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The Chicago Council on Science & Technology

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The Chicago Council on Science & Technology

A non-profit raising awareness about science & tech issues crucial to our community through free/low cost events in Chicago. Science is for everyone!

C2ST is a non-profit raising awareness about science & tech issues crucial to our community through free/low cost events in Chicago. We aim to reignite excitement and passion for science and technology outside of a lab by collaborating with national laboratories, leading academic institutions and museums.

08/25/2026

Join the Beats on the River Showcase this Friday!

C2ST is excited to help promote this unique event at the McCormick Bridgehouse & Chicago River Museum, where music, science, and the Chicago River come together.

Through river sounds, beatmaking, creative activities, and environmental learning, participants will explore the Chicago River as a living ecosystem and a source of inspiration.

📍 McCormick Bridgehouse & Chicago River Museum
📅 August 28, 2026
⏰ 4:00–7:00 PM

This is a great opportunity for families, students, creatives, science lovers, and anyone curious about Chicago’s waterways to experience the river in a new way.

RSVP to experience evening of sound, science, and community!
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/beats-on-the-river-tickets-1996313201525

Tag someone who should come with you. 👇

08/24/2026

Imagine Star Wars, X-Men, and Frankenstein… but in freshwater science. 🐟⚡

C2ST’s latest intern blog by Alex Zhang explores electrofishing, a research method scientists use to study fish populations in freshwater ecosystems.

The technique works by temporarily stunning fish so researchers can safely collect them, identify species, measure physical traits, and return them to the water.

One of the most interesting parts is a biological process called galvanotaxis, where fish involuntarily swim toward an electric field. Alex compares it to “The Force” from Star Wars, Professor X’s telekinesis from X-Men, and the classic “It’s alive!” Frankenstein moment.

But the blog is also careful to explain that this is not movie-style electricity. When done properly by trained scientists, electrofishing is a controlled research method used to better understand aquatic ecosystems.

And no — this is not something for recreational fishing. Electrofishing is permitted for scientific purposes only.

Read the full blog to learn more about how scientists study freshwater systems and why careful sampling matters.
https://www.c2st.org/marine-mind-control-the-basics-of-electrofishing/

What pop culture reference would you use to explain a science concept? 👇

08/20/2026

AFTER SCHOOL OPPORTUNITY ALERT! School is starting soon, and now is a great time to explore after-school opportunities that help kids stay curious, active, and excited about learning. 🎒🌟

One example is STARR STEAM INTO THE FUTURE, a free STEAM program hosted by STARR Community Services International Inc.

Starting at age 5, students can explore hands-on learning in:

🤖 Robotics
💻 Coding
🔭 Astronomy
🛠️ Engineering
🔬 Science
🎭 Performing arts
🌟 Leadership development

The program is offered at no cost to families through partnerships with Foster Park, Hamilton Park, Sherwood Park, and Sherman Park, helping youth across Chicago’s South Side access high-quality STEAM learning opportunities.

If you’re a parent, caregiver, educator, or community member looking for meaningful after-school programming, this is a great opportunity to share.

Apply today to reserve a spot, volunteer, or learn how to support the program.
https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/steaming-to-the-future-park-tour

Tag a family who should know about this!

08/19/2026

Where does that “forest feeling” come from? 🌿

You know the feeling: sunlight coming through leaves, the air feeling softer, and your shoulders dropping before you even decide to relax.

That experience is not just emotional. It may also reflect your nervous system shifting from an alert state toward a more restful one.

Planet Chambo post highlights research suggesting that natural soundscapes can help move people toward “rest mode,” especially those who start out feeling more stressed.

It also points to something fascinating about sound: many natural patterns sit between rigid repetition and total randomness. That kind of pattern is closer to a heartbeat than a metronome — structured, but still alive.

It’s a reminder that nature does not just look different from our built environments. It sounds and feels different too.

What natural place or sound helps your body relax? Tell us in the comments. 👇

08/18/2026

Looking for a beginner-friendly way to learn coding? 💻

Our partners at Django Girls Chicago are hosting a free programming workshop for women and girls who want to learn how to build their first website.

This one-day workshop is designed for beginners, so no prior programming or web development experience is required. Participants should bring a laptop and come ready to learn in a supportive environment.

📅 August 22, 2026
📍 Chicago Innovations, 1 W Monroe, Chicago, IL 60603
💻 Build your first website
🍽️ Food provided
🎟️ Free to apply

Space is limited, so don’t wait to apply.

Learn more and apply here:
https://djangogirls.org/en/chicago/

Please share this with someone who might be excited to start their coding journey!

08/17/2026

After the extreme storms Chicago experienced this summer, many people are asking the same question: is this becoming the new normal? ⛈️

Huge downpours, flooding, heat waves, and droughts are happening more often and with greater intensity. Events once described as “100-year floods” can feel like they are happening every year or two.

In this C2ST program, experts in atmospheric science, energy, civil engineering, and geophysical science discuss the science behind extreme storms, the challenges of planning under uncertainty, and how cities and regions are adapting.

The conversation also explores what these changes mean for the public — from infrastructure and energy systems to neighborhoods, homes, and daily life.

This program was made possible by the Alvin H. Baum Family Fund and Chicago Public Libraries.

Watch the full video on C2ST TV:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Hiyx7HRCKw

What weather or flooding questions do you have after this summer’s storms? Drop them in the comments. 👇

08/14/2026

Imagine if your concrete driveway could help repair its own small cracks. 🏡

That may sound futuristic, but scientists are studying self-healing materials that could one day help make roads, buildings, electronics, and other technologies stronger and longer-lasting.

Just like people can experience fatigue, materials can too. When materials are repeatedly exposed to stress, pressure, or force, tiny cracks can form and weaken them over time.

Researchers are now working to better understand how some materials can heal tiny cracks — even at the nanoscale — and how that process might be controlled or improved.

This does not mean pothole-proof roads or maintenance-free driveways overnight. But it does point toward an exciting future where materials may become more adaptive, durable, and resilient.

Read the full article to learn more about the science behind self-healing materials.
https://www.anl.gov/article/ai-unlocks-new-possibilities-for-materials-design

Would you want self-healing concrete for your driveway, sidewalk, or road? Tell us what you think in the comments. 👇

08/13/2026

🌟 Curious about AI? 🌟 C2ST found a cool opportunity for your students!

Got a student in your life who's fascinated by artificial intelligence? 🤖 Here's an AMAZING opportunity! Join the Mark Cuban Foundation for a FREE 1-hour virtual Q&A. Hear from student alumni who rocked the AI Bootcamp! 🧠✨

Applications are still open—don’t miss out! Register now:
https://portal.markcubanai.org/apply

Tag someone who’d love this or share the excitement! 💬👇

08/12/2026

You get home hungry. Your leftovers are waiting. The plates are in the dishwasher. So you reach for the plastic takeout container. 🍝

Can you microwave it?

The answer depends on the container.

In C2ST’s latest Science of Everything blog, we explore why not all dishes are microwave safe. Different plastics are made from different molecules, and how those molecules are arranged affects how the plastic responds to heat.

Some plastics can hold their shape better. Others may warp, weaken, or allow chemicals to move into food when heated.

The microwave-safe logo can help, but it does not tell you how long to heat a container or how many times it can be reused. It’s also smart to avoid microwaving plastic wrap, plastic bags, damaged containers, and packaging meant mainly for storage, like yogurt or cream cheese tubs.

After all, your leftovers are already perfect as is. They don’t need your container adding any extra ingredients.

Read the full blog to learn more.
https://www.c2st.org/science-of-everything-microwavable-plastics/

What kitchen science question should we explore next? Drop it in the comments. 👇

08/11/2026

When people are frustrated with politics, where is the line between accountability and abuse?

In this C2ST clip on political psychology, we explore threats and harassment toward public officials and what they can teach us about fear, distrust, identity, crisis, and group behavior.

Political psychology helps us understand why political conflict can escalate — and how that escalation affects the people who serve in public roles.

Watch the full conversation on C2ST TV.
https://youtu.be/I-pCbagxBwE

What do you want to know about the psychology behind politics? Share your questions in the comments. 👇

Address

10 West 35th Streeet
Chicago, IL
60616

Opening Hours

Monday	10am - 5pm
Tuesday	10am - 5pm
Wednesday	10am - 5pm
Thursday	10am - 5pm

Telephone

+13125675835

Website

http://www.c2st.org/, https://linktr.ee/C2ST

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