Award-Winning Programs
Architecture Adventure
Architects design, build and explore the human-made world with K-8th graders.
Art Start
Artists animate the curriculum through visual and performing arts with K-2nd graders.
Geared Up
3rd-grade students engineer simple machines using specialized LEGOs.
Science Alliance
Working scientists conduct experiments and lead field trips with 3rd-8th graders.
Spoken Word
Middle schoolers find and cultivate their unique voices by reading, writing and performing poetry.
VEX Robotics
Tech experts work with teams of middle schoolers to design, build, program and compete with robots.
What's New?
Turn Your Trash into BASE Camp Treasure!
Yarn, cardboard boxes, two-liter bottles, toy cars … whatever you’ve got lying around your house, we can use for BASE […]
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Art Start Around Town
This month District 97 students have been hard at play and work, both of which mean they’ve been learning! Students […]
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Beye, Hatch, and Longfellow Visit with Scientists
Around here, April showers don’t just bring flowers, they bring scientists! On April 3, Dr. Elizabeth Goodman visited Ms. Baker’s […]
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Geared Up Guest Blogger: Sofia Ryan
We have some special guest bloggers in March and April as Ms. Nelson’s third graders (Longfellow) have agreed to share […]
Read More ›Events
Join us for these and other events throughout the year!
Summer's End Soiree
September 7, 2018- Luscious late summer gathering with food, drinks, and conversation.
Open House
November 4, 2017 - Join us for a family friendly fun day of science and art and learn a little more about OPEF and our programs.
Staszak Gala
2018 DATE: March 17th
Swanky cocktail party and fundraising auction at the gorgeous Columbus Park Refectory
Battle of the Bots
March 3, 2018 - Exciting all-day competition for local middle school VEX Robotics teams
Spoken Word
Poetry Slam
April 24, 2018
Poets from Gwendolyn Brooks and Percy Julian Middle Schools gather on stage to showcase their poetry and writing skills
See Us In Action!
District 97 Teacher
"There isn't any other part of our curriculum that is like this. It gives students a glimpse into a very specific world of science through a person who is making a career of it, but it also carries over into our everyday science units in school. I appreciate the time the scientists give this program."