Summer is all about having fun, right? But here’s the catch: Learners can lose a month's worth of academic progress during summer break (Cooper et al., 1996). That’s where out-of-school programs save the day by creating learning experiences just as cool as sunny beach days.  Dive into Fun and Engaging STEM Themes PCS Edventures STEM-themed camps are the ultimate summer experience, complete with everything needed to provide meaningful and motivating activities throughout the season. Whether it’s coding robots or exploring the world beyond classroom walls, STEM sparks curiosity and ..read more

The STEM-SEL Connection: How STEM Can Promote Social and Emotional Learning There is a growing recognition of the importance of integrating STEM education and social and emotional learning (SEL) for comprehensive holistic learner development. The fusion of these two approaches equips learners with skills to tackle the challenges of a rapidly changing world. STEM education sparks critical thinking, curiosity, problem-solving and analytical thinking in learners. SEL is an educational framework that focuses on important life skills such as self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relati ..read more

"We can never come to know the whole of reality by isolating variables." -Andrew P. Johnson, PhD, Holistic Learning Theory and Holistic Education, 2005 What Is Holistic Learning? Holistic educators facilitate learning experiences that nurture learners’ minds, bodies and hearts. They aim to develop the whole child by encouraging them to be self-directed, well-rounded learners with diverse skill sets. They strive to create a student-centered, interdisciplinary environment that prepares learners for success in the real world.  STEM educators, does this all sound familiar? There's consider ..read more

Children’s innate ability for creative problem-solving often leads them to innovative solutions that even adults might overlook. However, fostering their passion for innovation can be challenging unless they first develop a self-perception as inventors. Imagine if every learner dared to pursue their unique questions. What problems would they solve? What groundbreaking discoveries would they make? Fortunately, young inventors worldwide have chosen to believe in themselves, actively pursuing their ideas and becoming a true inspiration for many. Incorporating young role models into STEM education ..read more

How can you create flexible learning opportunities with a self-directed STEM curriculum? Learning environments are laboratories of creativity and curiosity. Incorporating a STEM curriculum into your program is a natural way to engage learners and strengthen critical thinking and problem-solving skills. In learning labs, learners brim with excitement, and STEM learning quickly becomes their favorite time of day! Shifting from whole-group instruction to a self-paced, independent learning lab empowers learners with more choices and moves educators from direct instructors to facilitators. In this ..read more

Learners are entering a new economic era. Entrepreneurship continues to be on the rise as small businesses now make up nearly half of the US workforce (Stahl, 2022). There is no doubt that people are looking to take charge of their futures. This begs the question: Are we preparing students to be entrepreneurs? It’s not just about preparing them to start their own small businesses. Nurturing an entrepreneurial mindset is about creating opportunities, adapting to changing circumstances and making a meaningful impact on society. It gives learners practical skills to use throughout their personal ..read more

Mathematics is so much more than just a school subject. It empowers us to solve problems, uncover opportunities and make informed decisions in the real world. However, math lessons often feel disconnected from their use and application. Whether learners struggle to understand real-world connections or have difficulty learning various math concepts, educators are left wondering how to engage them and strengthen their math skills and confidence. The answer is STEAM! STEAM transforms how educators teach and students learn math by making it relevant, exciting and hands-on. Let’s explore how our mu ..read more

A geographic information system (GIS) is a valuable tool for a wide range of STEM careers, including environmental science, civil engineering and market analysis. So, what is a GIS? It’s a system that creates, manages, analyzes and maps all kinds of data. A GIS connects data to a map and integrates locations with descriptions. This data is displayed using various apps and software, which can differ depending on the industry. The data is then used to make real-time, informed decisions. The data produced by a GIS is so essential to other STEM industries that this field of study is in high demand ..read more

Out-of-School Time (OST) is where the magic happens — where educators transform the skills students learn in school into lifelong strategies. Expanded Learning Opportunities (ELOs), often referred to as ELO funding or ELO grants, across the country are implementing Quality Standards to ensure that OST programs provide safe, structured environments where all learners can hone their talents. Are there any funding options available for ELO-aligned STEAM programs? YES! PCS Edventures’ products are eligible for ELO funding and meet states’ Quality Standards. Let’s reveal how as we pull back the cur ..read more

Recent years have seen a boom in the power of plants. Before the current trends of plant-based diets and natural oils gained popularity, chemist Percy Lavon Julian recognized plants’ beneficial role in human health. Despite facing many challenges as an African American during segregation, Julian played a significant role in revolutionizing the pharmaceutical industry. His many publications and patents led to the mass production of affordable drugs and products still relevant today. Synthesis on Steroids: Now and then, great discoveries happen when we least expect them. For Percy Lavon Julian ..read more