About the store
The Vivify team is on a mission to re-engineer STEM education! We are dedicated to creating authentic, engaging, and accessible K-12 STEM lessons that progressively develop critical STEM skills, knowledge, and habits of mind. Designed by a team of educators and engineers, our lessons are low-prep and classroom-tested. Join the over 25,000 educators, and vivify your classroom today!
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🚀Space Exploration
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Design a Space Lander Middle School STEM Unit | Engineering Our Cosmos
Design a Space Lander Middle School STEM Unit Inspired by the true story of NASA Flight Director Diana Trujillo, a Colombian-American aerospace engineer who played a key role in NASA’s Perseverance rover mission, this STEM unit blends engineering practices and physical science in an engaging design challenge. Drawing from the Mars 2020 landing, students design and build a mechanical lander to safely deliver astronauts, represented by ping pong balls, onto the Martian surface. The lander must ke
6th - 8th
Math, Science
CCSS, NGSS
6.EE.B.6
, 6.RP.A.3
, 8.F.B.4
+9
Also included in: 8th Grade Engineering Our Cosmos | GROWING BUNDLE!
Mission to Mars: Year-Long Middle School STEM & Engineering Curriculum
Need a year-long space STEM unit for your STEM classroom or engineering elective course? This Mission to Mars bundle includes engineering design challenges building up to a capstone project of building a habitat on Mars! Click the preview for a supply list and implementation guide on the time needed for all the activities. Curriculum Overview: 3 Stages of STEMTransform your classroom into a team of astronauts on a Mission to Mars! This STEM curriculum begins with Stage 1 team challenges that b
5th - 9th
Astronomy, Engineering, General Science
CCSS, NGSS, TEKS
6.RP.A.1
, 6.RP.A.2
, 6.RP.A.3
+24
Design a Mars Colony: Game + STEM Project Guide
Mars Colony STEM Project Guide - Stage 3 STEM Project Can you keep colonists alive and thriving on Mars? NASA is working on the future of human space exploration, and your students have been selected to design the first permanent Mars colony! Students work in teams to complete the ultimate project-based learning STEM experience: designing and building a model of a new manned Mars settlement. This is a perfect showcase or capstone STEM project. Students will apply scientific concepts, math skills
5th - 9th
Astronomy, Engineering, General Science
CCSS
6.RP.A.1
, 6.RP.A.2
, 6.RP.A.3
+3
Also included in: Mission to Mars: Year-Long Middle School STEM & Engineering Curriculum
Moon Crater STEM Challenge: Hands-On Team Design Activity for Elementary & MS
Can your team of astronauts work together to land a rover in the center of a crater on the Moon? This engaging STEM challenge is a fun way to incorporate the engineering design process into your classroom or afterschool program! Students use the engineering design process and explore the forces of motion to place a ball in a cup at the center of a 6 foot diameter circle without entering the circle. This challenge represents placing a NASA rover into the middle of the Apollo lunar crater for expl
4th - 9th, Adult Education
Astronomy, Engineering, Science
CCSS, NGSS
6.G.A.1
, 6.G.A.2
, 6.G.A.3
+16
Also included in: Space STEM Starter Challenges MEGA Bundle: Middle School
STEM Drag Device Parachute Challenge
Drag Device STEM Parachute Activity Students use the engineering design process and explore the forces of gravity and air resistance to design a drag device to slow down a payload. This challenge uses a ping pong ball to represent a rover landing on Mars. The rover must remain inside an uncovered cup during drop and impact testing. This hands-on activity is an engaging design challenge that allows students to work in teams, apply the engineering design process, and connect math topics to real-w
2nd - 8th
Engineering, Other (Math), Physical Science
CCSS, NGSS
6.G.A.1
, 6.G.A.2
, 6.G.A.3
+18
Also included in: Space STEM Starter Challenges MEGA Bundle: Middle School
Elementary STEM Space Lander Challenge
Completely Revamped (2025)! Space Lander STEM Challenge for Elementary! This STEM activity is one of our favorite engineering design challenges! The combination of ping pong balls and aliens makes this a winning STEM challenge! In this hands on challenge, students create a mechanical solution to solve a problem. The unit brings together engineering and physical science topics for an engaging engineering design challenge. Students use the engineering design process to create a lander to safely k
3rd - 5th
Physics, Science
CCSS, NGSS
3.MD.A.1
, 4.MD.A.1
, 4.MD.A.2
+14
Also included in: Space STEM Starter Challenges MEGA Bundle: Elementary Grades
Year-Round STEM Engineering Challenges Bundle (Middle School STEM)
Are you in need of year-round STEM activities? This growing bundle includes our most popular STEM lessons and engineering design challenges for middle school grades! 20% off individual products! The bundle includes engineering lessons to cover each science unit plus seasonal activities to keep your students engaged and learning all year long! What's included in the bundle? Below are all the units included to support a year-long STEM program for middle school grades. STEM Careers: Who is a
6th - 8th
Engineering, Science
NGSS
MS-ETS1-2
, MS-ETS1-1
, MS-ETS1-3
Mission to Moon: Year-Long Middle School STEM & Engineering Curriculum
Mission to Moon: Year-Long Middle School STEM & Engineering CurriculumClick on preview for the supply list and pacing guide. Transform your classroom into a team of astronauts on a Mission to the Moon! This STEM curriculum begins with Stage 1 team challenges that build teamwork and communication skills. Mission Control then guides your class through Stage 2 engineering design challenges with each unit a progressively more complex design challenge as students arrive at and explore the Moon. The
6th - 10th
Astronomy, Engineering, General Science
CCSS, NGSS, TEKS
6.RP.A.1
, 6.RP.A.2
, 6.RP.A.3
+24
Mars Rubber Band Rover Middle School STEM Unit | Engineering Our Cosmos
Mars Rubber Band Rover Middle School STEM Unit | Engineering Our Cosmos This challenge is inspired by Ashwin Vasavada, a NASA planetary scientist using rovers to unlock the secrets of Mars. Students create a mechanical solution to solve a problem of transporting rocks on Mars to be transported back to base for testing. The unit brings together engineering and physical science topics for an engaging design challenge. Learning from the rovers on Mars; Perseverance and Curiosity, students use the
6th - 8th
Engineering, Science
NGSS
MS-ETS1-2
, MS-PS2-4
, MS-ETS1-4
+3
Also included in: Mission to Mars: Year-Long Middle School STEM & Engineering Curriculum
Crater Catapults and Moon Science STEM
Launch into a deep study of space rocks, the lunar surface, and craters that is sure to leave a lasting impact! In this comprehensive lesson, students use what they learn about meteors and craters to build a catapult that launches “research equipment” into craters. Worksheets are included to guide students through the engineering design process. Then, students create their own satellite with craters like our own Moon. Explanations of the types of craters, crater parts, most famous Earth craters,
K - 8th
Astronomy, Engineering, Science
Also included in: Space STEM Starter Challenges MEGA Bundle: Elementary Grades
STEM Space Rover Engineering Challenge (Pi Day)
Space Rover STEM ChallengeThis rover STEM challenge is a perfect way to celebrate the Mars Perseverance rover landing, Pi Day on March 14th, or for a space-themed engineering design challenge. Activity: Students will build a rubberband-powered rover to complete an exciting mission. They will then practice using Pi to analyze their design with imaginative math extension questions. This hands-on activity is an engaging design challenge that allows students to work in teams, apply the engineering
6th - 11th
Math
CCSS, NGSS
6.G.A.1
, 7.G.B.4
, 7.G.B.5
+18
Also included in: Space STEM Starter Challenges MEGA Bundle: Middle School
Astronaut Training: 4C's of STEM Middle School Unit | Engineering Our Cosmos
Astronaut Training: Stage 1 STEM Activities | Engineering Our Cosmos This product is part of the Engineering our Cosmos series for middle school and includes 18 stand-alone activities centered around developing the 4 C’s, Creativity, Communication, Collaboration and Critical Thinking. With these in mind, the activities are framed around the theme of Astronaut Training, inspired by NASA Astronaut, Jonny Kim. Student badges are provided and teachers have the flexibility to do as many activities
6th - 8th
Engineering, Science
Space STEM Starter Challenges MEGA Bundle: Middle School
Space STEM Starter Challenges GROWING Bundle: Upper Elementary & Middle School STEMLaunch your students into STEM with these space-themed STEM challenges that incorporate the engineering design process. This mega bundle includes engaging STEM activities for space activities and design challenges all year long! These activities have been selected to best serve students in grades 4 - 8th. If you are looking for activities for younger grades, jump here for the elementary version. Also included is
3rd - 9th
Engineering, Math, Science
NGSS
MS-ETS1-2
, HS-ETS1-2
, HS-ETS1-3
+5
Design a Lunar Colony: Game + STEM Project Guide (Mission to Moon)
Mission to Moon: Design a lunar habitat planning game! Stage 3 STEM ProjectCan you keep colonists alive and thriving on the Moon? NASA is working on the future of human space exploration, and your students have been selected to design the first permanent Lunar habitat! Students work in teams to complete the ultimate project-based learning STEM experience: designing and building a model of a new manned Lunar settlement. This is a perfect showcase or capstone STEM project. Project-based learningRe
5th - 10th
Astronomy, Engineering, General Science
CCSS, NGSS, TEKS
6.RP.A.1
, 6.RP.A.2
, 6.RP.A.3
+19
Also included in: Space STEM Starter Challenges MEGA Bundle: Middle School
Space STEM Starter Challenges MEGA Bundle: Elementary Grades
Need space STEM activities? Are you looking for Moon-themed activities to celebrate the Apollo anniversary? Launch your students into STEM with these space-themed STEM challenges that incorporate the engineering design process. This GROWING mega bundle is jam-packed for space STEM challenges for the entire year! Plus: each activity includes real-world space current events and STEM career connections! This bundle is perfect for elementary classrooms (grades K - 5) looking for Mars or Moon them
K - 5th
Engineering, Math, Science
Launchpad: Mission to Mars (Informal STEM Club for Elementary)
Mission to Mars: Elementary STEM UnitTransform your classroom into a team of astronauts on a Mission to Mars! This unit includes 10 engineering design challenges that follow a storyline - complete with instructional videos and editable handouts! This unit is perfect for an afterschool STEM club, summer STEM camp, STEM elective, or science classroom! This STEM curriculum begins with Stage 1 team challenges that build teamwork and communication skills. Astronaut Alex then guides the class throug
K - 5th
Engineering, Math, Science
CCSS, NGSS, TEKS
4.MD.A.1
, 4.MD.C.5
, 4.MD.C.6
+82
Also included in: Space STEM Starter Challenges MEGA Bundle: Elementary Grades
Astronaut Boot STEM Challenge (Printed & Digital Lessons)
Astronaut Boot Moon and Mars STEM ActivityStudent teams build astronaut boots using the Engineering Design Process to protect astronauts traveling to the Moon or Mars. Paper, bubblewrap, craft sticks, and other common supplies may be used for students to meet the constraints to protect an astronaut's feet in the harsh environment of space. Students learn about space suit design as well as history and current events of space exploration. This product has 2 options that connect students to real wo
K - 5th
Engineering, Science
NGSS
K-2-ETS1-2
, K-2-ETS1-3
, K-2-ETS1-1
+3
Also included in: Space STEM Starter Challenges MEGA Bundle: Elementary Grades
Design a Pneumatic Device Middle School STEM Unit | Engineering Our Cosmos
Design a Pneumatic Device Middle School STEM Unit Inspired by the true story of NASA systems engineer, Bobby Wei, who develops pneumatic sampling systems for planetary missions, making it possible to collect and study soil from distant planets. In this hands-on challenge, students design and build a pneumatic device to solve the problem of lifting and collecting a Mars soil sample. The unit brings together engineering and physical science topics for an engaging design challenge. Learning from N
6th - 8th
Engineering, Science
CCSS, NGSS, TEKS
6.EE.B.6
, 7.EE.B.3
, 6.RP.A.3
+35
Also included in: 8th Grade Engineering Our Cosmos | GROWING BUNDLE!
Plants In Space STEM Design Challenge | Engineering Our Cosmos
Plants in Space Middle School STEM Unit In this hands-on challenge, students design and build a device to support a homemade greenhouse, incorporating a method to deliver light using reflection. Inspired by Matthew Mickens, NASA plant scientist, who studies how to grow crops in space with no sunlight, soil or gravity students will design a plant growing system that works inside a lava tube. This unit combines engineering, physical science, and life science in an engaging design challenge. Draw
6th - 8th
Engineering, General Science
CCSS, NGSS
8.G.C.9
, 6.SP.B.4
, 6.SP.B.5
+15
Also included in: 8th Grade Engineering Our Cosmos | GROWING BUNDLE!
Mars & Moon Rover STEM Engineering Design Challenge (Elementary)
Mars/Moon Rover STEM Activity: Engineering Design Challenge with Math ExtensionIncludes editable STEM journals, teacher slides, and instructional video.NASA needs your help! Your mission is to use the engineering design process to design and build a rover to transport rock samples on the Moon or Mars (both included). This hands-on activity is an engaging design challenge that allows students to work in teams (or individually), apply the engineering design process, and connect topics to real-worl
K - 5th
Engineering, Science
NGSS, TEKS
4-PS3-4
, 3-5-ETS1-3
, 4-PS3-3
+4
Also included in: Space STEM Starter Challenges MEGA Bundle: Middle School
Showing 1-20 of 50 results
About the store
Experience
The Vivify team is on a mission to re-engineer STEM education! We are dedicated to creating authentic, engaging, and accessible K-12 STEM lessons that progressively develop critical STEM skills, knowledge, and habits of mind. Designed by a team of educators and engineers, our lessons are low-prep and classroom-tested. Join the over 25,000 educators, and vivify your classroom today!
Teaching style
STEM transforms classrooms into an exciting world of curiosity, problem-solving, and creativity. Successful STEM education is an empowering interdisciplinary approach that brings math, science, and engineering concepts to life through challenging opportunities that mimic the complexities and excitement of the real world.
In our STEM classrooms, students apply math and science to a problem, using the engineering design process through technology. Our lessons follow the 3 Stages of STEM philosophy:
Stage 1 includes activities like tower challenges where students learn how to work together and develop essential habits of mind.
Stage 2 is where you introduce the engineering design process and add math and science, then use technology to solve a problem.
Stage 3 consists of longer, more complex challenges with a research component. In this stage, students solve a more open-ended problem and there is typically a final project that they present.
My own education history
Vivify is a STEM education company that is co-founded by Natasha Wilkerson and Claire Meschkat, two aerospace engineers turned educators who live in Texas.
Claire is a Pre-K thru 9th grade STEM teacher and STEM program coordinator at a Texas private school. She specializes in developing engineering curricula for elementary and middle school grades including the STEM Explorers series. Claire has a B.S. in Aerospace Engineering and a Masters of Education in Educational Psychology - Creativity & Cognition from Texas A&M University. Before Vivify, she worked as an aerospace engineer at Boeing Commercial Airlines, Boeing Space Exploration, & Air Tractor, Inc.
Natasha is the founder of Space Club, a K-8 informal STEM program that is now an independent 501(c)3 nonprofit, the Cosmic Leap Foundation. Natasha specializes in research and development of engineering curricula and programming for middle school. Natasha has a B.S. in Aerospace Engineering and an M.S. and Ph.D. in Curriculum & Instruction from Texas A&M University. Before Vivify, Natasha worked as an engineer for the United States Department of the Navy in radar and satellite spectrum management.
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