Our 3-Year STEM Curriculum
A progressive, NGSS-aligned curriculum that builds real-world skills and middle school readiness through hands-on projects across three years of study.
Curriculum Framework
NGSS-aligned, hands-on STEM learning that builds real-world skills and middle school readiness. Note: Registration is by unit, and participation in previous units is not required for future units. While the program spans three years, each unit is thoughtfully designed to progress from introductory to more advanced, hands-on learning within its theme, ensuring strong continuity and engagement for all students.
Earth & Space Systems
Students prototype Earth and Space systems, including geologic processes and planetary dynamics.
Sample projects: scaled solar system models; and Mars mission design challenges.
Water, Weather, & Climate
Students explore the hydrosphere and atmosphere in weather and climate systems through building and creating their own designs.
Sample projects: water cycle modeling; and weather station design and calibration for atmospheric measurements.
Matter & Chemical Reactions
Students explore the properties of matter by designing and conducting experiments to observe physical and chemical changes.
Sample projects: solubility and saturation labs; various chemical reactions, pH Lab, density column.
Life Science & Living Systems
Students discover how living organisms grow, function, and interact with their environments.
Sample projects: cell model construction; diffusion and osmosis experiment; and micro-habitat detectives.
Ecosystems, Biodiversity, & Adaptation
Students analyze how organisms adapt and survive within complex ecosystems.
Sample projects: food web models; and habitat design challenges based on ecological constraints.
Genetics, Data, & Scientific Discovery
Students investigate DNA, genetics, and how traits are inherited and use data to draw scientific conclusions.
Sample projects: building DNA double-helix models; DNA extraction experiment; and probability-based inheritance simulations.
Forces & Motion Engineering
Students experiment how forces generate motion and apply physics principles to engineering design.
Sample projects: balloon powered cars; boats and parachute design challenges to analyze air resistance.
Light, Sound, & Waves
Students explore light, sound, and waves by designing and testing hands-on experiments to observe how energy travels and interacts with different materials.
Sample projects: sound dancing rice, build-a-circuit challenge, build your own radio.
Engineering Design & Sustainability
Students apply STEM principles to design and optimize solutions to real-world challenges.
Sample projects: water filtration; flood barrier design challenge.