in the Veterans ERG does not require participation in all events or meetings. Join us when your schedule allows it! There are quarterly meetings and annual events that you can attend to show your support for the military and for veterans. In addition to annual events, Veterans ERG meetings are usually something fun outside of a typical workday. Past meetings included happy hours, free lunches, bike rides, and more.

Any community event or program related to Veterans that you attend can be included in community service hours.