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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STEM Oil Spill Challenge - Earth Day STEM Activity
Oil Spill STEM Activity - Great for Earth Day! Learn about the effects of an oil spill on the environment through a hands-on engineering challenge! An oil spill has devastating impacts on ocean life. In this hands-on challenge, students design and test a solution to clean up oil from water and bird feathers using only the materials provided. The unit includes activities on the science of absorption, investigations on how different soaps interact with oil, and real-world connections to major oil
3rd - 6th
Earth Sciences, Engineering, Math
CCSS, NGSS
4.MD.A.1
, 5.MD.C.3
, 5.MD.C.5
+21
Also included in: Year-Round STEM Engineering Challenges Bundle (Middle School STEM)
STEM Catapult Math & Engineering Activity (Angles and Ratios)
Take the classic STEM challenge to the next level with design optimization and math connections! This STEM catapult challenge involves engineering, geometry, ratios, critical thinking, and teamwork in an engaging activity your students will love! Using the engineering design process along with math skills, teams of students will build two catapult designs from common materials. Each team will then test at three stations: Distance, Accuracy, and Power. Included are follow-up math problems for enh
3rd - 11th
Engineering, Math, Science
CCSS, NGSS, TEKS
4.MD.C.5
, 4.MD.C.6
, 5.MD.B.2
+25
Also included in: Middle School Distance Learning: Digital STEM Activity Bundle
Starter STEM Activities Engineering Design (Take Home STEM)
From catapults to cars to an egg drop challenge, this is your guide to getting started in STEM! Each activity has an in-depth student activity sheet along with a guide through the engineering design process. Materials are cheap, but the learning is fun, hands-on, and engaging! These low-prep engineering challenges are also great for sub plans in a STEM classroom!STEM for Distance Learning: You can also get the whole family involved with STEM learning by using these as take-home STEM challenges!
2nd - 9th
Engineering, Math, Science
NGSS
K-2-ETS1-2
, K-2-ETS1-3
, MS-ETS1-2
+5
Elementary STEM Careers BINGO Game! (Intro to STEM Careers Game)
A Low-Prep STEM Game! Do you know what a sound engineer does? What about a food scientist? This twist on the classic BINGO game will expose students to exciting science, engineering, and other STEM careers. Students will have a great time playing this game and learning all about the possibilities of STEM! About: A BINGO career game for science, technology, engineering, andmath (STEM) careers! Includes career descriptions and fun facts about each STEM career. An easy, low-prep activity that can
K - 6th
Math, Science
Also included in: Elementary Distance Learning: Digital STEM Activity Bundle
Christmas STEM: Elf Zipline (Engineering Design)
A fun Christmas STEM Challenge for the winter holidays! Students will design a zip line vehicle to save an elf from a high place. 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-world applications. Students will design a zip line to help rescue the elf! Elf Zipline Adventure STEM Activity Guide: Detailed teachers guide with links to resources Student handouts to guide them through
2nd - 9th
Engineering, Math
CCSS, NGSS
6.EE.A.1
, 7.EE.A.1
, 8.EE.A.1
+8
Also included in: Christmas STEM Challenges Bundle: Elf, Santa, and More!
Valentine's Day Frog Delivery STEM Challenge
Your students will create origami jumping frogs then use the engineering design process to create a candy holder for the frog to deliver a Valentine's Day message! This fun, hands-on activity combines fine motor skills, teamwork, and critical thinking. The included student handouts will walk them through the engineering design process to complete the challenge. Math extension questions on ratios and surface area are also provided. Materials List: Construction paperConversation heart candySciss
2nd - 8th
Applied Math, Engineering
CCSS, NGSS
6.G.A.1
, 7.G.B.6
, 6.RP.A.1
+10
Also included in: Year-Round STEM Activity Bundle (Elementary STEM)
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
STEM Activity Hoop Glider Challenge (Variable Testing)
Hoop Glider STEM Activity with Digital & Printed Journal and Teacher Slides! The hoop glider STEM activity includes building a glider made from straw, tape, and index cards or paper to travel the farthest distance. Different activity versions are provided to accommodate student ability and time constraints. Topics Covered: Scientific Method through Variable TestingSTEM Career: Aerospace EngineeringEngineering Design ProcessForces of FlightRatiosThis hands-on activity shows students how to optim
1st - 10th
Engineering, Math
CCSS, NGSS
7.G.B.4
, 6.EE.C.9
, 6.RP.A.1
+17
Also included in: Year-Round STEM Activity Bundle (Elementary STEM)
Solar Oven STEM Challenge - Women in STEM History Engineering Activity
This engaging STEM challenge is a fun way to learn about pioneering women in history and incorporate the engineering design process into your classroom or afterschool program! Students use the engineering design process and ways to harness the sun's energy by constructing a solar oven to heat s'mores! This challenge also highlights Maria Telkes, the inventor of the first system to heat a home with solar power. History, science, engineering, technology(optional), and math-- it is all included alo
3rd - 8th
Applied Math, Engineering, Physical Science
NGSS
MS-ETS1-2
, 3-5-ETS1-3
, MS-ETS1-4
+4
Also included in: Women in STEM History Engineering Challenges Bundle
STEM Explorers: Elementary STEM Curriculum + History Around the World
STEM Explorers Bundle - Global Engineering ChallengesPack your bags and take your students on a voyage of STEM challenges that incorporate the engineering design process with themed activities from countries around the world. This STEM curriculum includes activities that travel to each continent and explore inventions and feats of engineering from places such as ancient Egypt and Antarctica! Explore STEM career connections, ice breaker activities, and math extension problems that are all include
2nd - 5th
Engineering, Math, Science
NGSS
K-2-ETS1-2
, K-2-ETS1-3
, K-2-ETS1-1
+3
Bird Nest STEM Challenge (Biomimicry Engineering Activity)
Bird Nest Engineering Design Challenge Students will dive into the engineering design process with this hands-on STEM challenge building a nest to safely catch a falling egg. A follow-up activity teaches biomimicry by relating what was learned in building a bird nest and applying it to designing a landing pad for a space capsule. As a student-driven assignment, the purpose of the teacher is to act as a facilitator. You will provide the structure to the project, but students will take an active r
3rd - 8th
Engineering, Math
CCSS
3.MD.C.5
, 3.MD.C.5a
, 3.MD.C.5b
+34
Also included in: Middle School Distance Learning: Digital STEM Activity Bundle
STEM Summer Activity Calendar: Fun with Math, Science, and Engineering!
A STEM calendar with science, engineering, and math challenges! Activities are straightforward and accessible to students of all levels with little or no supplies needed. Get them up, outside, and exploring the world! Students will build a bird feeder, make a lava lamp, cook with fractions, and so much more! The world outside is their new and exciting classroom. The daily activities will incorporate math concepts, scientific thinking, critical thinking, communication, creativity, and real-worl
3rd - 8th
Math
Also included in: Year-Round STEM Activity Calendar Bundle
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
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
Thanksgiving Turkey Nest Challenge Engineering Activity
Thanksgiving Turkey Nest STEM ChallengeStudents will practice the Engineering Design Process with this hands-on STEM challenge building a turkey nest to safely catch a falling egg. A fun twist on the classic egg-drop challenge, this activity is an exciting way to foster critical thinking and team-building skills! An included bonus activity adds an additional theoretical design challenge and writing topic. Students must brainstorm and design a device to protect the newly laid turkey eggs from pr
3rd - 9th
Engineering, Math
CCSS, NGSS
3.MD.C.5
, 3.MD.C.5a
, 3.MD.C.5b
+40
Also included in: Fall & Halloween STEM Challenges Activity Bundle
Balloon Car STEM Challenge: Engineering Design Process
Balloon Car STEM Challenge! Challenge students to build a balloon-powered car that can travel 5 feet! This STEM challenge will take your students through the engineering design process as they brainstorm, design, build, and test with a fun and engaging project. STEM challenges incorporate math and science concepts with creativity, innovation, and critical thinking. Students are provided with a Mission Sheet and a Student Handout that guides them through the engineering design process. Included
3rd - 9th
Engineering, Math
NGSS
K-2-ETS1-2
, K-2-ETS1-3
, K-2-ETS1-1
+4
Also included in: Year-Round STEM Activity Bundle (Elementary STEM)
Year-Round STEM Activity Calendar Bundle
Keep students engaged all year long with this bundle of STEM activities for every school break or during school closings! This bundle includes 22 weeks of unique daily STEM activities that can be completed at home. Perfect for summer holidays, spring break, or winter break to keep students learning. Spanish version included for the editable 6-week activity chart! Click here for an editable STEM journal to use with distance learning, including digital and printable versions.Each STEM calendar i
PreK - 12th
Engineering, Math, Science
NGSS
K-2-ETS1-2
, K-2-ETS1-3
, MS-ETS1-2
+9
Flying Hearts Valentine's Day Catapult STEM (Angles & Ratios)
**Note: This activity is the same as our STEM Catapult Challenge but centered around a Valentine's Day theme.**Product Overview: It’s the season of Valentine’s Day and love is in the air! ....but wait! How did love get in the air?? Cupid used to fire arrows into people's’ hearts to spread the love, but he just retired! It is now up to you! You will need to be accurate and powerful in sending hearts into the air. This world needs more love! Let the hearts fly! This STEM catapult challenge involv
3rd - 9th
Engineering, Math
NGSS
MS-ETS1-2
, 3-5-ETS1-3
, 3-5-ETS1-1
+2
Botany STEM Challenge - Plant Anatomy & Engineering Women's History Activity
Perfect for Earth Day! In this extensive Botany STEM Challenge, students create window greenhouses and observe plant growth. Then they use the engineering design process to build a plant transportation device to safely carry their saplings home! This challenge also highlights Katherine Esau, a pioneer in Botany. History, science, engineering, and math-- it is all included along with teacher instructions and student handouts. Click here for an editable STEM journal to use with distance learning,
1st - 7th
Applied Math, Engineering
CCSS
6.G.A.1
, 6.G.A.2
, 6.G.A.3
+12
Also included in: Women in STEM History Engineering Challenges Bundle
Showing 1-20 of 32 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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