A STEAMing Cup of Coffee

Brewing Bold Ideas: Innovation In Action

STEM Beyond the Classroom – Keeping Curiosity Alive This Summer

Summer provides a unique opportunity for hands-on STEM engagement, with less pressure from traditional lessons and more time for creative exploration. Programs like NASA’s STEM Enrichment Series and the MIT Summer Science & Engineering Program encourage students to apply their problem-solving skills in real-world settings.

🔹 Resource Spotlight:

• NASA STEM Enrichment – Free interactive learning modules for students

Motivational Cup o' Wisdom: “The best way to predict the future is to create it." – Alan Kay

Key Takeaway: STEM learning doesn’t stop when school ends—it thrives in summer through creative hands-on opportunities.

Quick STEM Hacks

"STEM Shots: Quick Wins for Your Classroom"

Egg Drop Engineering Challenge

Ready for a quick, hands-on experiment? The classic Egg Drop Challenge is the perfect way to illustrate fundamental engineering principles such as stability, impact resistance, and creative problem-solving. In just one class period, students can work in teams to design and build protective structures using common materials. This activity not only sparks excitement but also encourages teamwork and iterative design.

Tools of the Trade

“STEM Shots: Quick Wins for Summer STEM Learning"

5 Fun, Outdoor STEM Challenges for Summertime Learning

• Solar Oven Challenge: Build a solar-powered oven to explore energy efficiency 

• Bottle Rocket Launch: Test aerodynamics and physics with DIY rockets

• Outdoor Coding with Scratch: Code animations that react to weather patterns 

• Water Filtration Experiment: Construct a DIY water filter to discuss sustainability 

• Bug Biodiversity Hunt: Conduct field observations on local ecosystems

Key Takeaway:Outdoor STEM experiments make learning fun, interactive, and memorable during summer!

Collaboration Corner

“Coffee Break Conversations: Share & Shine"

Community Spotlight – Sharing Success Stories

In our collaborative corner, we celebrate the power of community. Today, we invite you to share your own classroom success stories—whether it’s a breakthrough moment during a project or an innovative teaching strategy that changed the game. Tag us on social media using #ThatisSTEMrific and let your story inspire others. Our community thrives on shared wisdom and collective creativity.

Submit your STEM Projects: 

This week, we’re inviting YOU to join the conversation. Submit your classroom projects for a feature in next month’s newsletter Share it with us! Your contribution might just spark the next big idea in our vibrant community.

Don’t forget to TAG us #ThatisSTEMrific

STEM Career Compass

Shaping Tomorrow’s STEM Leaders – Career Pathways in Summer Experiences

Did you know internships and STEM camps can lead to college scholarships and industry jobs? Many tech companies and environmental organizations offer mentorship programs to help students explore STEM career options and develop skills in emerging fields like AI, biotech, and sustainability.

Resource Spotlight:

• NASA STEM Internships – Summer internship opportunities for high school & college students

• Future Engineers Challenges – STEM competitions & career exploration

Key Takeaway: Summer experiences provide stepping stones to STEM careers, inspiring students to take bold, meaningful steps toward their future.