2nd - 5th Grade STEM Program

In Kid Spark’s 2nd - 5th Grade STEM Program, students jump right into the shoes of a real engineer as they explore applied mathematics, mechanical & structural engineering, and robotics & coding.

Students focus on concepts such as how to make things strong, how to make things move, how to measure, how to use a design and engineering process to solve a challenge, and how to design and program robotic systems. As students progress through the program they gain confidence in their ability to author with technology to solve real-world problems and design new solutions.

What’s Included in the Program?

Kid Spark’s 2nd - 5th Grade STEM Program includes the following resources:

Curriculum

There are a total of five units of instruction included in Kid Spark’s 2nd - 5th Grade STEM Program. Each unit includes a unit overview, multiple hands-on lessons, and a unit assessment. All lessons follow Kid Spark’s convergent to divergent learning format, which allows students to learn new content and then apply what they have learned through creative invention challenges.

Kid Spark curriculum follows the NGSS three dimensions of science learning: Science and Engineering Practices, Crosscutting Concepts, and Disciplinary Core Ideas.

* NGSS is a registered trademark of WestEd. Neither WestEd nor the lead states and partners that developed the Next Generation Science Standards were involved in the production of this product, and do not endorse it.

STEM Pathways Lab

The STEM Pathways Lab supports Kid Spark’s 2nd - 5th Grade STEM Program and covers a broad range of technologies and curriculum. Students get hands-on as they explore concepts in structural and mechanical engineering, applied mathematics, and coding and robotics.

Each lab is designed to accommodate students working collaboratively in teams of 2 - 4 students and includes:

Engineering Materials

A large assortment of structural building components, articulating components, and robotics and electronic components.

Spark:Bit Robotics Controller

At the heart of the STEM Pathways Lab is Spark:bit, a Micro:bit-based robotics controller that can be combined with sensors, motors, and other Kid Spark engineering materials to create interactive, robotics systems. Students with little to no coding experience start with simple drag and drop coding and can transition to text-based coding when they are ready.

• Supported by Microsoft’s MakeCode programming environment.
• Compatible with most computer operating systems including Chromebook, MacOS, and Windows.
• Includes Motor Override Mode feature which allows users to power motor and light modules with no programming required.

Transparent Lid

Includes inventory & organization guide to easily locate and manage materials in the lab

Professional Learning

To help 2nd - 5th grade educators prepare to use program materials and resources in their classrooms, Kid Spark offers professional learning courses through our online learning management system.