Solver's Problems. STEM Education

With over two decades of teaching experience, I’ve had the unique privilege of working in public, private, charter, and Montessori schools. I’ve taught in the heart of Washington, D.C., and on the beaches of Jekyll Island—bringing science to life in classrooms as varied as the students within them. Throughout my career, I’ve supported English language learners, led middle school science classes, taught high school engineering, and now serve as the Director of a MakerSpace program for PreK4 through 5th grade students. These STEM lesson plans are a product of that journey—built from real classroom experience, tested with real students, and grounded in what truly engages young minds. They’re designed to foster inquiry, encourage perseverance, and make hands-on learning both meaningful and fun—wherever and however you teach. -BA Owner & Educator Solvers Problems LLC solversproblems.com

My teaching style is built on hands-on learning, open-ended challenges, and the joy of discovery. Whether students are using the Engineering Design Process, applying the Scientific Method, or solving real-world problems, I aim to spark curiosity and support meaningful learning. Through my experience in public, private, charter, and Montessori schools, I’ve seen how powerful it is when students are given the freedom to explore, experiment, and take ownership of their ideas. My lessons are designed to encourage problem solving, perseverance, and those exciting “aha!” moments when everything clicks. These activities aren’t just fun—they’re purposeful, adaptable, and grounded in best practices for building critical thinking and confidence in every learner.

Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to teach a wide range of subjects across multiple grade levels and school settings. Each experience has shaped how I design lesson plans—making them adaptable, engaging, and accessible to a wide variety of learners. Here are some of the classes I’ve taught: 8th Grade – ESL Science 8th Grade - Physics 7th Grade – Life Sciences 6th Grade – Earth Studies PK3 – 5th Grade – MakerSpace-Style STEM Education K – 5th Grade – Outdoor and Environmental Education 12th Grade – Engineering Concepts Teaching in such diverse classrooms—from early learners to high school seniors, and from outdoor exploration to advanced engineering—has taught me how to build lessons that are hands-on, flexible, and rooted in real-world problem solving.

My path as an educator is grounded in a strong academic foundation and shaped by a wide range of experiences across the country. I earned my Bachelor of Science from the University of Oregon, where my passion for science and curiosity about the natural world took root in the Pacific Northwest. I went on to pursue a Master of Science in Environmental Education at the Florida Institute of Technology, deepening my understanding of how to connect students with science through meaningful, real-world contexts. Later, I completed a Master of Education at the University of Maryland, where I focused on instructional practices that support diverse learners and inquiry-based teaching. Having studied and taught in locations as varied as Oregon, Florida, and Maryland, I bring a broad, place-based perspective to my lesson design—always grounded in the belief that great teaching adapts to where you are and who you're teaching.

About Solver’s Problems I founded Solver’s Problems to help kids develop real-world skills like problem solving, persistence, and creative thinking through hands-on science and engineering. As a lifelong educator, I’ve seen firsthand how powerful it is when students are given the space to explore, fail, iterate, and grow. Whether through scientific investigations or open-ended challenges using the Engineering Design Process, our goal is to help students discover that they are capable, curious, and resilient. Our flagship in-person program, Builder’s Club, offers engaging STEM classes that challenge and inspire students of all ages. We also create STEM Education Kits that bring the building and exploring home—giving families everything they need for meaningful, screen-free STEM learning. For educators, we provide classroom-tested lesson plans that make it easy to introduce iterative design, inquiry, and persistence into daily instruction. In addition to student programs, we also offer teacher training sessions that focus on applying the principles of the growth mindset in STEM education. These workshops help educators create environments where effort is valued, mistakes are part of the process, and every student can learn to think like a problem solver. Solver’s Problems is built on the belief that every child is a builder at heart—of ideas, solutions, and confidence. BA and his wife live happily just outside the D.C. area with two young builders of their own. A native of the Pacific Northwest, BA has carried a lifelong passion for education, creativity, and learning into every classroom and project—and continues to design with that same spirit today. STEM On! solversproblems.com