April resources from STEM Next Opportunity Fund

Explore DNA science on DNA Day and show youth the power of planting seeds for Earth Day!

Professional Development Opportunities

Prep for DNA Day with STEM Next!

Join STEM Next for a DNA Day Launch Prep Webinar on April 10th to learn the tools and inspiration needed to host an engaging classroom experience! We'll break down everything from crafting a dynamic DNA Day lesson plan to exploring hands-on activities that will ignite youth curiosity about genetics and genomics. DNA Day is coming up soon on April 25, so be sure to save your spot. Register today!

Free STEM Coaching from ACRES

The ACRES project is now offering all STEM coaching materials for FREE—giving leaders like you the tools and resources to keep reflecting on the STEM lessons offered at your sites and within your programs. Check out ACRES Coaches Career Corner.

ACRES and its team of coaches have already made a lasting impact, with educators across 50 states embracing these tools and strategies. The modules, the handouts, and extensive videos are now yours to use at your own pace. The ACRES team is available to provide support as you carry the work forward. Please reach out to acres@mmsa.org if you have questions or join one of their  Zoom sessions where they will give you a tour of what is available. Here's the form to sign up for upcoming info sessions about the free ACRES resources.

Info session dates/times:

• Wednesday, April 16 from 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Eastern (8:30-9:30 a.m. Pacific Time)
• Wednesday, May 21 from 2:30 - 3:30 p.m. Eastern (11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Pacific Time)
• Wednesday, June 11 from 4 - 5 p.m. Eastern (1 - 2 p.m. Pacific Time)

Clover Model for Youth Development (Free training and curriculum for middle school!)                               

Clover for Youth is a 6-session curriculum designed to help middle school students understand and advocate for their own social-emotional needs and gain skills in navigating social situations. The curriculum uses the research-backed Clover Model of Youth Development to support youth in building an understanding of their own social-emotional needs as well as the needs of others. Each session includes multiple activities that get youth moving, talking, and reflecting on key concepts.

Clover for Youth is looking for programs working with middle school aged youth who will be meeting with the same group of students over a period of days/weeks during the summer of 2025. Participating programs will need to have time in their schedule to run six 90-minute sessions and would need to have at least one committed staff member who is able to attend the training, review the materials, and facilitate the sessions.

Fill out the application form

Become a Teach Engineering Champion

Teach Engineering Champions are dedicated educators who advance engineering education by integrating hands-on experiences and advocating for STEM in their communities. They mentor peers, lead professional development, and stay updated on best practices. The Teach Engineering Champions Institute (TECI) offers annual training to enhance these skills, focusing on engineering pedagogy and design. TECI participants become leaders in promoting engineering education and receive ongoing support through quarterly webinars. Apply now: https://bit.ly/41sOrpQ

Activities for Youth

DNA Science Activities for DNA Day!

From developing cures for cancer to solving the world’s food crisis, genomics is full of meaningful and exciting career opportunities. These roles are critical to solving the biggest challenges facing people and communities by using genomics to unlock the code of life.

STEM Next is partnering with global genomics leader Illumina on the “Future is Bright” campaign to bring the power and wonder of DNA science to afterschool and summer programs nationwide. Through hands-on activities like DNA extraction experiments and exclusive career chats with genomics leaders, we’re helping young people across America discover that innovation is truly in their DNA—and that breakthroughs in health, agriculture, and beyond all connect back to the power of genomics!

We’ve compiled free resources for program providers and educators, including ways to join us in celebrating DNA Day with youth on April 25. Let's embrace the excitement of DNA and inspire a love for genomics!

• Activities:
  • Get students excited about genomics with a Strawberry DNA Extraction Experiment
    • Order a DNA Extraction Kit (Please note: supplies are limited!)
    • Activity instructions
  • Virtual field trip: Unlock the secrets of DNA and dive into the fascinating world of genomics!
• More resources!

Activity Testers Wanted!

In April, The Museum of Science Boston’s Youth Engineering Solutions (YES) will have a new upper elementary computer science module available for classroom testing: Photo Classification. Selected testers will receive free materials and a $350 stipend for implementing the lessons and providing feedback.? Click here for the Classroom Tester Application.

YES offers a collection of free PK-8 engineering and STEM curricula designed to engage students in authentic, hands-on challenges connected to their lives and communities. YES also invests in educators through exceptional professional learning offerings both online and in person.

In this new Photo Classification module, students are presented with a machine learning model that classifies objects in photos as animals or trash so that they can rapidly analyze whether a stream is bringing additional trash into the bay. Students work in teams to explore how adjusting the variety and quantity of photos used to create the machine learning model can affect the accuracy of its classification of unknown photos. Using Google’s Teachable Machine platform, teams set up and test their own machine learning models then make recommendations for improving the original. Note: student digital devices required, webcam ability recommended.  This module complements the YES Engineering Plastic Filters unit.?The development of this module and support for classroom testing is generously provided by Dell Technologies.

Make Earth Day Seed Bombs!

Kick off your spring science with a fun Earth Day activity and make seed bombs with your kids! Super easy and fun to make, these DIY seed bombs help youth connect to their impact on the environment. This website also features other STEM activities for kids in environmental education. How To Make Seed Bombs - Little Bins for Little Hands

Making Afterschool Math Fun

Looking for a way to make math more engaging? Afterschool Math Curriculum for youth in grades 3-8 is exciting, supports youth in developing a math identity and connects to their lived experiences. Each lesson also has explicit connections to careers with activities for youth to go into connections. The entire curriculum is free and can be found here: Afterschool Math Plus Curriculum

10 Easy STEM Career Activities

This site provides 10 easy to implement “Make it Matter” activities (i.e. hooks or sparks) to get youth thinking about STEM careers. “Make it Matter” activities link youths’ experiences to future STEM careers. This site also offers free membership to Space Explorer which includes STEM activities, engineering design challenges, and family night activities.

Other Resources

Research-Based Practices & Career Awareness and Exploration

STEM Next aims to raise awareness of research-based practices proven to increase the quality of STEM learning experiences for youth and committed to strengthening career awareness and exploration in out of school time so youth are prepared for whatever comes NEXT.

What are 21st Century Skills?

This easy to access guide takes a look at what’s included in 21st Century skills, how they help students, and why they’re so important. Click to download a free guide on how you can teach 21st Century skills with middle or high school youth.

Encouraging Growth Mindsets

This is a very user-friendly explanation of growth mindset. There is a discussion of pulses and pitfalls as staff support a growth mindset as well as discussion around how to implement strategies.

10 Ways to Get Youth Excited about STEM Careers

Inspiring students to pursue careers in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) fields is essential in today’s rapidly evolving technological landscape. STEM disciplines are at the forefront of innovation and progress – driving breakthroughs that shape the future of the world. Encouraging students to embrace STEM subjects prepares them for successful careers and fosters a workforce of passionate, capable STEM workers prepared to address complex global challenges. This site lists 10 activities to engage youth in thinking about STEM careers.