Authentic Lessons for 21st Century Learning
This resource is geared towards students' goal setting and reflection process while participating in extracurricular clubs. Students set a goal for a specific skill they are working on and are given several ways to reflect on their progress towards that goal. Read more »
Created by: Laura Halstied
Date Updated: September 15th, 2025
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: October 14th, 2025
In this activity, students create a scaled model of the solar system to understand planetary distances and sizes. They will collaborate, plan strategically, and adjust their designs based on real measurements, reinforcing the importance of accuracy, observation, and iterative improvements. Read more »
Created by: Bradly Cusack
Date Updated: October 14th, 2025
In this activity, students design a functional app concept to solve a real-world problem. They will use brainstorming, prototyping, and testing to refine their designs, emphasizing creative thinking, planning, and iterative problem-solving. Read more »
Created by: Bradly Cusack
Date Updated: October 14th, 2025
In this activity, students construct a building model capable of withstanding simulated environmental stress (like wind or weight). They will apply the engineering design process to explore materials, improve stability, and reflect on design choices. Read more »
Created by: Bradly Cusack
Date Updated: October 14th, 2025
In this activity, students design and build a model vacuum cleaner or component that demonstrates suction, airflow, or efficiency. They will plan, test, and revise prototypes, learning the value of iteration and collaboration in engineering solutions. Read more »
Created by: Bradly Cusack
Date Updated: October 14th, 2025
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: October 14th, 2025
In this activity, students design and build small vehicles (Pot-Kin Cars) 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: October 14th, 2025
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: October 14th, 2025
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: October 14th, 2025
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: October 13th, 2025
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: October 14th, 2025
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: October 14th, 2025
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: October 14th, 2025
In this lesson, students explore the ecological importance of African and Asian elephants and the threats leading to their population decline. Using graphs and articles, they analyze real-world data and engage in creative expression to build understanding and empathy. Students collaborate to design... Read more »
Created by: Amber L. Smith
Date Updated: September 19th, 2025
Elephant Conservation
Students analyze the fairy tale Rumpelstiltskin to explore how point of view influences understanding of heroes and villains. Using the CUS and DISCUSS strategy, students will annotate the text from their character’s perspective and collaborate to build a defense using the CER (Claim, Evidence, Reasoning)... Read more »
Created by: Mary Braggs
Date Updated: September 2nd, 2025
Connecting Evidence to Argument