Elementary STEM Education | STEM K-2 Programming
Ignite a passion for learning and foster life-long learners.
Introducing young learners to STEM concepts early is key to preparing them for the future; that is exactly what we do at NextWaveSTEM. Our I-STEM K-2 Programming provides engaging, hands-on learning experiences through expertly designed elementary STEM education programs that seamlessly integrate into in-school and after-school settings.
Our experts customize the STEM experience with comprehensive curricula, cutting-edge equipment, and teacher training, ensuring a high-quality learning environment. These programs, also available in Spanish, cover a range of emerging technologies including an introduction to the science and technology of Robotics, Drones, Artificial Intelligence Literacy, Hydroponics, 3D Printing & Design, and, STEM Classics.
Inspire young minds and build the future of STEM learning at your school—connect with us today!
Our Courses
Make a Positive Impact
Research shows that early exposure to STEM has a positive impact across the entire spectrum of learning.
Integrate Across Subjects
Our elementary STEM education curriculum integrates ideas across branches of knowledge while engaging students with a hands-on approach.
Designed To Be Flexible
We design our programs to fit in with your teaching environment and help you implement them in-school or after-school.
Introduction to Robotics:
What is a Robot?
Skill Level: Early Learner
Tell stories is important to teaching coding! The Colby Robot helps students learn how to tell stories using button-based code. During the course, early elementary students will use their Colby robots to draw numbers, tell a story, hunt for treasure, and complete other hands-on activities to build their understanding of robotics. Hardware required.
Introduction to Drones: Take Flight!
Skill Level: Early Learner
It’s a bird! It’s a plane! It’s a drone?! For our earliest learners, drone technology may seem fantastic but is an amazing way to explore the science of flight and learn more about the world around them. By learning about the fundamental forces of flight, and flying their hand-operating drones, students start building the foundations for the ways drones are used every day! Hardware required.
Introduction to Artificial Intelligence Literacy:
Lions, Tigers, and AI!
Skill Level: Early Learner
The Zappsville Zoo focuses on protecting and healing endangered animals! It's getting busy and the staff has asked YOU to help them design robotic and AI solutions. Over these 15 lessons in our elementary STEM education program, students will complete hands-on activities introducing them to basic AI Literacy, robotics, and machine learning concepts as they solve a variety of zoo-themed challenges!
Introduction to Hydroponics: Budding Botanists
Skill Level: Early Learner
Where tiny seeds of curiosity grow into towering trees of knowledge! In this hydroponic haven, K-2 students will embark on a leafy adventure, diving root-first into the world of water-based wonders. Forget about dirt under your fingernails—here, we'll get our hands wet exploring the magic of plants growing in nutrient-rich solutions, with no soil in sight!
Introduction to 3D Printing & Design:
Create & Construct: Early Engineering Adventures!
Skill Level: Early Learner
Watch in awe as these pint-sized pioneers use cutting-edge technology to construct everything from fantastical fortresses to marvelous machines, proving that you're never too young to engineer the extraordinary. With a dash of design, a sprinkle of structure, and a whole lot of fun, this course is where future architects and engineers begin their journey.
Introduction to Innovation: STEM Classics
Skill Level: Early Learner
Where the timeless tales of science, technology, engineering, and math come to life in class! In this enchanting elementary STEM education course, K-2 students embark on a journey through the wonders of STEM, crafting their own masterpieces with hands-on equipment. Here, young minds will blend the wisdom of ancient inventors with the sparkle of modern technology, proving that while the tools have changed, the thrill of creation remains timeless.
Looking For Other Grade Levels?
FAQs
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The STEM K-2 programming is tailored for early learners in kindergarten through second grade, typically aged 5-8.
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This elementary STEM education curriculum blends science, technology, engineering, and math with literacy, arts, and social studies through interdisciplinary, project-based learning. It encourages exploration and real-world problem-solving by integrating experiments, activities, and storytelling, making STEM concepts engaging and developmentally appropriate.
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No prerequisites are required; the courses are designed for young learners with no prior exposure to STEM concepts. Activities and lessons are crafted to introduce fundamental STEM concepts in simple, accessible, and interactive formats.
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Students engage in hands-on activities such as simple coding exercises, building structures, conducting science experiments, and interactive storytelling. They also work on collaborative problem-solving challenges, robotics, and creative projects that reinforce STEM concepts through exploration and guided discovery.
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Required tools vary by course; for example, Colby Robots for robotics, hand-operating drones for flight lessons, and 3D pens for design projects. We provide you with all the tools required during the course.
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Progress is tracked through hands-on projects, observational assessments, interactive worksheets, and skill-based milestones. Teachers assess engagement, problem-solving abilities, and concept mastery through guided activities and informal feedback to ensure students develop foundational STEM competencies effectively.
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The program emphasizes integrated STEM education with hands-on, age-appropriate technology applications. It fosters lifelong learning, features innovative tools, and supports flexible, engaging curriculums tailored to individual educational environments and students' developmental stages.