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- Student Experiences | PAST Foundation
Discover diverse student experiences that bring real-world application of skills to life. Explore our programs and see what people are saying! We offer a variety of engaging student experiences to provide opportunities for real world application of skills and knowledge. PAST Student Experiences unlock student potential through innovative, hands-on opportunities that link learning to life. Our dedicated team designs, tests, and delivers a wide array of engaging summer programs, after-school offerings, and community events. With a passion for connecting students to culturally relevant challenges, we collaborate with professionals and partners to create meaningful learning experiences that truly come alive. Student Experiences Explore Our Programs After School & Summer Programs STEM enrichment that inspires creativity outside the classroom. Students gain skills and confidence through problem-solving, collaboration, and play-based exploration. Reimagining summer learning through immersive, hands-on experiences. Whether exploring robotics, solving design challenges, or investigating local ecosystems, students engage in culturally relevant activities that make learning exciting and fun. Learn More Community Events From Maker Mania to public showcases, our events bring families, educators, and students together to experience the power of STEM in action. Learn More Ready Rangers A PAST-powered adventure for younger learners, helping children build early skills in STEM, teamwork, and problem-solving through themed challenges and imaginative play. Learn More Microschools Powered by PAST Flexible, personalized learning environments tailored to local needs. Our microschools are built in partnership with communities and focus on design-based learning, student voice, and STEM integration. Learn More Workforce Development designed for students Real-world skills start here. PAST Workforce Development introduces students to career pathways and workforce readiness through applied STEM challenges, soft skill development, and industry exposure. Learn More CORI Center of Robotics Innovation An initiative focused on student-led research, giving learners the chance to tackle real community issues through science, design, and inquiry. Learn More Columbus EcosySTEM Connecting students across Central Ohio with mentorships, field experiences, and design challenges. This growing initiative opens doors to future opportunities. Learn More Metrobots Our nationally recognized robotics team fosters innovation, collaboration, and technical expertise for students ready to compete and grow in a high-performance team environment. Learn More PAST Innovation Labs Rolling Innovations: Exploration of Sphero Robotics PAST Innovation Labs Sawdust Scholars: A Basic Woodworking Introduction PAST Innovation Labs Curious Critters: Nature Exploration PAST Innovation Labs Bricks in Motion: LEGO Stopmotion PAST Innovation Labs Junior Tech Explorers: Arduino Robotics Rolling Innovations: Exploration of Sphero Robotics PAST Innovation Labs Rolling Innovations: Exploration of Sphero Robotics PAST Innovation Labs Sawdust Scholars: A Basic Woodworking Introduction PAST Innovation Labs Curious Critters: Nature Exploration PAST Innovation Labs Bricks in Motion: LEGO Stopmotion PAST Innovation Labs Junior Tech Explorers: Arduino Robotics Rolling Innovations: Exploration of Sphero Robotics PAST Innovation Labs Rolling Innovations: Exploration of Sphero Robotics PAST Innovation Labs Sawdust Scholars: A Basic Woodworking Introduction PAST Innovation Labs Curious Critters: Nature Exploration PAST Innovation Labs Bricks in Motion: LEGO Stopmotion PAST Innovation Labs Junior Tech Explorers: Arduino Robotics Rolling Innovations: Exploration of Sphero Robotics PAST Innovation Labs Rolling Innovations: Exploration of Sphero Robotics PAST Innovation Labs Sawdust Scholars: A Basic Woodworking Introduction PAST Innovation Labs Curious Critters: Nature Exploration PAST Innovation Labs Bricks in Motion: LEGO Stopmotion PAST Innovation Labs Junior Tech Explorers: Arduino Robotics Rolling Innovations: Exploration of Sphero Robotics PAST Innovation Labs Rolling Innovations: Exploration of Sphero Robotics PAST Innovation Labs Sawdust Scholars: A Basic Woodworking Introduction PAST Innovation Labs Curious Critters: Nature Exploration PAST Innovation Labs Bricks in Motion: LEGO Stopmotion PAST Innovation Labs Junior Tech Explorers: Arduino Robotics Rolling Innovations: Exploration of Sphero Robotics Our son was very enthusiastic about building a computer. It was one of the highlights of his summer. Our daughter absolutely loved forensics and is considering it as a future career option.” — 2023 Summer Parent What People Are Saying No comparison. Your courses were everything and more than advertised. You quickly overcame technical issues, were highly organized, and set clear expectations. Kids were engaged the entire time and having so much fun they didn't want to quit.” — 2020 Summer Parent What People Are Saying It has been an absolute pleasure working with you guys.” — Alex, Partner and Volunteer (Formula Buckeyes, The Ohio State Formula SAE Team What People Are Saying I'm pretty impressed with all the stuff I have learned, and there's so many more things that I do not know how to do just yet, but I'm pretty sure I'll learn them here." — Dean, Student What People Are Saying Thank you so much for providing this opportunity! This was my child's first coding class and real first virtual class. We are all learning as we go in this new reality and this was a great gentle entry into online learning for him. You were generous, kind, and patient. Thank you again!” — Parent What People Are Saying Frequently Asked Questions What ages or grade levels can participate in PAST student experiences? Our programs serve a wide range of students, from early learners to high schoolers, depending on the program. Each opportunity includes age or grade level guidelines on its detail page. What types of groups does the PAST Student Experience team work with? The PAST Student Experience team collaborates with a variety of groups, including students of all ages, professionals, community partners, community groups and events (such as cub scouts, after school clubs, family nights, etc) and more. What types of activities do students do in these programs? Students might build prototypes, explore coding and robotics, conduct real-world research, or solve community challenges—always hands-on and always connected to real-world learning. How long are the programs, and where are they held? Program length varies. Summer programs typically run 1–2 weeks, while after-school programs run throughout the semester. Locations include the PAST Innovation Lab and partner schools across Central Ohio. Are your programs accessible to students with different needs or learning styles? Yes. We strive to create inclusive, supportive learning environments. If your child has specific needs, reach out and we’ll work together to make accommodations. What does it cost to participate? Many of our programs are free or low-cost thanks to generous funders and partners. Check the individual program pages for details or contact us (link to contact page) for help. Do you offer financial support for your programs? Scholarship availability varies by program. We encourage you to contact us directly to inquire about scholarships for the specific program you are interested in. Our team will be happy to provide details about current opportunities and eligibility. When does summer registration open? Registration for our summer programs opens the last Saturday in January. Check the Summer Programs page or sign up for our newsletter to get notified as soon as registration goes live. How do I register my student for a summer program? Once registration is open, you can view available programs and register through our online portal, Arly. For more information on registering, visit our Summer Programs page. I’m a community partner or business—how can I support student experiences? We’re always looking for industry professionals, mentors, sponsors, and collaborators. Reach out using the contact form below! Powered by Our Partners Our Summer Programs are made possible by our incredible community of supporters. Stay Connected Whether you’re a parent, student, educator, or potential partner, we’d love to hear from you! First name* Last name* Which best describes you?* Message* Submit Join Our Newsletter Volunteer With Us View Upcoming Events
- Terms and Conditions | PAST Foundation
Terms & Conditions PAST Foundation Terms & Conditions Please read these terms and conditions carefully before using Our Service. Interpretation and Definitions Interpretation The words of which the initial letter is capitalized have meanings defined under the following conditions. The following definitions shall have the same meaning regardless of whether they appear in singular or in plural. Definitions For the purposes of these Terms and Conditions: Affiliate means an entity that controls, is controlled by or is under common control with a party, where "control" means ownership of 50% or more of the shares, equity interest or other securities entitled to vote for election of directors or other managing authority. Country refers to: Ohio, United States Company (referred to as either "the Company", "We", "Us" or "Our" in this Agreement) refers to PAST Foundation, 1003 Kinnear Road, Columbus, OH 43212. Device means any device that can access the Service such as a computer, a cellphone or a digital tablet. Service refers to the Website. Terms and Conditions (also referred as "Terms") mean these Terms and Conditions that form the entire agreement between You and the Company regarding the use of the Service. Third-party Social Media Service means any services or content (including data, information, products or services) provided by a third-party that may be displayed, included or made available by the Service. Website refers to PAST Foundation, accessible from https://www.pastfoundation.org You means the individual accessing or using the Service, or the company, or other legal entity on behalf of which such individual is accessing or using the Service, as applicable. Acknowledgment These are the Terms and Conditions governing the use of this Service and the agreement that operates between You and the Company. These Terms and Conditions set out the rights and obligations of all users regarding the use of the Service. Your access to and use of the Service is conditioned on Your acceptance of and compliance with these Terms and Conditions. These Terms and Conditions apply to all visitors, users and others who access or use the Service. By accessing or using the Service You agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions. If You disagree with any part of these Terms and Conditions then You may not access the Service. You represent that you are over the age of 18. The Company does not permit those under 18 to use the Service. Your access to and use of the Service is also conditioned on Your acceptance of and compliance with the Privacy Policy of the Company. Our Privacy Policy describes Our policies and procedures on the collection, use and disclosure of Your personal information when You use the Application or the Website and tells You about Your privacy rights and how the law protects You. Please read Our Privacy Policy carefully before using Our Service. Links to Other Websites Our Service may contain links to third-party web sites or services that are not owned or controlled by the Company. The Company has no control over, and assumes no responsibility for, the content, privacy policies, or practices of any third party web sites or services. You further acknowledge and agree that the Company shall not be responsible or liable, directly or indirectly, for any damage or loss caused or alleged to be caused by or in connection with the use of or reliance on any such content, goods or services available on or through any such web sites or services. We strongly advise You to read the terms and conditions and privacy policies of any third-party web sites or services that You visit. Termination We may terminate or suspend Your access immediately, without prior notice or liability, for any reason whatsoever, including without limitation if You breach these Terms and Conditions. Upon termination, Your right to use the Service will cease immediately. Limitation of Liability Notwithstanding any damages that You might incur, the entire liability of the Company and any of its suppliers under any provision of this Terms and Your exclusive remedy for all of the foregoing shall be limited to the amount actually paid by You through the Service or 100 USD if You haven't purchased anything through the Service. To the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, in no event shall the Company or its suppliers be liable for any special, incidental, indirect, or consequential damages whatsoever (including, but not limited to, damages for loss of profits, loss of data or other information, for business interruption, for personal injury, loss of privacy arising out of or in any way related to the use of or inability to use the Service, third-party software and/or third-party hardware used with the Service, or otherwise in connection with any provision of this Terms), even if the Company or any supplier has been advised of the possibility of such damages and even if the remedy fails of its essential purpose. Some states do not allow the exclusion of implied warranties or limitation of liability for incidental or consequential damages, which means that some of the above limitations may not apply. In these states, each party's liability will be limited to the greatest extent permitted by law. “AS IS” and “AS AVAILABLE” Disclaimer The Service is provided to You "AS IS" and "AS AVAILABLE" and with all faults and defects without warranty of any kind. To the maximum extent permitted under applicable law, the Company, on its own behalf and on behalf of its Affiliates and its and their respective licensors and service providers, expressly disclaims all warranties, whether express, implied, statutory or otherwise, with respect to the Service, including all implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, title and non-infringement, and warranties that may arise out of course of dealing, course of performance, usage or trade practice. Without limitation to the foregoing, the Company provides no warranty or undertaking, and makes no representation of any kind that the Service will meet Your requirements, achieve any intended results, be compatible or work with any other software, applications, systems or services, operate without interruption, meet any performance or reliability standards or be error free or that any errors or defects can or will be corrected. Without limiting the foregoing, neither the Company nor any of the company's provider makes any representation or warranty of any kind, express or implied: (i) as to the operation or availability of the Service, or the information, content, and materials or products included thereon; (ii) that the Service will be uninterrupted or error-free; (iii) as to the accuracy, reliability, or currency of any information or content provided through the Service; or (iv) that the Service, its servers, the content, or e-mails sent from or on behalf of the Company are free of viruses, scripts, trojan horses, worms, malware, timebombs or other harmful components. Some jurisdictions do not allow the exclusion of certain types of warranties or limitations on applicable statutory rights of a consumer, so some or all of the above exclusions and limitations may not apply to You. But in such a case the exclusions and limitations set forth in this section shall be applied to the greatest extent enforceable under applicable law. Governing Law The laws of the Country, excluding its conflicts of law rules, shall govern this Terms and Your use of the Service. Your use of the Application may also be subject to other local, state, national, or international laws. Disputes Resolution If You have any concern or dispute about the Service, You agree to first try to resolve the dispute informally by contacting the Company. For European Union (EU) Users If You are a European Union consumer, you will benefit from any mandatory provisions of the law of the country in which you are resident in. United States Legal Compliance You represent and warrant that (i) You are not located in a country that is subject to the United States government embargo, or that has been designated by the United States government as a "terrorist supporting" country, and (ii) You are not listed on any United States government list of prohibited or restricted parties. Severability and Waiver Severability If any provision of these Terms is held to be unenforceable or invalid, such provision will be changed and interpreted to accomplish the objectives of such provision to the greatest extent possible under applicable law and the remaining provisions will continue in full force and effect. Waiver Except as provided herein, the failure to exercise a right or to require performance of an obligation under these Terms shall not effect a party's ability to exercise such right or require such performance at any time thereafter nor shall the waiver of a breach constitute a waiver of any subsequent breach. Translation Interpretation These Terms and Conditions may have been translated if We have made them available to You on our Service. You agree that the original English text shall prevail in the case of a dispute. Changes to These Terms and Conditions We reserve the right, at Our sole discretion, to modify or replace these Terms at any time. If a revision is material We will make reasonable efforts to provide at least 30 days' notice prior to any new terms taking effect. What constitutes a material change will be determined at Our sole discretion. By continuing to access or use Our Service after those revisions become effective, You agree to be bound by the revised terms. If You do not agree to the new terms, in whole or in part, please stop using the website and the Service. Contact Us If you have any questions about these Terms and Conditions, You can contact us: By visiting this page on our website: https://www.pastfoundation.org/
- Portable Innovation Labs | PAST Foundation
Explore our Portable Innovation Labs for hands-on STEM learning in Ohio classrooms. Discover how Portable Innovation Labs make an impact today! Portable Innovation Labs Expanding STEM Access Across Ohio Our Portable Innovation Labs (PILs) bring high-quality, hands-on STEM learning to classrooms across Ohio at no cost. Powered by PAST and in partnership with Battelle, these labs are designed to support teachers and students with tools and experiences that schools may not be able to access on their own. Reserve a Lab Why Educators Love Our Labs Nurturing STEM Identity Portable Innovation Labs empower students and educators to see themselves as innovators, problem-solvers, and future STEM leaders through hands-on, real-world learning. No Cost Learning PAST Foundation provides PILs at no cost to ensure every educator and student has access to high-quality STEM experiences regardless of available resources. Diverse Lab Experiences Each PIL offers unique, ready-to-use lab experiences designed to spark curiosity and connect learning to real-world careers. Labs spanning PreK-12th grade content, there is a lab for everyone in every subject! Where to Borrow a Lab Portable Innovation Labs are available for free at several hub locations across Ohio, thanks to our partnership with Battelle and local collaborators. Each hub may offer a slightly different selection of labs, so check your nearest location for availability. Our ultimate goal is to make STEM education more accessible and engaging, and we believe that our Portable Innovation Labs are a significant step towards achieving this vision. How It Works Labs are free to borrow for 2–3 weeks Options may include equipment, materials, and curriculum Pickup and return is required at the hub Inventory varies by location PAST Foundation Serving Central Ohio Headquartered in Columbus, the PAST Foundation serves as the central distribution site for Portable Innovation Labs. Educators can borrow labs directly from the PAST Innovation Lab to support STEM exploration, problem-based learning, and real-world skill development. View Available Labs North Point ESC Serving a 13 county region in Northeast Ohio Northpoint ESC is a regional hub offering access to PAST's Portable Innovation Labs. Educators in this region can borrow labs to expand classroom learning with real-world STEM tools and strategies. View Available Labs ESC of Eastern Ohio Serving more than 20 districts in Eastern Ohio The ESC of Eastern Ohio (ESCEO) provides partner districts and their students with experience, leadership, and expertise. Each lab supports hands-on exploration and instructional flexibility. View Available Labs Columbus Metropolitan Library Serving Columbus Metropolitan Library branch staff Library staff can borrow Portable Innovation Labs to enhance programming and provide students with meaningful STEM learning experiences. Labs support the PAST Design Cycle and align with inquiry-based learning practices. Note: Only Columbus Metropolitan Library employees may borrow these labs for use within their branch programs. View Available Labs Center of Youth Futures (Cincinnati) Serving the Greater Cincinnati region At the Center of Youth Futures, they believe in making dreams accessible. This hub location is located on the University of Cincinnati campus. Labs are available to all educators in the surrounding areas! View Available Labs Brown County ESC Serving a 13-county region in Northeast Ohio Brown County ESC is an agency that is a regional educational services provider that supports and assists 6 partner districts in southern Ohio. View Available Labs Southeast Ohio STEM Hub Serving the Southeast Ohio region Southeast Ohio STEM Hub connects educators with professional development opportunities and offers engaging experiential programming to foster and promote promising practices for STEM, STEAM, and STEMM (Medicine) across Appalachian Ohio. This hub is located on the campus of Ohio University and is available to all surrounding educators! View Available Labs Northwest OSLN Hub Serving the Northwest Ohio region Northwest Ohio STEM Hub aims to advance science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education for people of all ages. This hub is located on the campus of Bowling Green State University and is available to all surrounding educators! View Available Labs Mercer County ESC Serving the Greater Cincinnati region Mercer County ESC is an agency that is a regional educational services provider that supports and assists partner districts in western Ohio. View Available Labs The PAST Foundation innovation labs have been an excellent hands-on addition to my current middle school medical career exploration curriculum. My students enjoyed the collaborative hands-on learning and extensions to our current curriculum.” — Jen Hubble, Middle School Educator What People Are Saying Ready to Be Part of the Impact? 01 Browse our full catalog of available labs and reserve one today. View All Labs 02 Have questions or want help getting started? Reach out to our team! Contact Us 03 Interested in hosting a Portable Innovation Lab hub in your region? Let’s talk about what’s possible. Become a Partner Site
- STEM Activities at Home | PAST Foundation
Explore STEM Activities at Home for hands-on learning! Discover student favorites and connect with us to solve real-world challenges today! STEM Activities at Home STEM Learning Anytime, For Anyone Looking for fun and accessible ways to bring STEM into your home, classroom, or community program? Our free collection of hands-on activities invites learners of all ages to solve real-world challenges through design thinking, creativity, and problem-solving. View All Activities What’s Included Downloadable Challenge Sheets for K–12 students No-cost materials and minimal prep required Topics range from engineering and biology to climate science and design Tied to real-world scenarios that spark imagination Some Student Favorites Blooming Flower Create a paper flower with special geometry that will allow for it to open with contact to water. Download Challenge Sheet Gliders Not all aircraft use propulsion to achieve sustained flight. Gliders rely on design and weather to achieve lasting flight. Build your own glider. Download Challenge Sheet Kaleidoscopes Did you know that the word kaleidoscope comes from Greek words meaning {beautiful form to see?} How will you create your kaleidoscope to create color reflections? Download Challenge Sheet Rain Cloud Exploration Spring is here and that means rain! Rain falls from the clouds, but how and why does this happen? Explore clouds and rain! Download Challenge Sheet See it in Action Blooming Flowers Design Challenge STEM Design Challenge and Activity that invites learners to explore how water and life work together through capillary action, and to question where they see this happening every day. See it in Action Glider Design Challenge This design challenge explores the principles of flight, and provides a nice introduction to design thinking and the design cycle. The experiment covers mechanics, aerodynamics, physics, and simple calculus. See it in Action Stained Glass Design Challenge Create a stained glass panel that is both interesting and and structurally sound and tells a story without using words. See it in Action Kaleidoscope Mini Challenge Kaleidoscope is Greek for "beautiful form to see". In this Mini Challenge we show you how to play with light and shape using simple tools and methods. This challenge is appropriate for younger and older kids. See it in Action Bottle Flower Mini Challenge Applied STEM with simple plastic bottles, markers, scissors, pipe cleaners or string, and your own imagination! Make a bottle flower today! All Activities Alien Organism You must design an organism that can live in a harsh Mars environment. Download Challenge Sheet Beam/Bird Feeder You must design a bird feeder for your backyard and you must design a beam to hold it away from your house where you will mount it. Download Challenge Sheet Blooming Flower Create a paper flower with special geometry that will allow for it to open with contact to water. Download Challenge Sheet Board Games You must package three marbles into each game from a large box of about 100 marbles, a mechanism designed to separate those marbles into groups of three and a container to hold the marbles within the board game box. Download Challenge Sheet Build a Bridge This Design Challenge asks that you build a bridge using the least amount of materials to hold the maximum amount of weight. Download Challenge Sheet Build a Bug This activity allows you to build a crawling or flying insect from a simple plastic bottle. Download Challenge Sheet Build a Flower This activity allows you to build a single flower or a ring of flowers from a simple plastic bottle. Download Challenge Sheet Catapult Design This Design Challenge allows you to create a table top or ground based catapult from simple materials. Download Challenge Sheet Climate Change The city is concerned that global warming can lead to more precipitation and wonder what the ramifications could be and how to prepare. They hire you, an environmental scientist working as a consultant, to predict damages to the cities’ infrastructure and safety. Download Challenge Sheet Create a Zoo Art This simple and fun activity allows kids to create a zoo from paper cut outs. Make it fun by asking kids to guess at foods, habitats and dangers in their environment. Download Challenge Sheet Energy Efficient Homes American Electric Power Company and Columbia Gas of Ohio have requested a design for an eco-friendly house that uses multiple sources of renewable energy. Download Challenge Sheet Erosion You will be investigating the effect erosion can have on South Dakota to mitigate the dangers and problems it may cause. Download Challenge Sheet Evolution of Tech You are a researcher on a quest to find the most impactful invention from the Industrial Revolution Era and then to transform it into a futuristic wonder. Choose one invention of technology you could not do without from the era. Download Challenge Sheet Extreme Weather Vehicles The challenge for you is to design a vehicle that will provide protection AND relay important information about the weather. Download Challenge Sheet Germs and Soap You must create a tool to demonstrate why soap and water are such a powerful weapon against this deadly COVID19 pandemic. Download Challenge Sheet Gliders Not all aircraft use propulsion to achieve sustained flight. Gliders rely on design and weather to achieve lasting flight. Build your own glider. Download Challenge Sheet Golf Business Improvement Attendance has been down at a local golf club due to inability to play during inclement weather or pandemic. Time commitment is also a hindrance. Your firm has been tasked with developing a business plan to increase attendance. Download Challenge Sheet Kaleidoscopes Did you know that the word kaleidoscope comes from Greek words meaning {beautiful form to see?} How will you create your kaleidoscope to create color reflections? Download Challenge Sheet Lasagna Garden An introduction to compost and composting places. Learners will build a garden bed or a container garden capable of sustaining and growing life. Download Challenge Sheet Moldy Bread Infection Infection rates for bacterial and viral illnesses need to be measured and documented. The location of bacteria in your home needs to be measured and located. Download Challenge Sheet Neutral Buoyancy BOEM is interested in further developing their underwater monitoring program and they need your help designing the optimal ROV (remote operating vehicle) to collect vital environmental data at specific ocean depths. Download Challenge Sheet Paper Airplanes A small Alaskan town has mail and groceries delivered weekly by small planes. Depending on the wind speed and direction there are two different ways the airplanes approach the small airstrip and land. One approach is straight and simple. The other requires the pilot to turn 90 degrees during approach then land quickly. Download Challenge Sheet Pyramid Cup Scientists often need to move things that cannot be touched (think boiling water, radioactive material, or deadly viruses.) Download Challenge Sheet Rain Cloud Exploration Spring is here and that means rain! Rain falls from the clouds, but how and why does this happen? Explore clouds and rain! Download Challenge Sheet Recycled Art You must carefully choose your parts. Take notes on what you choose and record the disassembly of every item, in case you have to reassemble it. Your only tools are outlined below. Be creative, be clever and good luck! Download Challenge Sheet Sail Cars Make a working, rolling car powered by the wind. Download Challenge Sheet Seed Bombs The gardener has seeds that need to be preserved in a SEED Bomb. The bomb needs to maintain the virility of the seed while being stored to be used at a future time. The seeds must be able to be stored in room temperature surroundings without germinating. Download Challenge Sheet Spaghetti Bridge Alaska Department of Transportation intends to build new bridges in several locations in the next few years and they need your help to design bridges that are aesthetically interesting, safe and functional. The span of the bridges will variety by location. Download Challenge Sheet Stained Glass Create a stained glass panel that is both interesting and structurally sound and tells a story without using words. Download Challenge Sheet Stomp Rockets Create a rocket from a 2 liter bottle, some simple connections and duct tape. Challenge yourself to launch the rocket as high and far as you can. Download Challenge Sheet Surviving the Wild A tour company has contracted with you to develop travel brochures for clients interested in going on extreme adventure trips through the world. The clientele usually knows very little about the biome they are about to visit. They will be dropped off via helicopter with only a small backpack filled with supplies. Download Challenge Sheet The Design Cycle All activities are built using PAST’s Design Cycle model. This cycle encourages iterative learning and helps students take ownership of the process. Powered by Partnerships These STEM Activities are made possible thanks to generous support from our community and industry partners. Connect with Us If you need help with implementing and using these Design Challenges or moving your content digitally — we are still here! We are happy to help! Donate to PAST Foundation Become a Partner
- STEM of Spirits | PAST Foundation
Celebrate innovation and impact with STEM of Spirits 2026! Discover how summer STEM programs change lives. Save the date and join us! STEM of Spirits Stem of Spirits 2026 Join us for STEM of Spirits 2026 as we celebrate 26 years of innovation, impact, and linking learning to life! Hosted at the PAST Innovation Lab, this evening brings together community members, educators, and industry leaders for hands-on STEM activities, local food and spirits, and inspiring stories of student transformation. All proceeds support scholarships for students to attend our Summer Programs—ensuring every young learner has the chance to explore, create, and thrive. What to Expect Interactive STEM demos and hands-on activities Tastings from local breweries, distilleries, and food vendors Opportunities to meet students, educators, and community partners A celebration of how STEM learning transforms lives Save The Date Date: Spring 2026 Location: PAST Innovation Lab, 1003 Kinnear Rd, Columbus, OH 43212 How You Can Participate Become an Experience Partner Coming Soon Sponsor the Event Coming Soon Make an In-Kind Donation Coming Soon About Stem of Spirits Since 2017, STEM of Spirits has brought the PAST Foundation community together to celebrate the connection between innovation, education, and craft. What began as a fundraiser has grown into an experience that highlights how STEM is part of everyday life, including the food and beverage industries. Over the years, we have partnered with hundreds of local makers, brewers, chefs, and distillers to create an event that is hands-on, community-focused, and full of discovery. These lasting partnerships reflect a shared commitment to inspiring learning that connects students with real-world opportunities. All proceeds support student scholarships for PAST’s Summer Programs — helping more young learners explore, invent, and thrive through hands-on STEM experiences. I’ve brought a lot of what I learned at PAST camps with me to college—especially how science and math connect to everyday life.” — Christian, PAST Alumnus How Summer STEM Programs Change Lives The CAD & 3D Printing camp brought out so much creativity in all of us. It was amazing to see students sharing and inventing together.” — Audrey, High School Student & Summer Program Intern How Summer STEM Programs Change Lives I was surprised how much fun STEM could be—and that I was really having fun AND learning!” — Laken, Middle School Student How Summer STEM Programs Change Lives Ready to Celebrate? Reserve your seat, bring your friends, and support the next generation of innovators. Contact Us
- Sam Kula | PAST Foundation
Sam Kula Portable Innovation Lab Lead Sam Kula is a STEM coordinator at The PAST Foundation. He worked at PAST in 2017 and 2018 helping run the Innovators Club and Summer programs while finishing his degree. Sam has spent time post-graduation working with suspended and expelled students at the YMCA’s Juvenile Justice Program as well as writing and delivering philanthropy-focused curriculum for See Kids Dream before returning to PAST to work with Portable Innovation Labs and The Ready Rangers Program. He chose to return to PAST because he values the lasting impact their programs and educators have on students. Sam has a BA in Child & Youth Studies and a minor in Mathematics from Ohio State University. Sam’s hobbies include tabletop games, disc golf, and food.
- Javier Cruz-Ginez | PAST Foundation
Javier Cruz-Ginez Multimedia Coordinator Javier is a filmmaker based in Columbus, Ohio, and the Multimedia Coordinator at The PAST Foundation. Also known as the Digital Auteur at The PAST Foundation, Javier uses his skills in digital media to share PAST mission and vision with the world. Javier enjoys watching films, music, and photography in his free time. Outside of PAST, Javier, with his friend's help, created “Demise Creative ” to foster creative collaboration and promote local artists of different forms, emphasizing social justice. Demise Creative is a creative collective that uses film to document and highlight artists creating a difference in the Columbus, Ohio community. Email: jcruz@pastfoundation.org | Website: https://jcgfilms.com/
- Columbus EcosySTEM | PAST Foundation
Discover how Columbus EcosySTEM transforms K–12 education with innovative learning experiences. Learn more about Columbus EcosySTEM today! Columbus EcosySTEM Transforming K–12 Education for the Future What is Columbus EcosySTEM? Columbus EcosySTEM is a bold new approach to K–12 education that reimagines how and where learning happens. Designed in collaboration with PAST Foundation, 100 Roads , and Education Reimagined , this initiative builds a community-based network of learning hubs and virtual home bases—connecting students directly to real-world learning in their neighborhoods. Community Centered Learning Learning doesn't stop at school walls. Our approach uses a flexible network of learning hubs, field sites, and virtual home bases that embed learning directly into neighborhoods and communities. It’s an endeavor to fundamentally change what K–12 teaching and learning looks like in central Ohio. Fresh Vision for Education We’re redefining education by breaking free from traditional classrooms. Learning is now woven into our communities through a network of hubs, field sites, and innovative “home bases”. These virtual “home bases” serve as anchors for learners, advisors, and educators, connecting them directly with education in their neighborhoods. Student Fulfillment and Belonging Our main mission is designed to nurture a sense of fulfillment, purpose, and belonging among learners. This innovative approach ensures that young people discover their role within the growing community, seize opportunities as local businesses flourish, and gain a deep understanding of how they can contribute. Join the Movement We've already welcomed nearly 100 students into this groundbreaking ecosystem! Education Reimagined is partnering with communities nationwide to lay the groundwork for similar initiatives, creating a powerful learning experience for students. Contact Us About PAST Foundation We're a non-profit organization leading innovative educational opportunities worldwide. With 20+ years of experience, we've impacted countless students and educators, and engaged with numerous businesses and industry leaders. Our mission is to create a community of learners, empowering students to tackle global challenges. PAST has received recognition from the U.S. Department of Education, been featured in Forbes Magazine, and acknowledged by the White House Summit on High School Design!
- Partner with PAST | PAST Foundation
Partner with PAST to support impactful learning. Discover ways to collaborate and hear what our partners are saying. Partner with PAST today! Partner with PAST Linking Learning to Life—Together At PAST, we believe learning is most powerful when it connects to the real world. That connection is only possible because of partners who share our vision. From business and industry leaders to foundations and community organizations, our partners help us make learning more relevant, accessible, and impactful for students everywhere. Why Partner with PAST? We work at the intersection of education, business, and community. Our mission to design and deliver experiences that link learning to life thrives when shared with others who believe in innovation, equity, and long-term impact. Whether you’re a corporate leader, foundation, entrepreneur, or community advocate, your partnership supports systems that prepare students for the future and strengthen communities today. Ways to Support Our Work There’s more than one way to make an impact. We welcome a wide range of involvement, depending on your goals, capacity, and vision. Financial Contributions In-Kind Donations Volunteering Time & Expertise Strategic Partnerships We’re always open to new ideas and creative approaches. Let’s talk about how we can work together. Work With Us Donate to PAST Working with PAST has been one of the most rewarding partnerships we’ve ever had. Their ability to bring innovation and purpose to education is unmatched.” — Corporate Partner, STEM Industry Leader What Our Partners Are Saying The PAST Foundation helped us connect our mission with meaningful educational outcomes. We weren’t just writing a check — we were investing in real-world change.” — Foundation Program Officer What Our Partners Are Saying I’ve never seen students more engaged. PAST’s approach to learning is exactly what our future workforce needs.” — Local Business Leader What Our Partners Are Saying Our Sponsors & Donors We are grateful for the generous support of our current partners and sponsors. Want to connect your mission to something bigger? Let’s explore how we can align your values with tangible outcomes in education, equity, and workforce readiness. Join Our Sponsor Network
- Ready Rangers | PAST Foundation
Discover how Ready Rangers, an innovative after-school STEM program, inspires creativity and curiosity in lifelong learners. Join Ready Rangers now! Ready Rangers An innovative after-school STEM program designed to inspire creativity, curiosity, and lifelong learning. Ready Rangers is PAST Foundation’s after-school STEM program designed specifically for PreK–3rd grade students. Through hands-on exploration, creative problem-solving, and playful discovery, Ready Rangers introduces young learners to the exciting worlds of science, technology, engineering, and math in a space built for curiosity. What Makes Ready Rangers Unique? Safe, Supportive, Inclusive Every child is encouraged to be curious and creative in a secure and supportive environment. Interactive STEM Curriculum Designed specifically for young learners to engage deeply with Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. Real-World Connections Students build foundational STEM habits—like questioning, observing, collaborating, and creating—that prepare them to thrive in school and beyond. Why Ready Rangers A quick look at the heart and impact of our program, featuring voices from students, families, and educators. Program Snapshot Interested in bringing Ready Rangers to your school or organization? Contact Us Grades PreK–3rd Cost Free Schedule Varies by location Location PAST Innovation Lab This is a great opportunity for them to explore things to find subjects that they have never known about to learn from those subjects and to say yeah this is something I love.” — Jennifer Kyre (Instructor) What People Are Saying My youngest child loves science but since he's been a ready Rangers it's like he's obsessed with planets he loves planets he loves the solar system he loves learning about astronauts he was introduced to that stuff through his exploration with the Ready Rangers program” — Paulasia Johnson (Parent) What People Are Saying Ready Rangers is just the most fun experience I've had in school.” — Tahj (student) What People Are Saying Support the Program Ready Rangers is completely free for families, thanks to the support of grants, partners, and generous donors. Want to help us bring this program to more schools and students? Donate to PAST Foundation Become a Partner
- Kelleigh Huey-Toth | PAST Foundation
Kelleigh Huey-Toth STEM Experience Instructor Kelleigh Huey is a Student Experience Instructor at the PAST Foundation and known as the Academic Alchemist! Kelleigh started her work with PAST in 2022 as a Summer Experience Instructor. Throughout her education, Kelleigh found she had an interest and a passion for innovation and a love for all things STEM. This, combined with her love of kids and learning, led her to the PAST Foundation, where she sought to make a difference in STEM education. In her position, she hopes to spread her passion for STEM topics and be an inspiration and a role-model for the young people she leads. In her free time, Kelleigh enjoys gardening and learning more about agriculture and caring for the environment, crafting, and spending time with her friends and family. Some of her favorite activities include painting, making blankets, playing with her dogs, and watching movies. Kelleigh pursued her love of STEM in her college studies and received a B.S. in Biology with a minor in chemistry. She attained her degree from The Ohio State University in 2022 and plans to continue learning in the future by pursuing a Master’s Degree in Environmental Science.
- Pam Andrews | PAST Foundation
Pam Andrews Copyeditor Pam’s desire to work in an environment where people are making a difference in education brought her to the PAST foundation. Her twelve years as an educational advocate for families of special needs children highlighted the need for embracing a diverse approach in the classroom. Her fifteen years of administrative experience in communications, data and office management give her the skills to work closely with PAST’s President & CEO and with their Board of Trustees. Pam received her education at The Ohio State University and Hope College in Michigan. Email: pandrews@pastfoundation.org | LinkedIN: @Pam Andrews




