Authentic Lessons for 21st Century Learning
In this activity, students design a system to encode or decode messages using ancient Egyptian systems or other cryptology methods. Once they have determined which coding system they wish to use, they will plan, create a message, test, and refine their designs, exploring problem-solving, logic, and... Read more »
Created by: Bradly Cusack
Date Updated: April 30th, 2026
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: February 26th, 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: February 26th, 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: March 12th, 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: February 26th, 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: April 20th, 2026
