STEM

Explorations in STEM

Explorations in STEM immerses middle school students in the dynamic and interconnected world of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Designed for grades 6–8, this self paced online course invites learners to explore how these disciplines work together to solve meaningful real world problems

1.0 CreditGrades 6–8100% OnlineSelf-Paced9 ModulesMiddle School

About the course

Course Overview

Explorations in STEM immerses middle school students in the dynamic and interconnected world of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Designed for grades 6–8, this self paced online course invites learners to explore how these disciplines work together to solve meaningful real world problems. Rather than studying each subject in isolation, students discover how STEM fields overlap, inform one another, and combine to drive innovation.

Throughout the course, students engage in authentic problem solving challenges that reflect real scientific and engineering work. They learn and apply the engineering design process, practice mathematical modeling, develop computational thinking skills, and analyze data to draw informed conclusions. Each module builds both conceptual understanding and practical skills, helping students see how STEM thinking applies to everyday life and global challenges.

As the course progresses, students move from strengthening individual STEM skills to integrating them in more complex tasks. Clear cross disciplinary connections are emphasized in every module so students understand not just what they are learning, but why it matters. By the end of the course, students complete a capstone challenge that requires them to apply scientific reasoning, mathematical analysis, technological tools, and engineering design in a unified project.

Explorations in STEM encourages curiosity, creativity, and persistence. As an asynchronous online course, it allows students to work at their own pace while building critical thinking, collaboration, and problem solving skills that prepare them for advanced STEM study and future careers.

By the end of the course

Learning Objectives

  • Define engineering problems by identifying scientific constraints, mathematical criteria, and technological requirements
  • Develop and use mathematical models to represent scientific relationships and make predictions
  • Create computational models or simulations to test hypotheses and analyze system behavior
  • Collect, transform, and analyze data from design tests using computational tools and scientific reasoning
  • Evaluate competing design solutions by applying mathematical analysis across scientific, economic, and social dimensions
  • Design and implement algorithmic solutions to STEM problems, recognizing patterns and creating reusable procedures
  • Construct and defend claims about scientific phenomena or design solutions using evidence and reasoning

Course contents

What You'll Study

01Module

What Is STEM?

Define STEM integration; identify how disciplines connect

02Module

The Scientific Method & Inquiry

Apply the scientific method; design and evaluate investigations

03Module

Mathematical Modeling Foundations

Build mathematical models to represent and predict real-world phenomena

04Module

Computational Thinking & Algorithms

Apply decomposition, pattern recognition, and algorithmic thinking

05Module

Engineering Design Process

Use the engineering design cycle to build and iterate prototypes

06Module

Data Collection & Analysis

Collect and analyze data using computational tools and statistical reasoning

07Module

Systems Thinking & Simulation

Model systems with interconnected parts; simulate outcomes

08Module

Evaluating Solutions & Trade-offs

Evaluate competing solutions against criteria and constraints

09Module

STEM Integration in Action

Apply all STEM skills to an integrated capstone challenge

Earn your 1.0 credit in Explorations in STEM

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