Resource Library

8 Elements of STEM Preparation

Created by our STEM Pathways Steering Committee, this grade level resource guides the key skills and experienc…

View lesson →

AI Adventures: The ’Zine

AI literacy magazine for kids with puzzles, games, and articles.

View lesson →

AI for Global Good

Artificial Intelligence (AI) most often refers to a device or program designed to mimic aspects of human intel…

View lesson →

AI Inclusiveness

Explore the problem of bias in artificial intelligence through design activities and a series of video clips f…

View lesson →

AI to the Rescue: Finding Lost Pets

Artificial Intelligence (AI) most often refers to a device or program designed to mimic aspects of human intel…

View lesson →

Aim High!

This lesson plan explores angles and trajectories to determine the optimal angle and height to launch a paper …

View lesson →

Algae String

Lesson Duration: 150 minutes, Activity: 2 hours

View lesson →

Analyzing Patterns in Voter Data

Analyze, map and graph voter data in this data science and computational thinking lesson. Then take on the rol…

View lesson →

Animal Identification with AI

Artificial Intelligence (AI) most often refers to a device or program designed to mimic aspects of human intel…

View lesson →

Animal Rescue

This resource was initially developed to prepare students for the 2017 Tech Challenge. Each year The Tech Chal…

View lesson →

Biomimicry Mash-Up

Use biomimicry to learn about unique organisms and be inspired to create something new for human use!

View lesson →

Brainstorming Ideas

This lesson was developed for The 2025 Tech Challenge: Gravitate to Navigate.

View lesson →

Bridging the Gap

This resource was developed to prepare students for the 2017 Tech Challenge. Each year The Tech Challenge invi…

View lesson →

Building a Storm Drain

Create a storm drain cover that can keep trash out while letting water pass through in order to protect our wa…

View lesson →

Building for Birdie

Lesson: 60 minutes; Unit: 150 minutes; Activity: 30 minutes

View lesson →

Butterfly Algorithms

In this computational thinking lesson plan students create a simple algorithm to model the life cycle of a but…

View lesson →

Cabbage Inks

Use this activity to explore the chemistry of acids and bases as you create your own rainbow of colorful paint…

View lesson →

Can AI Laugh?

Artificial Intelligence (AI) most often refers to a device or program designed to mimic aspects of human intel…

View lesson →

Can You Give Me A Lift?

This lesson was created to prepare students for the 2026 Tech Challenge: Raise the Roof.

View lesson →

Career Aspirations: MicroByre

Use this video and prompt to spark engagement: What would you like to be when you grow up?

View lesson →

Career Exploration Mosaic

Lab Connections: Advanced Down the Drain, Sustainable Cities

View lesson →

Careers in Sustainability

Lab Connections: Advanced Down the Drain, Sustainable Cities

View lesson →

Catch It, If You Can

This activity was developed in partnership with educators from The Tech Academies Fellowship program. Tech Aca…

View lesson →

Caution! Wildlife Crossing

Build a structure (bridge, tunnel, etc.) to get an animal safely across a road.

View lesson →

Challenge Cards

Use these cards to introduce iteration and redesign to any design challenge.

View lesson →

Circle of Pong

Lab Connection: Advanced Physics of Roller Coasters, Physics of Roller Coasters

View lesson →

Circular Economy Challenge

In this lesson plan students analyze how The Tech for Global Good laureates use data as a tool to solve proble…

View lesson →

Climate Change: Blue Ocean Barns

Use this video and prompt to spark engagement: What other things do you know that contribute to climate change…

View lesson →

Coastal Erosion: Designing and Debating Solutions

This activity was developed in partnership with educators from The Tech Academies Fellowship program. Tech Aca…

View lesson →

Collaboration: Blue Sky Analytics

Use this video and prompt to spark engagement: Blue Sky Analytics is a company created by siblings Abhilasha a…

View lesson →

Community Voices: Evaluating AI Risks and Rewards

In this lesson plan students apply computational thinking to modify a computer program in Scratch that shows h…

View lesson →

Computational Thinking Poster

Classroom visuals that define computational thinking and its elements. These foundational skills support compu…

View lesson →

Computational Thinking Prototyping

This video provides tips on leading students through the prototyping process in computational thinking lessons…

View lesson →

Computer Science Education Principles

Key principles for teaching computational thinking and computer programming in any setting.

View lesson →

Computer Vision: Buzz Solutions

Use this video and prompt to spark engagement: Computer vision is a type of artificial intelligence technology…

View lesson →

Connecting with Climate

Lab Connection: Down the Drain, Sustainable Cities

View lesson →

Convection Currents

Lab Connection: Engineering for Earthquakes

View lesson →

Cooking with the Sun

In this activity engineer a solar oven and use solar energy and radiation to warm a chosen food item.

View lesson →

Count the Seconds

This resource was developed to prepare students for the 2022 Tech Challenge. Each year The Tech Challenge invi…

View lesson →

Create with Cardboard

This resource was developed to prepare students for the 2020 Tech Challenge. Each year The Tech Challenge invi…

View lesson →

Creating a Digital Ecosystem

This lesson includes a video and slide deck which introduce students to the United Nations Sustainable Develop…

View lesson →

Creative Coding: The Internet of Things

This lesson plan has students take on the role of employees at a top tech company. They are then tasked with a…

View lesson →

Cryptobabel: Coded Communication

In this cyber security lesson plan students are presented with a top-secret scenario in which they must interc…

View lesson →

Cupcake Delivery

In this lesson plan students create wind-powered contraptions. At The Tech, we transport 3D-printed cupcakes a…

View lesson →

Cyber Forensics: Digital Footprints

In this lesson plan students take on the role of digital forensic investigators who have been tasked with inve…

View lesson →

Data Challenge

In this lesson plan students analyze how The Tech for Global Good laureates use data as a tool to solve proble…

View lesson →

Data Science Education Principles

Browse our library of data science lessons, activities, and more to start using these principles today!

View lesson →

Data-Driven Energy Exploration

This lesson was developed for The 2025 Tech Challenge: Gravitate to Navigate.

View lesson →

Decontamination Algorithm

In this computational thinking activity, create a sequence of questions to help you figure out what surfaces a…

View lesson →

Design for All Imagining Inventions

In this activity learn about a fictional person, brainstorm some solutions to a problem they face, and create …

View lesson →

Design for All: Designing for Dexterity

In this lesson plan students work in teams to design a user-centered device for someone who has a specific nee…

View lesson →

Design for All: Face Masks for Friends

In this activity, play the role of a face mask product designer, identifying a user (family member or favorite…

View lesson →

Design for All: Project Playground

In this lesson plan students become playground designers, drawing a playground for themelves and a fictional f…

View lesson →

Designing a Design Challenge

This Tech Tip provides the essential elements and tools for creating your own design challenge.

View lesson →

Dino DNA

In this DNA and Genetics lab lesson examine how traits are handed down through generations by creating hypothe…

View lesson →

Drones: Buzz Solutions

"Use this video and prompt to spark engagement: Vik built a drone and attached some pollution monitoring senso…

View lesson →

Emerging Technologies

This lesson plan and accompanying videos have students examine environmental issues through the lens of four e…

View lesson →

Energy at Play

In this lesson plan students build a device that can move a ball to a target while exploring energy transfer.

View lesson →

Energy Madness

This resource was developed to prepare students for the 2017 Tech Challenge. Each year The Tech Challenge invi…

View lesson →

Energy Red Light Green Light

This outdoor exercise game deepens understanding of potential and kinetic energy. It's also a great activity t…

View lesson →

Engineering Education Principles

This resource outlines the key principles for teaching engineering through design challenge learning in any se…

View lesson →

Engineering for Earthquakes

This resource was developed to prepare students for the 2019 Tech Challenge. Each year The Tech Challenge invi…

View lesson →

Engineering Journals

This resource was developed to prepare students for The Tech Challenge. Each year The Tech Challenge invites t…

View lesson →

Engineering Takes Flight

This resource was developed to prepare students for the 2016 Tech Challenge. Each year The Tech Challenge invi…

View lesson →

Escape the Lava

This resource was developed to prepare students for the 2018 Tech Challenge. Each year The Tech Challenge invi…

View lesson →

Evolutionary Puzzles

In this lesson plan students create, organize, and structure data to explore patterns of heredity. This hands-…

View lesson →

Exploring Chain Reactions

Lesson: Two 60-minute sessions; Activity: 30 minutes

View lesson →

Food Waste: Goodr

Use this video and prompt to spark engagement: How can we stop throwing away perfectly good food and use it to…

View lesson →

Get in the Game

This lesson plan and videos use computational thinking (decomposition, pattern recognition, abstraction, and a…

View lesson →

Go Rover Go

These resources were developed for The Tech Challenge 2025, Gravitate to Navigate, and The Tech Challenge 2017…

View lesson →

Grabbers

In this activity, design a device that can pick up three different objects from at least three feet away!

View lesson →

Green Pennies

Lab Connection: Chemicals of Innovation Lab

View lesson →

Greywater Gadgetry

This activity was developed in partnership with educators from The Tech Academies Fellowship program. Tech Aca…

View lesson →

Gyroscope Dancing

Gyroscope dancing involves keeping one part of the body completely still while dancing with the rest. In this …

View lesson →

Hashing and Cracking: Password Essentials

In this cyber security lesson plan students take on the role of an entrepreneur creating their own company web…

View lesson →

High Tech Hot Potato

In this twist on the classic party game, the “hot potato” is a DIY container for your smartphone to keep it as…

View lesson →

Hover Design Challenge

This resource was developed to prepare students for the 2019 Tech Challenge. Each year The Tech Challenge invi…

View lesson →

Inflatables

Ever seen those wacky waving tube dudes outside a car dealership or furniture store? Build your own DIY versio…

View lesson →

Interglactic Interview

This resource was developed to prepare students for The Tech Challenge. Each year The Tech Challenge invites t…

View lesson →

Investigating Lift

This resource was developed to prepare students for the 2019 Tech Challenge. Each year The Tech Challenge invi…

View lesson →

Irrigation Situation

This activity was developed in partnership with educators from The Tech Academies Fellowship program. Tech Aca…

View lesson →

Iteration: Blue Ocean Barns

Use this video and prompt to spark engagement: Have you ever had to try multiple times to get something right?

View lesson →

Iteration: Strawcture Eco

Use this video and prompt to spark engagement: Think of a time that you had an idea that didn't work the first…

View lesson →

Just Dropping In

This resource was developed to prepare students for the 2020 Tech Challenge. Each year The Tech Challenge invi…

View lesson →

Linkages

In this activity, you design a contraption that uses linkages to connect two or more rigid parts to make a fle…

View lesson →

Looking to the Past to Build the Future

This activity was developed in partnership with educators from The Tech Academies Fellowship program. Tech Aca…

View lesson →

Machine Learning Unplugged

Artificial Intelligence (AI) most often refers to a device or program designed to mimic aspects of human intel…

View lesson →

Making the Call on AI Referees

In this lesson plan students apply computational thinking to modify a computer program in Scratch that shows h…

View lesson →

Making with Microbes

This activity guide and videos provide all the tips you need to use fermented tea to grow your own unique piec…

View lesson →

Match It

Use your super sleuth sound skills to see if you can match a sound maker with its graph in this data-matching …

View lesson →

Materials Treasure Hunt

Some people may call it a junk drawer, but we like to think of it as a treasure chest. Our guide and video wil…

View lesson →

Materials: Strawcture Eco

Use this video and prompt to spark engagement: Imagine you had to build a house with a material other than woo…

View lesson →

Mayday on Mars

This resource was developed to prepare students for the 2018 Tech Challenge. Each year The Tech Challenge invi…

View lesson →

Medical Supply Availability

In this lesson plan students explore the problem of medical supply availability through design activities and …

View lesson →

Microbes: MicroByre

Use this educational prompt to spark engagement: What's the smallest living thing you can think of?

View lesson →

Molecule Madness

In this lesson students will use their own bodies to demonstrate how molecules are arranged and move within th…

View lesson →

More Plastic, More Problems: Using Ratios to Get Real

This activity was developed in partnership with educators from The Tech Academies Fellowship program. Tech Aca…

View lesson →

Motion Impossible

A medical courier service needs your help! They have hired your engineering team to design transportation devi…

View lesson →

Next Generation Science Standards Engineering Progression Summarized

This resource charts the grade-level standards that engineering design challenges meet.

View lesson →

Ninja Walk

In this experiment, you’ll use your stealthy ninja skills to move through a noisy obstacle course while holdin…

View lesson →

No Soil, No Problem

This activity was developed in partnership with educators from The Tech Academies Fellowship program. Tech Aca…

View lesson →

On Your Mark, Get Set, Roll

This resource was developed to prepare students for the 2024 Tech Challenge. Each year The Tech Challenge invi…

View lesson →

Organizing Activism

Explore the role of the internet in an individuals’ ability to create change. Includes design activities and a…

View lesson →

Paper Engineering

This resource was developed to prepare students for the 2021 Tech Challenge. Each year The Tech Challenge invi…

View lesson →

Paper Skyscraper

View lesson →

Patterns of the Moon

In this lesson plan students apply computational thinking to modify a computer program in Scratch that shows h…

View lesson →

Periodic Table Battleship

This game provides studenst greater familiarity with the Periodic Table of Elements. The lesson pairs well wit…

View lesson →

Perseverance: Goodr

Use this video and prompt to spark engagement: Have you ever challenged yourself to learn a new skill that you…

View lesson →

Pick + Chews Data Talk

View lesson →

Planet Protectors

Lab Connection: Down the Drain, Sustainable Cities

View lesson →

Plugged Activities and Scratch

This video provides tips on using Scratch and leading plugged activities with students.

View lesson →

Pollinator Pit Stop

Educator Guide: 60 min (2 sessions, plus observation time) Activity: 60 minutes 3–4 days to observe

View lesson →

Pollution: Blue Sky Analytics

Use this video and prompt to spark engagement: Greenhouse gas pollution in the environment traps heat in the E…

View lesson →

Program a Friend

This lesson plan has students learn the language of robots as they "program" a partner to perform a simple tas…

View lesson →

Property Investigators

In this lesson, students will investigate and analyze the properties of a set of items to determine which mate…

View lesson →

Purposeful Packaging

This activity was developed in partnership with educators from The Tech Academies Fellowship program. Tech Aca…

View lesson →

Puzzling Procedure

In this lesson plan students create an algorithm (instructions) for others to solve a jigsaw puzzle using comp…

View lesson →

Reading the Rules

These icebreakers are designed to be used at any point in the design process, when teams are just starting out…

View lesson →

Redistricting Unplugged

In this lesson plan students apply computational thinking to the real-world problem of redistricting as they u…

View lesson →

Responsible Reservoirs

Play a game that shows the complicated cause and effect relationship involved in major environmental decisions…

View lesson →

Roller Coasters

Lab Connection: Physics of Roller Coasters

View lesson →

Satellite Shield

In this lesson plan students explore the properties of materials by designing a barrier that will protect a sa…

View lesson →

Save the Fruit

This activity was developed in partnership with educators from The Tech Academies Fellowship program. Tech Aca…

View lesson →

Save the Hiker

This resource was developed to prepare students for the 2018 Tech Challenge. Each year The Tech Challenge invi…

View lesson →

Save the Species Challenge

This systems design challenge has students develop a solution that assists governments in protecting species i…

View lesson →

Scientist Stories

In this lesson plan students reflect on the stories of a diverse set of role models through the Scientist Stor…

View lesson →

Shaky Shelves: Exploring Cause and Effect

This activity was developed in partnership with educators from The Tech Academies Fellowship program. Tech Aca…

View lesson →

Shipwreck Shelters

This resource was developed to prepare students for The Tech Challenge. Each year The Tech Challenge invites t…

View lesson →

Social Engineering: Scam Alert!

In this internet safety lesson plan, students will become members of their school’s Scam Alert Team to help pr…

View lesson →

Solve the Fall

This resource was developed to prepare students for the 2020 Tech Challenge. Each year The Tech Challenge invi…

View lesson →

Storm Shield: What Living Things Need

This activity was developed in partnership with educators from The Tech Academies Fellowship program. Tech Aca…

View lesson →

Systems Design Challenges: Connecting to Real-world Problems

In this video educators and students reflect on how systems design challenges develop empathy and career conne…

View lesson →

Systems Design Challenges: Developing Innovative Solutions

This video examines how students use the innovation design process to imagine, create and test solutions to co…

View lesson →

Systems Design Challenges: Overview

This video explores how systems design challenges build learners’ problem solving capacity, empowering them to…

View lesson →

Systems Design Challenges: Sharing Solutions

In this video see how systems design challenges build learners' confidence that they can communicate creative …

View lesson →

Tech for Global Good Virtual Field Trip

Video Duration: 25 minutes Pre and Post Activities: 90 minutes

View lesson →

Tech for Tomorrow Virtual Field Trip

Video Duration: 30 minutes, Pre and Post activities: 90 minutes

View lesson →

Tech Tip: Brainstorming

This Tech Tip guide and video examine methods for inspiring innovation at the start of a design challenge.

View lesson →

Tech Tip: Computational Thinking

This Tech Tip explores the four elements of computational thinking to solve problems big and small. It provide…

View lesson →

Tech Tip: Computer Programming

This Tech Tip provides suggestions for having students practice the building blocks of computer programming --…

View lesson →

Tech Tip: Data Collection - Reflecting on Your Design

This Tech Tip provides suggestions for having students use quantitative and qualitative observations to refine…

View lesson →

Tech Tip: Design Challenge Assessment

Next Generation Science Standards Progression

View lesson →

Tech Tip: Framing the Challenge

This Tech Tip guide and video explore the essential elements to engage all learners in design challenges, incl…

View lesson →

Tech Tip: Innovation Design Process

Learn about the power of the Innovation Design Process through this Tech Tip guide and video.

View lesson →

Tech Tip: Innovator Mindsets

Fostering Innovator Mindsets enables learners to become creative problem-solvers.These five mindsets build ski…

View lesson →

Tech Tip: Materials Strategies for Engineering Design

This Tech Tip guide and video provide suggestions for using low-cost, accessible materials for engineering des…

View lesson →

Tech Tip: Prototyping - Test, Reflect, Iterate

This Tech Tip guide and video outline how to encourage iteration and perseverance throughout the design proces…

View lesson →

Tech Tip: Sharing Solutions

This Tech Tip guide and video examine how to create a classroom culture that supports communication, construct…

View lesson →

Tech Tip: The Language of Engineering

This Tech Tip includes vocabulary that builds confidence in engineering.

View lesson →

Tech Tip: What is engineering?

Engineering: Where design and innovation meet. This Tech tip provides suggestions for introducing the concept …

View lesson →

The AI Sustainability Challenge

Artificial Intelligence refers to a device or program designed to mimic aspects of human intelligence to compl…

View lesson →

The Math Behind Circuits

Lab Connection: Simplicity of Electricity

View lesson →

The World’s Water Problem

Investigate global water issues through design activities and a series of video clips featuring The Tech for G…

View lesson →

Tips for Remote STEM Learning

Educator Guide Parent Guide Parent Guide in Spanish

View lesson →

To Donate or Not to Donate

Lab Connection: Chemistry of Plastination Lab

View lesson →

Traverse the Terrain

This resource was developed to prepare students for the 2020 Tech Challenge. Each year The Tech Challenge invi…

View lesson →

Unpacking Design Challenges

This video provides a behind the scenes look at a design challenge in action.

View lesson →

Unplugged Activites

This video describes how to teach computational thinking without a computer.

View lesson →

Vaccine Distribution Challenge

In this lesson plan students examine the complexities of infrastructure, public health and sociocultural lands…

View lesson →

Vocabulary Choice Board

Vocabulary activities to pair with one of our labs or other STEM activities.

View lesson →

Wastewater Data Challenge

In this lesson plan students analyze how The Tech for Global Good laureates use data as a tool to solve proble…

View lesson →

Weight Distribution and Flight

This resource was developed to prepare students for the 2019 Tech Challenge. Each year The Tech Challenge invi…

View lesson →

What is Computational Thinking?

This animated video defines computational thinking and provides examples of its use in everyday life.

View lesson →

What's Happening to the Pikas?

This activity was developed in partnership with educators from The Tech Academies Fellowship program. Tech Aca…

View lesson →

What’s Your Problem?

Optional Concept Sketch Extension Handout

View lesson →

Why Computational Thinking?

In this video educators explain how computational thinking can be taught in a variety of settings.

View lesson →

Wild Me: Artificial Intelligence

Use this video and prompt to spark engagement: When you hear the words "artificial intelligence" what do you t…

View lesson →

Wildfire Warning

This activity was developed in partnership with educators from The Tech Academies Fellowship program. Tech Aca…

View lesson →

Wind Maze

This resource was developed to prepare students for the 2023 Tech Challenge. Each year The Tech Challenge invi…

View lesson →

Zipline

Lesson: 90 minutes, Activity: 30+ minutes

View lesson →