STEM Curriculum

Student teams utilize the engineering process to build an eco-friendly, cost-effective packaging prototype for shipping products.  In order to effectively complete the design challenge, students research recyclable packaging options for diminishing the amount of waste that ends up in the landfill.  Teams follow the engineering design process to design a prototype, and utilize a Decision Analysis […]

Student teams design and construct a small/micro-scale symbiotic aquaponic system that can be used by populations lacking natural resources needed to provide and cultivate a sustainable, nutrient-rich food source. This unit engages students in participating in an engineering design challenge in which they create a viable farming method consisting of a self-sustaining system that cycles […]

Applying and exploring the qualities of buoyancy, surface area, velocity, and volume, students will research, develop, and design a pirate ship in attempt to save the treasure. They will become mechanical and material engineers as they utilize the engineering design process and strive to design a ship that will move a crew, their supplies, and […]

Cancer is a part of our daily lives. The treatment for most cancer patients is usually achieved through aggressive chemotherapy.  Unfortunately this treatment has major side effects as it destroys not only the cancer cells but also the non-cancerous cells around it. Is there a method of treating cancer using nanotechnology to help target just […]

Grades: PreK -K In this unit, students will conduct scientific investigations and use the engineering design process to solve a problem related to the Three Little Pigs. The scientific investigations will engage students in understanding composite materials and how they improve the performance of an end product.  The students will form generalizations using their prior […]

Lasers can be used for many purposes such as targeting and communication. Light is refracted (“bent”) as it travels from one medium to another.  This can be demonstrated by a straw appearing to be “bent” when placed into a glass of water. Throughout this inquiry STEM lesson, student will have students investigate and apply lasers, […]

In this unit, students will explore the relationships between force, motion, and gravity as they team up with Underwriters Laboratories to create a prototype for use in emergency situations, such as a house fire, to break a person’s fall. Teams of students will work collaboratively to employ the engineering design process as they design an […]

Teams of students will design and build a model for a transportation system in the Virunga Mountains. Student learning will focus on science (physics of simple machines), math (statistics and modeling), language arts (technical writing) and history (African people and mountain ranges) to solve this problem.

Students ware engaged in various inquiries to build an understanding of wavelengths and energy transfer.  They also incorporate geometry, problem solving, writing, early civilization influences, and technology skills.  Teams of students create a stained glass window jar in order to discover which light wave is most efficient in reducing the effect of the classroom temperature. […]