Authentic Lessons for 21st Century Learning
The STEM Challenge collection engages students in hands-on, inquiry-based activities that blend creativity with scientific reasoning and engineering design. Each lesson challenges learners to solve real-world problems—whether designing protective egg containers, building wind turbines, or constructing... Read more »
In this activity, students construct original structures using provided materials. They will plan, create a prototype, test, and refine designs to meet criteria such as stability, height, or aesthetics, emphasizing creative problem-solving and collaboration. Read more »
Created by: Bradly Cusack
Date Updated: January 29th, 2026
In this activity, students design and build a wind turbine model to generate energy. They will test different blade designs, angles, and materials, refining prototypes through iteration and learning to apply scientific principles to engineering challenges. Read more »
Created by: Bradly Cusack
Date Updated: January 29th, 2026
In this activity, students will create a short commercial showcasing a STEM invention or solution. They will collaborate on planning, storyboarding, producing, and revising their videos, learning to communicate scientific and engineering ideas effectively. Read more »
Created by: Bradly Cusack
Date Updated: January 15th, 2026
In this activity, students design and test a model high-speed train or track system. They will investigate speed, stability, and efficiency while applying the engineering design process to improve their prototypes through iteration and testing. Read more »
Created by: Bradly Cusack
Date Updated: January 29th, 2026
In this activity, students design and build small vehicles powered by gravity or other forces. They will create a prototype, test, and refine their designs while exploring principles of motion, friction, and engineering iteration. Read more »
Created by: Bradly Cusack
Date Updated: January 29th, 2026
In this activity, students design and construct a working kaleidoscope using mirrors and reflective materials. They will iterate their designs to enhance visual effects, learning the importance of careful planning, testing, and collaboration. Read more »
Created by: Bradly Cusack
Date Updated: January 29th, 2026
In this activity, students select a real-world problem, research solutions, calculate parameters, build a model, and test it. They will iterate their designs while reflecting on the effectiveness of their approach and the importance of data-driven decisions. Read more »
Created by: Bradly Cusack
Date Updated: January 29th, 2026
In this activity, students design and construct a protective container to prevent a raw egg from breaking when dropped from a height. They will apply the engineering design process to brainstorm, to create a prototype, to test, and to refine their designs, emphasizing iteration, problem-solving, and... Read more »
Created by: Bradly Cusack
Date Updated: January 13th, 2026
In this activity, students investigate the principles of force and motion using probes and sensors. They will design experiments, collect data, and refine their approaches, integrating engineering problem-solving with scientific inquiry. Read more »
Created by: Bradly Cusack
Date Updated: January 29th, 2026
