6th - 8th Grade STEM Program

In Kid Spark’s 6th - 8th Grade STEM Program, students explore challenging STEM concepts from their everyday world, authoring with technology to solve problems and create new solutions. Students explore concepts in structural & mechanical engineering, physics, rapid prototyping & 3D printing, computer science, and robotics.

All supporting curriculum in the 6th - 8th grade program follows Kid Sparks convergent to divergent lesson format which challenges students to learn new STEM concepts and then apply what they have learned in creative ways. These experiences give students the skills and confidence to persist in STEM throughout their lives.

What’s Included in the Program?

Kid Spark’s 6th - 8th Grade STEM Program includes the following resources:

Curriculum

There are a total of six units of instruction included in Kid Spark’s 6th - 8th 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 6th - 8th 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, physics, rapid prototyping and 3D printing, 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 robotic 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 6th - 8th grade educators prepare to use program materials and resources in their classrooms, Kid Spark offers professional learning courses through our online learning management system.