Covid FAQs We know that, during this unique season, a variety of questions will surface about our in-person programs and community events. The health and safety of our students and staff remain our highest priority. Below, you will find answers to some questions that you may have about how we are lowering COVID-19 risk as much as possible. Are Face Masks Required? Face coverings are optional for both indoor and outdoor programming. As a reminder, cloth face coverings should not be placed on anyone who has trouble breathing or is unconscious, incapacitated or otherwise unable to remove the cover without assistance. Cleaning Between Programs We are intensifying cleaning and disinfection practices within our facilities and premises by cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces before and after each program (e.g., lab tables, door handles, chairs, etc), cleaning and disinfecting objects if they are shared (e.g., art supplies, computers, computer mice, etc), and cleaning and disinfecting any areas that are used throughout the day. We are also limiting the number of items that are shared or touched by providing individual supplies to each student, keeping items properly labeled, and ensuring they remain in the building. Also, limiting outside items being brought in by students with items that are brought in being store separately. Group Size We will be keeping students in small groups of 10-15. Hand Sanitizing We are promoting healthy hygiene practices by monitoring students to make sure they are washing their hands, providing students with hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol when they don’t have easy access to soap and water, encouraging students to cover their coughs and sneezes with a tissue or to use the inside of their elbow, and posting signs about these healthy habits. Health Concerns Anyone who is sick or was sick with COVID-19 or recently in contact with someone with COVID-19 in the last 14 days— including staff, campers, and families— should not come to camp. Be on the lookout for symptoms of COVID-19, which include fever, cough, shortness of breath, chills, muscle pain, sore throat, and loss of taste or smell. Call your doctor if you think you or a family member is sick. Should you have additional questions about our COVID safety protocols for in-person programs, please feel free to contact us. insert standard contact form here

Portable Innovation Labs We’re thrilled to announce that our official online store is launching soon — and with it, your chance to bring hands-on STEM learning to life through our new labs: The Sound in 3D Lab and The Battery Builder Lab. Coming Soon: Our Official Webstore is Launching! Whether you're an educator looking to energize your classroom or a parent searching for innovative learning tools, you’ll be able to purchase individual labs or full classroom sets, designed with real-world applications and creative problem-solving in mind. In this lab, students explore how sound travels by constructing a fully customizable 3D pan flute. As they build, students experiment with pitch, vibration, and design — gaining insights into sound without a traditional lecture. Sound in 3D Lab This is your description paragraph Battery Builder Lab This is your description paragraph Classroom Labs This is your description paragraph Individual Labs

Director of Research Lane Fargher Navarro, Ph.D. Director of Research (Quæsitor Magnus) Dr. Lane Fargher Navarro joined the PAST Foundation in 2023 as Director of Research. He comes to PAST after a successful career in academia. Lane received a PhD in anthropology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 2004 and completed a postdoc in historical anthropology at Purdue University from 2004 to 2005. He worked as an adjunct instructor at various colleges and universities from 2005-2010, and from 2010-2023 he was a researcher in the Department of Human Ecology at Cinvestav del IPN, in Merida, Mexico. Fargher Navarro’s research experience includes archaeological and historical ecological investigations in Oaxaca, Tlaxcala, and Yucatan, Mexico, as well as SW Ohio; ethnographic and ethnoecological research in Yucatan and Quintana Roo, Mexico; and environmental health and biogeochemistry in Yucatan, Mexico. This research has been funded by the National Science Foundation, National Geographic, FAMSI, Inc., Mexico’s National Council of Science and Technology (Conacyt), and Mexico’s Secretaries of Education and Health. Lane has authored or coauthored a large number of research articles in journals such as Current Anthropology, Journal of Archaeological Science, Frontiers in Political Science, Journal of Anthropological Archaeology , and various book chapters, as well as two books, including Collective Action in the Formation of Premodern States . He is also a member of the Mexican Academy of Sciences. Lane is passionate about promoting an understanding of collective action and its role in good government. Accordingly, he believes that high quality STEM education that cross-cuts social sectors and is available to citizens regardless of geographic origin, gender, sex, ethnicity, and race is fundamental to the maintenance of democracy, individual well-being, and social development. In his free time, Lane enjoys traveling to exotic locals with his fiancée Liliana, spending time with his daughter, Sofía Lillie, bicycling in Columbus’ parks, and playing golf and watching reruns of Seinfeld with his pal Rob (“Serenity Now!!!”).

In this episode of Learning Unboxed, we dive into the transformative power of data in education with Chris Hull, former educator and co-founder of Otus. Otus is a K-12 assessment and data insights platform designed to centralize the many fragmented tools educators use and provide actionable data to drive student success. Chris brings a deep understanding of the classroom and a passion for leveraging technology to empower teachers, students, and families. We talk about the overwhelming nature of data in schools today and how Otus helps educators move from being "data rich but information poor" to truly data-informed. Chris explains how the platform supports intentional instruction, fosters collaboration across stakeholders, and simplifies the daily workflow through AI-powered insights. Instead of adding more to teachers' plates, Otus is designed to save time and enhance student outcomes. From the value of asking better questions to the magic of those “aha” moments in the classroom, this conversation offers practical insight into using data not just as numbers on a page, but as a tool for deeper connection and more effective teaching. If you've ever felt lost in the sea of edtech tools or unsure how to make data work for you, this episode is for you. To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org We unbox: How Otus simplifies and centralizes educational data for teachers The importance of data literacy and asking better questions How AI assists in interpreting student performance Turning instinctual insights into actionable strategies Reducing teacher workload while increasing impact Resources: Learn more about Otus Connect with Chris on LinkedIn Transcript Produced by NOVA #LearningUnboxed,  #ShowNotes, #STEM, #STEMforteachers, #Students, #Teachers, #TeachingStrategies, #EdTech #StudentData #K12Education #AIinEducation

In this episode of Learning Unboxed, we're joined by Nick Salmon, Mar Cano Mesa, and Erin O’Reilly, co-authors of TeamEd, a transformative guide to collaboration in education. Together, they share the story behind their international partnership and their deeply rooted belief that teaming—at every level of the education ecosystem—is essential to building a more learner-centered, sustainable, and joyful system. We dig into what makes a true team (not just a group), how ecosystem thinking influences team development, and how teacher preparation programs can intentionally plant the seeds of collaboration. Erin shares how she integrates team-based principles into her work training future educators, while Mar explores how visiting schools like Green School Bali and High Tech High shaped her approach. Nick reminds us that education needs diverse voices—especially non-traditional ones—and that the power of team teaching can unlock possibilities we never imagined. Tune in to hear how this trio models the very work they advocate for—blending ideas, supporting one another’s growth, and pushing education toward a more equitable, connected, and empowered future. To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org We unbox: Why true collaboration means more than just working in groups The role of ecosystems in transforming education Practical strategies for building trust and psychological safety in teams How teacher prep programs can use teaming to support retention The power of including non-traditional voices in education Using teaming as a model for both staff and students Resources: Read TeamEd Green School Bali  – A model of holistic, sustainability-focused education High Tech High Connect with Nick on LinkedIn Connect with Mar Cano on LinkedIn Connect with Erin on LinkedIn Transcript Produced by NOVA #LearningUnboxed,  #ShowNotes, #STEM, #STEMforteachers, #Students, #Teachers, #TeachingStrategies, #TeamEd, #CollaborativeEducation, #TeacherPreparation, #EducationTransformation

Math anxiety holds many students back, but what if we could change the way they experience mathematics? In this episode of Learning Unboxed, we sit down with Dr. Aditya Nagrath, founder of Elephant Learning Mathematics Academy, to explore how his innovative approach helps students master years of math in just a few months—using only 10 minutes a day, three days a week. Dr. Nagrath shares the science behind teaching math as a language, explaining why early exposure to mathematical thinking strengthens all forms of literacy. He also dives into the root causes of math anxiety, how belief systems shape student confidence, and why meeting children at their level of understanding is critical for success. His research-backed methodology focuses on experiential learning, ensuring students grasp math concepts rather than just memorizing formulas. With a mission to transform math education, Elephant Learning is now expanding into public schools, making these powerful tools accessible to more students. Join us as we discuss how we can change the narrative around math, boost confidence, and ensure every child has the foundation they need to thrive in a world that’s becoming increasingly mathematical. To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org We unbox: How math anxiety develops and how to overcome it Why learning math early enhances overall literacy The power of experiential learning in math education How Elephant Learning personalizes math instruction in just 10 minutes a day The importance of belief and confidence in student success Bringing research-backed math tools into public education Resources: Learn more: Elephant Learning Mathematics Academy Read: Treating Mathematics Anxiety  by Dr. Aditya Nagrath Transcript Learning Unboxed is a Top 20 K-12 Education Podcasts by FeedSpot Produced by NOVA #LearningUnboxed,  #ShowNotes, #STEM, #STEMforteachers, #Students, #Teachers, #TeachingStrategies, #MathEducation, #MathAnxiety, #ElephantLearning

The PAST Foundation presents a dynamic professional development series designed to support educators in implementing student agency and engagement within their practice. You can expect 6 hours (3 two hour sessions) of live virtual workshop time and two additional 1 hour virtual check-ins with our staff for this course. There is an option to add an onsite visit from our staff at an additional cost. Please contact Alyssa Reder for more information | Email: areder@pastfoundation.org 6 hours of advisory system exploration: - Strategies for Fostering Student Agency - Empowering Student Voice and Choice - Guidance with Student Autonomy - Facilitating Real-World Learning Experiences - Leveraging Industry and Community Partnerships

Students will bring their ideas to life as they learn design and rapid prototyping skills. Students will visualize abstract concepts and structures, enhance problem-solving and critical thinking skills while gaining practical experience in digital design, prototyping, and manufacturing.