A structured, engaging after-school environment combining academic support, hands-on STEM learning, leadership development, and mentorship.
September 21–25, 2026 • Week 4
This Week at the After-School STEM Academy
This week, students will become Sustainable Design problem-solvers—exploring how sustainability, language-aware artificial intelligence, computer-aided design, and division can work together to create smarter solutions for people and the planet.
Sustainability
Students investigate how people can meet today’s needs while protecting resources for the future through thoughtful choices, conservation, reuse, and responsible design.
Natural Language Processing
Through age-appropriate, teacher-guided activities, students discover how computers identify patterns in words, sort messages, interpret meaning, and sometimes misunderstand context.
CAD Design
Students move from sketches and measurements to a digital or paper-based computer-aided design, using shapes, dimensions, and revision to develop a sustainable solution.
Division
Students use equal sharing, equal groups, fact families, rates, and remainders to solve developmentally appropriate problems connected to materials and sustainable design.
Hands-On Learning This Week
- Complete a classroom sustainability audit by observing how materials, energy, and water are used.
- Explore how natural language processing sorts words and messages through a teacher-guided, unplugged classification activity.
- Create a labeled sketch, blueprint, or beginner-friendly model in Tinkercad for a reusable product or sustainability invention.
- Use division to share materials equally, compare design quantities, and calculate how resources can be reduced or reused.
- Build, test, evaluate, and improve a Sustainable Design prototype.
- Present the finished solution during Friday’s Sustainable Design Challenge.
Resources and Special Experiences
Students will use STEM journals, recyclable craft supplies, rulers, graph paper, building materials, teacher-guided digital tools, and optional NASA Earth Observatory for Kids and Tinkercad resources when available. Week 4 is an on-site Academy week. No external speaker, field trip, specifically confirmed external course, or certification has been verified.
Family conversation starter: Ask your student to identify one item your family could reuse, redesign, or use more efficiently—and explain how division or a computer-designed model could help improve the idea.
Daily Schedule
Our After-School STEM Academy provides a structured, engaging environment where students receive academic support, participate in hands-on STEM learning, develop leadership skills, and build meaningful relationships with peers and mentors.
Monday–Friday
2:30–3:30 PM | High School (Grades 9–12)
- Student Check-In
- Healthy Snack
- Homework & Academic Support
- STEM Lab Activities
- Leadership Development
- Mentorship & College Readiness
3:30–4:30 PM | Middle School (Grades 6–8)
- Student Check-In
- Healthy Snack
- Homework Assistance
- STEM Exploration
- Technology Lab
- Leadership Activities
4:30–5:30 PM | Elementary (Grades 3–5)
- Student Check-In
- Healthy Snack
- Homework Help
- STEM Lesson & Hands-On Project
- Technology & Robotics Lab
- Team Challenges
5:30–6:30 PM | Primary (Kindergarten–2nd Grade)
- Student Check-In
- Healthy Snack
- Reading & Homework Support
- Interactive STEM Activity
- Creative Exploration
- Closing Reflection
Daily Program Components
Every student participates in:
- Healthy Snack
- Homework & Academic Support
- STEM Instruction
- Hands-On Learning
- Technology Lab
- Leadership Development
- Reflection & Dismissal
Curriculum
Styled by STEM follows a year-round, interdisciplinary curriculum that combines science, technology, engineering, mathematics, leadership, and career exploration through hands-on, project-based learning.
Students explore age-appropriate concepts while building critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, and problem-solving skills.
Monthly STEM Themes
- What Is STEM?
- Life Science & Biology
- Earth & Environmental Science
- Marine Science & Ocean Conservation
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Engineering & Design
- Robotics & Coding
- Mathematics & Data Science
- Health Science & Veterinary Medicine
- Space Science & Astronomy
- Innovation & Entrepreneurship
Lessons are aligned with grade-level learning objectives while encouraging curiosity, creativity, and real-world application.
STEM Focus
Our programs introduce students to a broad range of STEM disciplines, helping them discover interests and explore future careers.
Science
- Biology
- Marine Biology
- Environmental Science
- Earth Science
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Zoology
- Botany
- Ecology
- Veterinary Science
- Health Science
- Astronomy
Technology
- Computer Science
- Coding & Programming
- Artificial Intelligence (age-appropriate)
- Digital Literacy
- Cyber Safety
- Graphic Design
- Multimedia Creation
Engineering
- Engineering Design Process
- Civil Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Aerospace Engineering
- Biomedical Engineering
- Renewable Energy
- Structural Design
Mathematics
- Problem Solving
- Number Sense
- Geometry
- Measurement
- Statistics
- Data Analysis
- Financial Literacy
Students also learn how these disciplines work together to solve real-world challenges.
Homework Support
Academic success is a cornerstone of Styled by STEM.
Each program session includes dedicated homework and study time where students receive individualized support from educators and trained volunteers.
Students may receive assistance with:
- Reading
- Writing
- Mathematics
- Science
- Social Studies
- Test Preparation
- Study Skills
- Organization & Time Management
Our goal is to help students strengthen classroom learning while building confidence and independent study habits.
Technology Lab
Our Technology Lab provides students with access to modern tools that foster creativity, innovation, and digital literacy.
Students may explore:
Coding & Computer Science
- Scratch
- Python
- Web Design
- App Development
- Robotics Programming
Robotics
- LEGO® Education Robotics
- VEX Robotics
- Coding Challenges
- Engineering Competitions
Digital Innovation
- 3D Design
- 3D Printing
- Digital Art
- Video Production
- Graphic Design
Emerging Technologies
- Drones
- Artificial Intelligence
- Virtual Reality
- Data Collection & Analysis
- Digital Collaboration Tools
Technology projects encourage teamwork, creativity, and problem-solving while introducing students to careers in today's rapidly evolving workforce.
Leadership Activities
At Styled by STEM, we believe leadership is developed through experience, service, and confidence—not just titles.
Throughout the year, students participate in activities that help them become compassionate, responsible, and capable leaders.
Leadership opportunities include:
- Public Speaking
- Team Building
- Communication Skills
- Community Service Projects
- Student Ambassadors
- Peer Mentoring
- Goal Setting
- Character Development
- Financial Literacy
- Career Exploration
- College Readiness
- STEM Career Panels
- Entrepreneurship Activities
- Volunteer Opportunities
Students also have opportunities to lead projects, present their work, organize events, mentor younger participants, and represent Styled by STEM within their schools and communities.
By combining academic enrichment with leadership development, we prepare girls to become confident learners, effective communicators, innovative thinkers, and future leaders who are ready to make a positive impact in the world.
