Reserve Materials
Reservations
Materials can be requested from a variety of partner sites throughout the state of Illinois. Please see the table below to identify the site nearest you. Some sites can deliver materials, but all are happy to loan materials to formal and informal educators who can pick up materials.
| Site Information | Contact Person | Reservation Instructions |
|---|---|---|
| Freeport ROE #8 (Freeport, IL) The Regional Office of Education #8 serves Carroll-JoDaviess-Stephenson counties in the northwest corner of Illinois. We serve 14 school districts and provide learning opportunities for teachers and students and their families across the region. | Sarah Meador | Reach out to Sarah Meador |
| Illinois State University (Bloomington-Normal, IL) ISU’s Center for Mathematics, Science, and Technology developed the Smart Grid for All program with support from the Illinois Science Energy Innovation Foundation. We support educators throughout the region by developing learning tools, providing professional development, and connecting educators with researchers on ISU’s campus. | Olesya Courier | Submit the Registration Form to schedule your pick-up |
| Mattoon YMCA (Mattoon, IL) The Y is a leading non-profit committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. For over 30 years the Mattoon Area Family YMCA has been helping our neighbors to learn, grow, and thrive. Every day, we take on the challenges that will shape our community’s future, regardless of age, income or background. We offer programs and activities for all ages and all skill levels. | Kiyla DeVoss | Reach out to Kiyla DeVoss |
| McHenry County Conservation District (Crystal Lake, IL) McHenry County Conservation District owns or manages 25,623 acres of open space and provides wildlife habitat preservation, educational opportunities, and recreational amenities for the citizens of McHenry County. Thirty-five sites are open to the public featuring 106 miles of hiking trails, 45 miles of biking trails, 25 fishing areas, 6 campgrounds, 6 canoe launches, 36 miles of horse trails, 18 sites with picnic areas & shelters, and many opportunities for wildlife viewing. The District also boasts 17 dedicated State Nature Preserves within its sites. | Becky Lambert | Reach out to Becky Lambert |
| SIUE STEM Center (Edwardsville, IL) The STEM Resource Center maintains a library of materials for every grade level and STEM content area, including lesson plans, books, and articles for professional development, as well as a wealth of hands-on and demonstration materials. These items can be borrowed at no cost and consumables can be purchased at cost. There is a flexible classroom and lab space available to work on small research projects, “test-drive” curriculum activities, and prepare materials. We serve our community of students, formal and non formal educators, and parents with our outreach, professional development and research efforts. | Emily Wonnacott-Stanley | Visit the SIUE STEM Resource Center Inventory Page |
| Springfield YMCA (Springfield, IL) The YMCA of Springfield Illinois is here to provide caring, respect, responsibility, and honesty to all in our community. The mission is to put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy, spirit, mind and body for all. The services we provide are swimming lessons, gymnastics, sports camps and teams, adult sports, and fitness classes for all as well as summer camps and after school programs. | Jodi Slaton | Reach Out to Jodi Slaton |
| Teens Take on Climate (Chicago, IL) Teens Take On Climate opens doors and creates pathways to exciting new possibilities and makes climate a part of every individual’s journey. Teens Take On Climate’s vision is to build a welcoming and inclusive community as diverse as the earth where young people’s values, identities and skills inspire collaborative climate action for all ages by supporting youth to advance climate justice through experiential learning, employment, and engagement in their communities. | Jessy Stevens | Reach Out to Jessy Stevens |
Training
We encourage educators to participate in a hands-on or virtual training before using materials for the first time. ISU staff can conduct training on an as-available basis, or you may contact a site leader near you to learn more about upcoming local training opportunities. Please find contact information for your nearest partner site above.
Shipping & Packing
A full set of materials generally includes:
- A grid construction set with 4 grid lines (black tote, 32×18×24″)
- A generator box with 4 generators and 1 steam engine (foam-lined cardboard box, 24×24×12″)
- Four smart homes (foam-lined cardboard boxes, 20″ cubed)
- Solar farm simulator (foam-lined cardboard box, 24×24×12″)
Procedures can vary by site, but we provide a Grid Construction Component Checklist and Packing Videos to aid in packing and repair. If you have any questions concerning the packing or shipping process, please feel free to contact the person listed on your reservation.