Clean Cut
A hands-on challenge addressed with simple machines, as students engineer a solution to a real-world separation problem.
CATALYST PRograms
Design STEM Kids
Integrated STEM delivered right to the classroom.
Program Overview
Design STEM Kids is a virtual, project-based STEM enrichment program that brings rigorous, hands-on engineering design experiences directly into 4th and 5th grade classrooms. Developed and delivered by CATALYST at Purdue University in partnership with the General Motors Foundation, the program gives elementary students authentic STEM learning experiences grounded in real-world challenges.
Now in its sixth year serving west-central Indiana, Design STEM Kids has grown into a cornerstone program for elementary STEM enrichment.
1,200+
Students
reached annually
60+
Teachers
engaged annually
7
Hands-on activities
spanning science, engineering, mathematics, computer science, and art
4
Event Days
each year, with two activities per day
How It Works
Design STEM Kids is built to bring a full integrated STEM experience into the classroom, without requiring a single field trip.
Kits Arrive
Before each event day, supply kits are assembled and delivered directly to participating classrooms, so everything students need is ready to go.
Instruction Connects
Purdue faculty, staff, and graduate students lead each session live and virtually, guiding students through the day’s challenge in real time.
Teachers Co-Lead
Classroom teachers participate actively throughout every session, and attend a one-hour preparation workshop beforehand, building their own confidence and skill in integrated STEM teaching along the way.
Meet the Activities
Design STEM Kids currently offers seven distinct activities. Each comes with a teacher guide and student workbook.
CodeBeast
Coding meets competition, with students programming a MicroBit to complete a series of interactive challenges.
Emergency Flashlight
A working flashlight, built from scratch, as students apply core concepts in electricity and circuits to an emergency preparedness challenge.
Mars Communication Tower
Inspired by interplanetary travel, students design and construct a communication tower built to withstand simulated conditions.
Pipe Cleaner Circuits
Functional electrical circuits, built with pipe cleaners and basic components, reveal how circuits power the devices we use every day.
Robot Artist
Creativity powered by engineering, as students design and build a simple robot capable of creating art.
Wildlife Rehabilitation
Engineering in service of animals, as students design a solution to help injured or displaced wildlife.
Interested in Bringing This to Your School?
Design STEM Kids is currently delivered to classrooms across west-central Indiana in partnership with the Wabash Valley Education Center (WVEC).
Already working with WVEC?
Teachers can sign up to participate in an upcoming event day through WVEC directly.
New to the program?
We’re always glad to hear from schools and districts interested in bringing Design STEM Kids to their students. Reach out to CATALYST to start the conversation.
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