Make the most of summer school this year with extended learning opportunities that focus on more than just repeating content. As we return to the classroom, it’s so important to plan to address the academic and social impacts of the last year. 

Making decisions for summer school programs isn’t always easy - it can be challenging to know if a resource or activity will give you and your learners what you need for summer success. This summer, more than ever, students need extra opportunities to expand skills, collaborate and have fun - some of what they missed throughout this year. We’ve identified a few current STEM trends to let you know what is popular - and effective - this summer!

In partnership with NASA, EiE has released a new afterschool/summer camp engineering unit for middle-school aged youth. Thanks to a Planetary Learning that Advances the Nexus of Engineering, Technology and Science (PLANETS) grant, EiE was able to collaborate with scientists from Northern Arizona University’s Center for Science Teaching and Learning (CSTL) and the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Astrogeology Science Center to create an engineering unit that will engage and inspire youth in afterschool programs.

Imagine this scenario. You’re doing an Engineering Adventures activity with the kids in your afterschool program. They’ve been working hard designing and testing . . . only to discover that their technology doesn’t work as planned. When that bubble wand doesn’t produce any bubbles, or the toy car made from a soda bottle doesn’t roll, don’t despair: this is a teachable moment.