We have created this webpage as a resource to the legions of homeschoolers who have expressed the need for exemplary web-based STEM curriculum for their middle-level children (grades 5-8). As developers in middle school STEM curriculum, we feel we can answer their need. These materials were developed for middle school classrooms; however, we believe that they will also be beneficial for homeschoolers. This STEM curriculum integrates inquiry as well as engineering design. By incorporating engineering design, students define problems, generate and evaluate multiple solutions, build and test prototypes, and optimize a solution. In addition, our lessons are based upon the most recent research on how children learn; true learning occurs when students are able to develop connections so that understanding is developed in logical and meaningful ways. We hope to develop a plethora of middle school STEM materials that are specifically designed for homeschoolers. Please feel free to use our open-sourced lessons.
STEM Resources for Homeschoolers:
Math Materials:
MiSP lessons:
26 math-infused science lessons for middle school students. Each lesson has three levels of math-infused science: level 1 is graphing, level 2 is rate of change or slope, and level 3 is linear equations. These lessons were developed by Beverly Clendening, PhD, Hofstra Biology Department, and Scott McMullen, former K-12 science supervisor.
Engineering Design:
Rocketry lesson:
In this inquiry-based science unit, students investigate the rate of chemical reactions as a function of the amount of reactant (water and Alka Seltzer) and the temperature of the water. The rate of reaction is timed and measured by the top popping off a 35 mm film canister (Fuji works best). You may wish to use the rocket template for the launch.
Bedroom Design
This is a middle school STEM project that reinforces key understandings in math and engineering/technology. The Bedroom Design Challenge includes all the KSBs and related material for students and teachers. The mathematical areas include measurement, ratio and proportion, geometric reasoning, and percent.
Drying by Design
This is an upper middle, lower high school design activity that has strong mathematics and science connections. Teacher support material for the activity is included, including pre/post assessments.