Search Results

Explore immersive Professional Development at PAST, designed for real-world applications. Join our collaborative sessions for impactful growth. Professional Development Hands-On. High-Impact. PD Designed With You in Mind. At PAST, we believe professional learning should be as dynamic and relevant as the classrooms and communities you serve. That’s why our professional development offerings are immersive, collaborative, and built around real-world applications. Whether you're an educator, administrator, or community partner, we’ll help you reimagine how learning happens, and give you the tools to make it stick. See Upcoming Opportunities Immersive Professional Development Our immersive PD experiences combine virtual prep with in-person, hands-on implementation. Each session explores a focused topic—like robotics, agricultural engineering, Minecraft in education, or the integration of STEM and the arts. You’ll collaborate with peers, content experts, and PAST facilitators to design innovative strategies you can take straight back to your classroom or organization. Pre-session online coursework with video podcasts and virtual discussions An intensive on-site experience with applied, collaborative learning Scaffolded support to help you build and test new instructional strategies Real-time feedback from mentors and peers On-Site Professional Development Bring PAST to your school, district, or organization! We work directly with partners to design custom PD experiences that align with your goals, culture, and community. Together, we’ll co-create a learning experience that supports your team and drives lasting impact. In-depth planning and discovery to understand your unique needs Facilitation by expert educators and systems thinkers Strategies grounded in problem-based learning, equity, and real-world relevance Ongoing coaching and implementation support as needed Let’s collaborate to build a stronger foundation for teaching and learning. Start the Conversation What People Are Saying Across the country, educators, students, and partners are seeing the difference real-world learning can make. Here’s what a few of them had to say about working with the PAST Foundation: I enjoyed the hands-on experiences (ice breakers, pick-me-ups, projects, etc.), as resources that I can directly turn around and utilize are always perfect for classroom educators.” What People Are Saying Across the country, educators, students, and partners are seeing the difference real-world learning can make. Here’s what a few of them had to say about working with the PAST Foundation: I feel this will help to engage students and create connections across subjects and can reach students of all ability levels.” What People Are Saying Across the country, educators, students, and partners are seeing the difference real-world learning can make. Here’s what a few of them had to say about working with the PAST Foundation: This training was excellent and provided extensive resources and support ranging from direct and hands-on to frameworks and conceptual supports.” Explore What’s Possible Want to explore what’s possible? Reach out and let’s build something meaningful together. View All Professional Learning Experiences Contact Us

Cookies Policy PAST Foundation Cookie Policy Cookies and other Identifiers consist of portions of code installed in the browser that assist the Owner in providing the Service according to the purposes described. Some of the purposes for which Cookies are installed may also require the User’s consent. Where the installation of Cookies is based on consent, such consent can be freely withdrawn at any time following the instructions provided in this document. This Application uses so-called “technical” Cookies and other similar Trackers to carry out activities that are strictly necessary for the operation or delivery of the Service. Measurement This Application uses Trackers to measure traffic and analyze User behavior with the goal of improving the Service. Analytics The services contained in this section enable the Owner to monitor and analyze web traffic and can be used to keep track of User behavior. HubSpot Analytics (HubSpot, Inc.) HubSpot Analytics is an analytics service provided by HubSpot, Inc. Personal Data processed: Cookies and Usage Data. Place of processing: United States – Privacy Policy – Opt Out . Google Analytics (Google Inc.) Google Analytics is a web analysis service provided by Google Inc. (“Google”). Google utilizes the Data collected to track and examine the use of this Application, to prepare reports on its activities and share them with other Google services. Google may use the Data collected to contextualize and personalize the ads of its own advertising network. Personal Data processed: Cookies and Usage Data. Place of processing: United States – Privacy Policy – Opt Out . Heat mapping and session recording Heat mapping services are used to display the areas of a page where Users most frequently move the mouse or click. This shows where the points of interest are. These services make it possible to monitor and analyze web traffic and keep track of User behavior. Some of these services may record sessions and make them available for later visual playback. Hotjar Heat Maps & Recordings (Hotjar Ltd.) Hotjar is a session recording and heat mapping service provided by Hotjar Ltd. Hotjar honors generic “Do Not Track” headers. This means the browser can tell its script not to collect any of the User’s data. This is a setting that is available in all major browsers. Find Hotjar’s opt-out information here . Personal Data processed: Cookies, Usage Data and various types of Data as specified in the privacy policy of the service. Place of processing: Malta – Privacy Policy – Opt Out. How to manage preferences and provide or withdraw consent There are various ways to manage Tracker related preferences and to provide and withdraw consent, where relevant: Users can manage preferences related to Trackers from directly within their own device settings, for example, by preventing the use or storage of Trackers. Additionally, whenever the use of Trackers is based on consent, Users can provide or withdraw such consent by setting their preferences within the cookie notice or by updating such preferences accordingly via the relevant consent-preferences widget, if available. It is also possible, via relevant browser or device features, to delete previously stored Trackers, including those used to remember the User’s initial consent. Other Trackers in the browser’s local memory may be cleared by deleting the browsing history. With regard to any third-party Trackers, Users can manage their preferences and withdraw their consent via the related opt-out link (where provided), by using the means indicated in the third party’s privacy policy, or by contacting the third party. Notwithstanding the above, Users may follow the instructions provided by YourOnlineChoices (EU), the Network Advertising Initiative (US) and the Digital Advertising Alliance (US), DAAC (Canada), DDAI (Japan) or other similar services. Such initiatives allow Users to select their tracking preferences for most of the advertising tools. The Owner thus recommends that Users make use of these resources in addition to the information provided in this document. The Digital Advertising Alliance offers an application called AppChoices that helps Users to control interest-based advertising on mobile apps. Owner and Data Controller PAST Foundation 1003 Kinnear Road Columbus, Ohio 43212 Owner contact email: info@pastinnovationlab.org Since the installation of third-party Cookies and other tracking systems through the services used within this Application cannot be technically controlled by the Owner, any specific references to Cookies and tracking systems installed by third parties are to be considered indicative. In order to obtain complete information, the User is kindly requested to consult the privacy policy for the respective third-party services listed in this document. Given the objective complexity surrounding the identification of technologies based on Cookies, Users are encouraged to contact the Owner should they wish to receive any further information on the use of Cookies by this Application.

Discover how you can make a difference by volunteering at PAST Foundation . Volunteer today to support our impactful programs. Volunteer Volunteers play an important role in the success of our programs, events, and everyday operations. Whether you're looking to share your time, talents, or expertise, there may be opportunities to support our mission and help connect learning to life. What Volunteering Might Look Like While our volunteer needs vary throughout the year, opportunities may include: Helping with events or special programs Supporting student experiences or school partnerships Assisting with outreach or administrative projects Sharing expertise or mentoring in your field Have a skill or idea you’d like to offer? Let us know. We’re always open to new possibilities. Ready to Get Started? If you're interested in volunteering with PAST, we’d love to learn more about you. Reach Out to Our Team

Discover free, virtual STEM learning with STEM Streaming from the PAST Foundation. Perfect for classrooms or at-home learning. Explore STEM Streaming now! STEM Streaming Your hub for free, virtual STEM learning experiences Whether you're teaching from a classroom, a living room, or anywhere in between, these resources are designed to support creativity, problem-solving, and real-world learning at every level. Learning Unboxed Podcast Hosted by PAST Founder and CEO Annalies Corbin, this podcast explores the future of teaching, learning, and workforce development. Tune in for conversations that challenge assumptions and spark new ideas. Listen to the Podcast STEM Activities at Home Explore our growing library of downloadable STEM design challenges, perfect for at-home learning, classrooms, libraries, and more. Activities are designed to be accessible, engaging, and adaptable across grade levels. Browse Activities Webinars for Educators Check out a list of our upcoming webinars, previously recorded webinars, and register to attend our Teacher Chat Thursday! Webinars for Educators Curated External Resources We’ve gathered additional free STEM resources to extend your learning, including: Women in Computer Science Columbia Engineering’s Coding Resources for Women Online Class Tips and Tools Simple STEM Activities to do at Home Explore More STEM Resources Want more STEM ideas, tools, and inspiration? Check out our other virtual resources or get in touch with our team. Browse All Virtual Resources Connect with the PAST Team

Explore PAST Foundation's Workforce Development programs offering partnership opportunities for students, educators, and community partners. Workforce Development Building the Workforce of Tomorrow PAST Foundation partners with industry, foundations, and community organizations to prepare students and educators for the future of work. Together, we are addressing workforce gaps, expanding opportunity, and building a more equitable pipeline into high-demand STEM careers. This work is not hypothetical. It is hands-on, credentialed, and already making a difference for thousands of learners across Ohio and beyond. Partnership Opportunities A Proven Approach with Tangible Impact Our Workforce Development programs are designed to align education with real-world outcomes. 500+ students earned 850+ industry-recognized credentials 375+ educators trained across 32 counties 125,000+ students impacted by PAST-trained teachers 500+ business and industry partners engaged These results are powered by strategic partnerships that open doors for learners while strengthening communities and industries. View Student Impact Stories Why Partnerships Matter The jobs of tomorrow require more than just technical skills—they demand new ways of thinking and new kinds of collaboration. Together with businesses, foundations, and community leaders, we co-create workforce programs that: Prepare students for in-demand careers Promote equity and access in STEM education Build local talent pipelines Equip educators to deliver real-world instruction Provide mentorship, coaching, and credential access Engage underserved communities in meaningful ways Our partners are not simply funding programs. They are co-designing solutions, mentoring students, and helping shape a stronger, more resilient workforce where every student has the chance to thrive. Explore Corporate Social Responsibility Partnership Opportunities 01 Host Internships, job shadowing, and site visits that give students a real-world view of your industry. 02 Mentor Support students through project-based learning, feedback, and coaching. 03 Invest Fund credential access, transportation, educator training, and equipment to scale impact. 04 Collaborate Work with us to develop a custom initiative aligned with your talent pipeline needs. Talk to Our Workforce Team “It was impressive to see that the interns learned real-world problem-solving skills using the DMAIC method and earned certifications as white and yellow belts. The skills they’re gaining — from 3D printing and CAD to AI support — align directly with what we use every day in our design work. Advancing these skills gives students a significant advantage.” — Industry Partner (2024) Join a growing network of organizations making a measurable difference in education, workforce readiness, and community impact. Become a Workforce Partner

Explore Corporate Social Responsibility at PAST Foundation. Join us in advancing STEM education and enriching student learning through CSR initiatives. Corporate Social Responsibility At PAST Foundation, we forge meaningful partnerships with corporations committed to advancing STEM education, enriching student learning by aligning with local business needs. Through our Workforce Development programming, over 350 students have earned nearly 600 Industry-Recognized Credentials (IRCs). We seek partners eager to shape innovative learning programs, providing high-quality, industry-relevant education and strengthening community ties. Our initiatives focus on students in underserved schools and communities, democratizing access to quality STEM education. Through hands-on projects, we cultivate curiosity and equip young minds with essential 21st-century skills, preparing them for successful STEM careers. Empowering Underserved Communities Verizon Enhancing Digital Literacy and STEM Education Bath & Body Works Exploring the Science of Fragrance Deloitte Security and Human-Centered Design Amazon Web Services Fiber Optic Fusion Splicing Certification IC3D Additive Manufacturing and Real-World Engineering Challenges Ways to Partner Explore opportunities to collaborate with the PAST Foundation in our summer and after-school programs. These initiatives serve 13,000 students annually, with plans to expand to 20,000 students. Your support will help inspire and excite students about STEM through hands-on learning and an industry-relevant curriculum. Informal Programming Partnerships Our summer and after-school programs provide immersive STEM learning experiences for students, distinguished by hands-on learning, an industry-specific curriculum, and diverse subject matter. Our vision is to collaborate with businesses and industries that are eager to actively participate in developing innovative and relevant learning programs. By contributing to innovative program development, this engagement provides a dual benefit: for the students, who gain access to high-quality, industry-relevant education, and for the corporations, who actively contribute to building a skilled and knowledgeable future workforce. Maker Mania: Igniting STEM Interest Join us for Maker Mania sessions throughout the year, where corporations co-create immersive experiences showcasing STEM career fields. These events engage families and students, linking learning to real-world applications. Previous Maker Mania Events Honda Maker Mania +1 Program Focused on Design Thinking, using CAD, 3D printing, Laser Cutting, and Assemblage to introduce STEAM activities to young children and families. Honda R&D sponsored the development of hands-on projects, emphasizing design principles and empowering participants to create innovative products. AT&T Maker Mania Powered by PAST This initiative aimed to bridge the digital divide by promoting digital literacy among communities, students, and families. Participants gained crucial skills and confidence in navigating the digital world. Let’s Work Together Connect with our team to discuss how, together, we can transform education for Ohio’s students. Get Started

Explore our FAQs page to find answers to common questions about PAST Foundation. FAQs Frequently asked questions General For Students & Families For Educators For Partners & Donors What is the PAST Foundation? We’re a nonprofit organization that designs and delivers innovative STEM programs that connect learning to life. We work with students, educators, community partners, and industry leaders to create learning experiences that are relevant, equitable, and future-focused. What does “PAST” stand for? PAST stands for Partnering Anthropology with Science and Technology. It reflects our mission to connect learning with real-world relevance by blending disciplines, perspectives, and hands-on practice. Where are you located? Our headquarters is the PAST Innovation Lab in Columbus, Ohio: 1003 Kinnear Road, Columbus, OH 43212. Who do you serve? We serve students, educators, schools, and communities across Ohio and beyond. Our programs range from K–12 student experiences to professional development for educators to workforce partnerships with industry leaders. What is the PAST Innovation Lab? The PAST Innovation Lab is our headquarters in Columbus, Ohio. It’s a collaborative space where we host programs, trainings, research, and events that bring our mission to life. Can I visit the PAST Innovation Lab? Yes. We offer tours, host events, and collaborate with partners in our space. Reach out to schedule a visit.

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/

Discover how our Strategic Consulting services can transform your organization. Partner with us for tailored strategies and actionable insights. Strategic Consulting What We Do Our consulting work is rooted in design thinking, transdisciplinary learning, and systems change. We tailor our approach to your goals —offering insight, collaboration, and actionable strategy. We help partners: Co-design educational programs aligned to real-world outcomes Facilitate strategic planning and ideation sessions Develop innovative community engagement models Integrate STEM and workforce readiness into existing initiatives Evaluate programs for continuous improvement and impact Who We Work With School & District Leaders looking to align learning with student passions and workforce needs Foundations & Nonprofits developing education or community initiatives Business & Industry Partners Government & Policy Organizations building scalable, equity-focused solutions Why Partner with PAST With experience across 29 states and international projects, our team brings a unique combination of research, practice, and creativity. From launching the PAST Innovation Lab to shaping national models for education reform, we’ve helped hundreds of organizations take bold steps forward. Our track record includes: 03 Thousands of successful collaborations with schools, companies, and communities 02 Smart 50 Award for Top Innovation 01 US Department of Education Excellence in Innovation Award PAST is truly a remarkable group of thinkers and innovators. Partnering with them to create their space, PAST Innovation Lab is a place where ideas come to fruition.” — Todd Boyer, Principal, WSA Studio Let’s Build What’s Next If you’re ready to explore what’s possible, we’d love to connect. Get In Touch

Discover the Ohio Scholastic Esports Collaborative, a statewide initiative fostering esports growth in Ohio. Join the Ohio Scholastic Esports Collaborative today! Ohio Scholastic Esports Collaborative Linking passion to purpose through competitive, career-connected play The Ohio Scholastic Esports Collaborative (OhioSEC) is a statewide initiative powered by a partnership between the PAST Foundation, Esports Ohio, the North America Scholastic Esports Federation (NASEF), and the Samueli Foundation. Together, we’re helping schools across Ohio integrate scholastic Esports into classrooms, after-school programs, and career pathways. This work connects students’ passion for gaming to opportunities in technology, media, and entrepreneurship—building essential skills like communication, collaboration, and creative problem-solving along the way. Why Esports? Esports is more than play. It’s a platform. Esports clubs are inclusive by nature. Players, content creators, shoutcasters, graphic designers, coders, and marketers all play a vital role in shaping a team’s success. Together, they learn what it means to think strategically, act responsibly, and work as a team. Building community and a sense of belonging Developing leadership and career skills in real-world roles Encouraging collaboration across student interests and abilities Connecting games to future goals, including media, IT, marketing, and event production About Our Partners Esports Ohio Esports Ohio is a teacher-founded, free-to-join nonprofit that provides a competitive league and resources to help schools launch and manage Esports teams. Their mission is to empower students by providing educators with the support needed to build thriving Esports communities in schools. Learn more at www.esportsohio.org. North America Scholastic Esports Federation (NASEF) NASEF is a nonprofit organization using Esports to help students develop skills for success in school and life. Their mission is to ensure all students—regardless of background—can access high-quality Esports programs grounded in learning, opportunity, diversity, and respect. Learn more at www.esportsfed.org. Start an Esports Club at Your School Access 9th Grade Curriculums Access 10th Grade Curriculums Access 11th Grade Curriculums Access 12th Grade Curriculums View the Esports Standards Note: Curriculum materials linked above are created and maintained by NASEF. PAST Foundation does not control this content. All rights reserved by NASEF. Esports in Action Lower Cost, Higher Value Students graduate high school with credentials and up to 14 college credits—reducing the total cost of a college degree. College-Ready and Career-Certified Students are certified for entry-level positions in medical laboratories, providing income and experience that enhance future opportunities. Equity-Focused Designed to be inclusive and accessible, the program supports students from all backgrounds in pursuing careers in healthcare. Innovation in Action The Microschool acts as a research and development model for new ways to teach, mentor, and prepare students for medical careers. Want to Learn More? The PAST Foundation is proud to support schools and partners interested in launching or expanding Esports programs. If your school is ready to take the next step, we’re here to help. Explore Student Experiences Contact Us

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

Discover how Metrobots, a leading high school robotics team, excels in design and competition. Join Metrobots and explore their innovative journey! Metrobots Metrobots are more than a robotics team. They're a hands-on training ground for problem-solvers, innovators, and future engineers. The Metrobots are a high school robotics team that designs, builds, and competes as part of the global FIRST Robotics Competition . Based at the PAST Innovation Lab in Columbus, Ohio, the team combines technical skill with collaboration and creativity to solve real-world engineering challenges. What Sets Metrobots Apart Powered by PAST PAST is the proud hosting sponsor and fiscal agent of the team, providing equipment, mentors, and lab access. Proven Performance The Metrobots have earned a reputation for excellence — competing at the FIRST World Championship and bringing home awards for innovation, impact, and leadership. Community Impact From mentoring other teams to leading engineering workshops across Ohio, Metrobots are committed to giving back and helping grow the next generation of STEM talent. Want to Help Make More of This Possible? Every recognition is the result of partnership. If you’re interested in supporting our work or becoming a funding partner, we’d love to hear from you! Partner with Us Make a Donation Timeline of Achievements 2024: Regional Finalists – Buckeye Regional 2023: Outreach Expansion – 10+ statewide community events 2022: Regional Chairman’s Award – Miami Valley 2017: Engineering Inspiration Award – FIRST World Championship 2015–2018: Qualified for World Championships Want to Get Involved? Whether you're a parent, a sponsor, or a future Metrobot, there are many ways to be part of the team. Donate to PAST Foundation Become a Partner