STEM and Engineering Connections
Looking for inspiration as we start a new season and head for the end of this school year? Try some of these Engineering-related ideas and resources.

April 22 is Earth Day and spring is always a great time to try some new things! Some of the ideas below relate to global issues like food and climate - perfect for a month that promises new growth. Others highlight the power of Engineering to change the world, one person, one place, one project at a time.

Farming is engineering! The technologies we use to grow our food are important ways to provide food security for all. With a global food shortage expecting to double in demand over the next few years, the food and agriculture industry faces some significant challenges. New crop varieties, drone support, vertical gardening, and more sustainable grocery networks are just some of the technologies that can make a difference. STEM Connector has made a free e-book available for download. The first in an ongoing series, this ebook explores the rapidly changing industry of food and agriculture, where opportunities abound for future STEM generations to make a profound difference in the world.
  • Go big this Earth Day! Climate Changemakers, a new program from the World’s Largest Lesson, challenges students to imagine what we could do if we all learned about the climate and environmental crisis and ways to be changemakers. The site contains educator and student resources, with the goal of empowering your students to creat a message about ways to help our planet.

  • Help the youngest engineers (ages 3-10) learn more about our planet! TinkerLab has compiled a list of 50 fun activities for the youngest climate engineers. These STEM/STEAM activities work in the classroom and at home!
Role Models Matter!

We have all heard the saying "You can't be it if you can't see it." Role models are so important when it comes to encouraging diversity in STEM fields.

  • We are excited about a new series from NASA and STEM Connector. Day of Design: Shooting Stars connects students to female scientists and engineers making an impact in space. This first video features Tessa Rundle, a space suit life support system engineer at NASA. 

  • Johnson and Johnson has launched a great initiative called STEM2D (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, Manufacturing and Design) to help encourage diversity in all sorts of STEM fields. It worth checking out the resources on their website for some new ideas!
Designing for People

Knowing that Engineering can change the life of even one person is a powerful message that has been shown to engage all sorts of learners. These two organizations can supply the inspiration and resources to get your students started engineering a better world.

  • GoBabyGo is an initiative committed to a single, urgent vision: All people exploring their world via independent mobility. They support innovative, often low-tech, solutions to help children with mobility challenges. Your students can check out how engineering can make a difference and even get information on how they can be part of the solution.

  • Do you have cardboard and glue? The Adaptive Design Association has created thousands of adaptations for children in NYC and enthusiastically supported people launching adaptive design centers around the world. You can learn about them and their founder, Alex Truesdall, from this PBS video. There is lots of inspiration on their website for the innovators in your STEM classes! Check out this terrific Building with Cardboard handbook as an example. 
Join Our Community of Educators Who Engineer!

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Designing the Future

Are you looking for ideas and resources to support creative problem-solving in your classroom? Check out Designing the Future: How Engineering Builds Creative Critical Thinking in the Classroom, Ann’s book for K-12 educators. Learn how you can engage the inner engineer present in your students, no matter what or who you teach. There are lots of activities, projects, and resources you can implement immediately both in the classroom or online.