
The Cancer Center at Illinois (CCIL) is dedicated to transforming cancer detection, diagnosis, and treatment through groundbreaking research and innovation.
By combining expertise in engineering and science, CCIL develops cutting-edge methods, drugs, and technologies to improve cancer care and patient outcomes.
Committed to community engagement and inspiring future scientists, CCIL partners with I-Sci Explorers to provide hands-on STEM programming for local kids. Through activities like extracting DNA from strawberries, they make complex cancer-related concepts accessible and spark a passion for discovery and exploration.
DNA

This lesson introduces students to DNA and its role in guiding the development of living organisms. It highlights how cancer scientists study DNA to understand mutations that can lead to cancer and improve detection, prevention, and treatment methods. The lesson includes a hands-on activity where students extract DNA from strawberries, allowing them to connect theoretical concepts with practical, interactive learning.
Healthy Blood

In this lesson, students explore the role of blood in keeping us healthy by learning about its components and how it circulates to deliver oxygen and nutrients while removing waste. They will participate in a hands-on activity to create a blood model, identifying red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and plasma. The lesson emphasizes how maintaining a healthy balance of these components is crucial for overall well-being and cancer prevention.
Chromatography

This lesson introduces students to liquid biopsy, a technique for screening cancer using chromatography. They will explore how biomarkers—such as proteins, molecules, and DNA—help detect diseases like cancer. Students will build a model of chromatographic separation, learning how different components of a mixture can be separated. The lesson emphasizes the importance of early cancer detection through biomarkers and introduces chromatography and microfluidic devices as emerging tools in medical diagnostics. This module is delivered to 8-10 year olds only.
Health Relay Race

In this module, children will compete in a healthy relay race activity in which they will categorize various foods as healthy or less healthy. This activity encourages students to learn about nutrition by physically engaging with food categories, helping them understand the importance of healthy eating. By making the activity competitive and fun, it reinforces the idea of choosing nourishing foods that support overall well-being.
Healthy Lungs

In this lesson, students learn about lung health and its connection to cancer. They will explore how the lungs function and the impact of harmful habits like smoking on lung health. The lesson will conclude with students building a model of healthy lungs to take home, reinforcing the importance of lung care in cancer prevention.
What is a scientist?

This program introduces the concept of being a scientist, highlighting important traits such as curiosity, creativity, persistence, observation, and collaboration. It emphasizes the connection between healthy habits and science, fostering an understanding of how science contributes to safety and well-being. The focus is on encouraging children to explore the role of science in their everyday lives while cultivating an interest in maintaining healthy lifestyles.
Cell in a Bag

In this module, students will simulate a cell’s structure and function using various materials. A plastic capsule represents the nucleus, purple string models DNA, and a ziplock bag acts as the cell membrane. The gel inside the bag represents cytoplasm, while lima beans represent mitochondria, split peas are ribosomes, and spaghetti noodles act as the cytoskeleton. Other noodles and beans serve as additional organelles, helping students visualize the roles of different cell components in a fun, interactive way.