STEM Scholar Library

Projects

Project

Building Bridges

Using engineering design process to construct a bridge with given size limitations

Science Domains: Engineering, Technology & Applications of Science, Physical Science

NGSS Standards: MS-ETS1-1, MS-ETS1-2, MS-ETS1-3, MS-ETS1-4, MS-PS2-2

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Generating Wind Turbine Power

Designing wind turbines for maximum power output

Science Domains: Physical Science

NGSS Standards: MS-PS3-1, MS-PS3-5

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Hydroponics and Global Hunger

Designing a greenhouse and building a hydroponic solution to address global hunger

Science Domains: Life Science, Physical Science

NGSS Standards: MS-LS1-6, MS-LS2-3, MS-PS3-3

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Project

Wood Duck Habitat

Using Wood Ducks to study habitat management and wildlife interaction

Science Domains: Life Science

NGSS Standards: MS-LS1-5, MS-LS2-1, MS-LS2-4, MS-LS4-6

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Green and Tiny Houses

Designing a sustainable energy house for a specific biome.

Science Domains: Life Science, Physical Science

NGSS Standards: MS-LS2-2, MS-LS2-5, MS-PS3-3, MS-PS4-2

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Data Driven Study of Geology and Ecology in a Local Watershed

Using temperature, light, and g-force data from data loggers to develop a model representing how light, depth, substrate and stream depth impact microhabitats.

Science Domains: Life Science

NGSS Standards: MS-LS1-4, MS-LS1-5, MS-LS2-2, MS-LS2-5

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Erosion and Land Planning

Coding Ozobots and using stream tables to learn about the rock cycle and erosion.

Science Domains: Earth & Space Sciences

NGSS Standards: MS-ESS2-1, MS-ESS2-4, MS-ESS3-1

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Star Wars Robotic Challenge

Using Edison Robotics technology to program robots using text and icon-based code.

Science Domains: Engineering, Technology & Applications of Science

NGSS Standards: MS-ETS1-1, MS-ETS1-2, MS-ETS1-3, MS-ETS1-4

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3D Printing of Prosthetic Limbs

3D printing for prosthetics, medical assistive devices and other engineered solutions to solve real-world challenges.

Science Domains: Engineering, Technology & Applications of Science, Physical Science

NGSS Standards: MS-ETS1-1, MS-LS1-3, MS-PS2-3

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Project

Island Rescue Using Wind and Solar Power

Development of an engineering unit to study wind and solar power as effective alternative sources of energy.

Science Domains: Engineering, Technology & Applications of Science, Physical Science

NGSS Standards: MS-ETS1-1, MS-ETS1-2, MS-ETS1-3, MS-ETS1-4, MS-PS3-5, MS-PS4-2

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Robot Dance Party

Demonstrate mastery of various coding programs through creating “steps” for a robot to dance.

Science Domains: Engineering, Technology & Applications of Science

NGSS Standards: MS-ETS1-1, MS-ETS1-2, MS-ETS1-3, MS-ETS1-4

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Programming Messenger Bots

Using Vex Robotics to build and code an Ozobot.

Science Domains: Engineering, Technology & Applications of Science

NGSS Standards: MS-ETS1-1, MS-ETS1-2, MS-ETS1-3, MS-ETS1-4

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Project

What’s the Buzz? Honeybees in our Ecosystem

Explore the role of bees in our ecosystem and learn how to combat honeybee decline

Science Domains: Earth & Space Sciences, Life Science

NGSS Standards: MS-LS1-4, MS-LS1-5, MS-LS2-1

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Designing and Building Mid-Powered Rockets

Designing and building a mid-powered rocket to safely launch a marshmallow astronaut in a space suit designed to ensure his survival.

Science Domains: Engineering, Technology & Applications of Science, Physical Science

NGSS Standards: MS-ETS1-4, MS-PS3-1

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Project

Water Quality and Fertilizer Use

Measuring the impact of agricultural fertilizers on a local watershed.

Science Domains: Earth & Space Sciences, Life Science

NGSS Standards: MS-ESS3-3, MS-ESS3-4, MS-LS1-5

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STEM Shorts

Cover image for video of STEM Short Long Term Tree Portfolio
STEM Short

Long Term Tree Portfolio

Focused on structures in plants and sub-systems and sub-structures, this project takes place over months (rather than minutes or hours) and requires very minimal equipment.

Science Domains: Life Science

NGSS Standards: MS-LS1-2

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Cover image for video of STEM Short Candle Turbines
STEM Short

Candle Turbines

Construct, use, and present arguments to support the claim that when the kinetic energy of an object changes energy is being transformed to or from that object. Students will also apply scientific principles to construct and test a device that either minimizes or maximizes thermal energy.

Science Domains: Earth & Space Sciences

NGSS Standards: MS-PS2-33, MS-PS3-5

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Cover image for video of STEM Short Brush Up on Graphing
STEM Short

Brush Up on Graphing

Analyzing and interpreting data and arguing from evidence…using toothpaste.

Science Domains: Engineering, Technology & Applications of Science

NGSS Standards: MS-ETS1-3

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Cover image for video of STEM Short Using Smartphone Microscopes in the Field
STEM Short

Using Smartphone Microscopes in the Field

The resources and tools necessary for teaching observation and measurement are not always available. Teach your students to build a microscope they can take into the field.

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Cover image for video of STEM Short Magnetism
STEM Short

Magnetism

Collect data with magnets. This project encourages students to ask questions about data to determine the factors that impact electric and magnetic forces.

Science Domains: Physical Science

NGSS Standards: MS-PS2-3, MS-PS2-5

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Cover image for video of STEM Short Paper Helicopters
STEM Short

Paper Helicopters

Students plan an investigation to provide evidence that the change in an object’s motion depends upon the forces acting on the object. They will also define criteria and constraints, make a systematic evaluation of different solutions, analyze data, and perform iterative testing – all in one video.

Science Domains: Earth & Space Sciences, Physical Science

NGSS Standards: MS-ETS1-4, MS-PS2-2

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Custom Curriculum

Custom Curriculum

Living Your Best Life in Space

Living Your Best Life in Space is an NGSS– and CCSS-aligned project-based learning unit focused on the science of space. NSCF contracted with premier space education provider DreamUp to develop this custom curriculum for the National STEM Scholar Program. Students address the driving question: “How can we design a product that will make us comfortable during our summer in space?”

Science Domains: Earth & Space Sciences

NGSS Standards: MS-ETS1-4, MS-PS2-2

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Other Resources

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Other Resources

Curriculum Resources

Enhance STEM teaching and learning with classroom-ready activities and hands-on science experiments

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Other Resources

Student Programs and Competitions

Engage students in authentic STEM experiences through participation in accessible programs and competitions

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Other Resources

Teacher Award and Professional Development Opportunities

Develop new skills, stay current, and network with other STEM educators through award and professional development opportunities

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