Each activity encourages iteration, critical thinking, and reflection—while keeping materials simple (think string, cardboard, tape, recycled containers, paper, straws, rubber bands, etc.).

Engineering the bright ideas way

Our STEM challenges are designed to align with the Engineering Design component of the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), helping students build the skills needed to become effective problem-solvers and innovators.

By engaging in these challenges, students actively work through the three NGSS dimensions of learning—Science and Engineering Practices, Crosscutting Concepts, and Disciplinary Core Ideas—in real, hands-on ways. These activities directly support NGSS Engineering Design Performance Expectations across grades 3–8.

Here’s how students bring their bright ideas to life through the Engineering Design Process:

1. Define the Problem: Students identify a real-world challenge, considering criteria and constraints—directly aligned to NGSS practices like Asking Questions and Defining Problems (MS-ETS1-1, 3-5-ETS1-1).
2. Imagine & Plan: Through brainstorming, sketching, and strategic planning, students practice Planning and Carrying Out Investigations and Developing Possible Solutions (MS-ETS1-2, 3-5-ETS1-2).
3. Create a Prototype: Using accessible materials, students bring their ideas to life. Prototyping supports Constructing Explanations and Designing Solutions, a foundational practice in NGSS (MS-ETS1-3).
4. Evaluate & Improve: Students test their creations, collect observations, and make iterative improvements—developing the NGSS skill of Analyzing and Interpreting Data and Optimizing Design Solutions (MS-ETS1-4, 3-5-ETS1-3).
5. Share Results: Learners communicate their findings, reflect on their process, and connect their projects to broader real-world applications—supporting Engaging in Argument from Evidence and Obtaining, Evaluating, and Communicating Information.

This process not only mirrors the way engineers solve problems in the real world, but also gives students ownership of their learning. With every challenge, they build resilience, deepen critical thinking, and learn to see mistakes as opportunities—essential skills for both STEM careers and everyday life.

Documenting the journey with Book Creator

STEM isn’t just about building—it’s about communicating ideas, reflecting on the process, and sharing what you've learned. With Book Creator, students can turn their challenge experience into a multimodal digital journal:

• Record videos explaining their prototype and testing outcomes
• Draw and annotate their design sketches using the pen tool
• Add audio reflections explaining what they changed and why
• Include photos and videos of their builds and revisions
• Write captions or summaries for each phase of their process
• Publish and share with classmates, teachers, or families at home

Whether shared at a summer showcase or sent home to parents, students walk away with more than a solution—they have a story to tell and evidence of their bright idea in action.