The Illinois Mathematics Lab is excited to foster community engagement with mathematics. All undergraduates at UIUC are warmly invited to join our outreach team; membership is not limited to mathematics majors. IML Outreach functions as a Registered Student Organization (RSO). We are always seeking new connections with schools and after-school programs in the area to bring creative mathematical activities to kids of all ages!
Connect with us about outreach initiatives!
For organizations
Get in touch with IML leadership to coordinate a mathematics outreach activity for your organization.
For students
Subscribe to our mailing list to be notified of upcoming outreach opportunities.
For community members
See our calendar to learn about upcoming public outreach events.
Examples of activities
Engagement at the Champaign Public Library
The local Champaign Public Library hosts Teen Hour after school on weekdays. Every semester, IML invites a few volunteers to join us at Teen Hour to engage students in the community with creative mathematical activities involving tiling and tessellations, Magformers, and more.
Participation in STEM Nights at local schools
In recent years, lots of elementary and middle schools have hosted STEM Nights and other events for students and their families. The IML has been a presence most recently at Champaign’s Franklin STEAM Academy’s Block Party and Middletown Prairie Elementary School‘s STEM Night in Mahomet, IL, about 25 minutes from the UIUC campus.
Science at the Market
For several years, the U of I has brought “Science at the Market” to the Farmers Market at Lincoln Square mall in Urbana, where STEM experts host demonstrations and answer questions from the public about their researchers’ disciplines. IML has participated by engaging the public in hands-on geometric activities. The IML hopes to continue its presence and expand its roster of public demonstration for Science at the Market.
Local science fairs
In addition to contributing to science fairs at local high schools, IML has also partnered with I-STEM, a campus coalition that works to facilitate the development of STEM education and outreach programs. Each year, I-STEM hosts a science fair with Next Generation School to bring engaging science and engineering activities to elementary and middle school students.
Field trips
IML helps school administrators coordinate exciting science field trips for students from preschool to high school.
If you have additional questions about the IML Outreach initiative, please contact us. If you are an undergraduate interested in joining Outreach, please join our Discord server!