Resources for high-quality, informal STEM programming 
2019 STEM Grantee Spotlight
Kids Club El Mirage

The  Kids Club El Mirage   used their AzCASE STEM Grant to create a multifaceted STEM program for the 150 youth they serve. They engaged youth in coming up with ideas for their STEM programming and everyone agreed to cover the following topics:
  • Weather
  • Fingerprinting
  • Bacteria & Germs
  • Magnets
  • Documentation
  • Survival
  • Ghost Bottle Rockets
  • Workstation
From developing wind turbine energy devices to investigating the cleanliness of their own hands to  making ghost bottle rockets, these kids had a blast!


PLANETS STEM Curriculum for Out-of-School Time Programs

PLANETS (Planetary Learning that Advances the Nexus of Engineering, Technology, and Science) is a partnership for the development and dissemination of grades 3-8 NASA out-of-school time curricular and educator resource modules that integrate planetary science, technology, and engineering, particularly with underrepresented audiences. 

The 3 Units (Remote Sensing, Water in Extreme Environments, and Space Hazards) are free to download. Each unit includes: 

  • Science Curriculum and Educator Guide 
  • Engineering Curriculum and Educator Guide 
  • Educator Resources (videos, handouts, learning progressions, and more) - designed to meet immediate needs for those new to STEM in OST. In addition, there are resources with tips to help make experiences more interesting and relevant for youth.
Resources for Talking to Kids About the Australian Bushfires


The massive wildfires sweeping across Australia have devastated the region - with entire towns ravaged by flames, billions of animals affected and 18 million acres burned. Here are some resources to support you in talking with youth about these fires and wildfires, more generally:

This video from ABC's Behind the News explains the bushfires in Australia through the eyes of children, using safe images and language that is easy to understand.
Arizona Center for Afterschool Excellence


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