What Makes STEM Products Effective?

By: Daylene Long, Catapult X

Published: October 6, 2024

This resource originally appeared on NEA.org

1. Interdisciplinary Connections

Research shows that students gain a deeper understanding of STEM concepts when connecting ideas across different subjects, integrating science, technology, engineering, and mathematics into cohesive learning experiences.

One standout product is ClassVR from Avantis, which brings virtual reality into the classroom to create immersive learning experiences that bridge multiple disciplines. By allowing students to explore scientific phenomena, historical events, and even complex mathematical concepts in a virtual environment, ClassVR fosters a holistic understanding of how these subjects intersect in the real world. One educator judge remarked, “ClassVR’s ability to integrate multiple STEM disciplines into a single, immersive experience is a game-changer for student engagement and understanding.”

Sphero BOLT+ also exemplifies interdisciplinary connections by combining robotics, coding, and physics in a hands-on, interactive format. Students use the Sphero robot to explore principles of motion, coding, and problem-solving, encouraging them to see the connections between different STEM fields. As one educator judge put it, “Sphero BOLT+ makes it possible for students to connect the dots between coding, engineering, and physics in a fun and meaningful way.”

Other notable winners that incorporate interdisciplinary connections include:

BioTechBuilder (BioBuilder Educational Foundation)—CTE Champion: STEM
Carolina Lab Skills (Carolina Biological Supply Company)—Best Freebies for STEM, exemplary resource for new teachers
CloudLabs Learning (CloudLabs)—Best of STEM for Biology: Digital Labs
iCEV—CTE Champions: Comprehensive Curriculum
Makey Makey Expanded Platform (Makey Makey LLC)—Best of STEM: Hands-on Learning: Grades 6-8
Realityworks® Curriculum—CTE Champion: STEM: Plant Science
LEGO® Education—Best of STEM: Hands-on Learning
STEM Sports—Best of STEM for Culturally Relevant Teaching & Learning
Tutor.com and The Princeton Review—Bridging the Gap: Math Intervention Resources

2. Ambitious Instructional Practices

Research supports project-based learning (PBL), problem-solving tasks, and interactive approaches to engage students, foster critical thinking, develop creativity, and encourage collaboration.

CodeMonkey is a prime example of a product that employs ambitious instructional practices. By teaching coding through game-based learning, CodeMonkey engages students in complex problem-solving tasks that are both challenging and rewarding. “CodeMonkey’s approach to teaching coding through interactive games is not only innovative, it is also highly effective in keeping students motivated and engaged,” one educator noted.

A World In Motion® (AWIM®) Preschool Exploration Series exemplifies ambitious instructional practices for younger learners, helping them create cognitive connections in STEM. With AWIM, preschoolers engage in hands-on STEM activities that promote critical thinking and creativity. By introducing these practices early on, AWIM® helps build a strong foundation for future STEM learning. An educator judge noted, “AWIM’s play-based learning approach is perfect for fostering creativity and problem-solving skills in early learners.”

Other notables include:

Kide Science powered by Accelerate Learning (Accelerate Learning Inc.)—Best of STEM Hands-on Curricular Materials: Preschool
BioBrain - Biology (AP & IB) (BioBrain)—Best of STEM for Biology
JASON Learning—Best of STEM for Environmental Science
Killer Snails—Trailblazer: Middle School STEM—Grades 4-8
MIND Education—Bridging the Gap: Math Intervention Resources
Sphero, Inc.—Best of STEM: Robotics
Drone Legends—Best of STEAM Curricular Materials: Pre-K to Grade 12

3. Real-World Problem Solving

When students apply STEM concepts to challenges they might encounter in their everyday lives or future careers, they develop practical skills and a stronger interest in these fields.

WaterWays, a product focused on environmental education, teaches students about water conservation through interactive simulations. By addressing a critical global issue, WaterWays not only educates students about the importance of water conservation, it also empowers them to think critically about how they can contribute to solving problems their generation will face. As one educator observed, “WaterWays’ focus on real-world environmental issues makes it an invaluable tool for teaching students about the impact of their actions on the planet.”

BioTechBuilder also exemplifies real-world problem-solving by allowing students to conduct hands-on science experiments that mimic real biotechnological processes. This product enables students to explore the applications of biotechnology in solving contemporary challenges, from healthcare to agriculture. A judge noted, “BioTechBuilder provides students with an opportunity to engage in authentic scientific research, preparing them for future careers in biotechnology.”

Other winners who focus on real-world learning include:

CodeHS—CTE Champions: IT & Coding: Code Creation & Engineering
CoderZ—CTE Champions: IT & Coding: Real-World Learning
ExploreLearning Gizmos®—Trailblazer: Simulations for STEM
ExploreLearning Reflex®—Bridging the Gap: Math Intervention Resources
Carolina Biological Supply Company—How Do Polygenic Risk Scores Stack Up? (Kit) - Best Resources for Analyzing and Interpreting Biological Data
JASON Learning—CTE Champion: STEM: Career Exploration
Learning Undefeated—Social Impact Award: Promoting Diversity & Equity in STEM
iCEV—CTE Champions: Health Science

The 2024 educator judges included lead judge Annie Galvin Teich, Dr. Omah Duncan, Dr. Jeffrey Crapper, Dr. Linda Johnson-McClinton, Dr. Rachelle Dené Poth, Jamaica Craig, Lance Brand, and Erin Renee Barr.