Behind the Scenes: The Making of YES STEM Curricula

The Museum of Science, Boston’s PK-12 division spoke with students in Washington, D.C., about their classroom STEM unit testing experiences.

The Lowell School in Washington, D.C. Credit: Kesasummers.

Last December, Youth Engineering Solutions (YES) curriculum developers dropped in—virtually—to chat with 6th grade students at Lowell School in Washington, D.C. The students in Adrienne van den Beemt’s class shared their experiences testing the upcoming YES Engineering Earthquake-Resistant Buildings unit with our very own curriculum developers, Christine (Chris) Gentry and Alyson Miller.

During the post-engineering unit debrief, students shared both praise and constructive criticism as they took turns approaching the classroom webcam to speak. Alyson and Chris also answered student questions, including where the idea came from to create the unit and the process to make one.

Students and Teachers: YES’s Most Valued Collaborators

A group of middle school students test traction in the YES Engineering Eco-friendly Slippers unit, providing crucial feedback to curriculum developers. Credit: E. Workman.

The conversation with Adrienne’s students is an example of YES’s ethos in action.