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Ever since I started teaching in 1990, I have been a student voice advocate. Whether it was as a media/English teacher, student leadership advisor or a site leader. I have always believed that students not only have good ideas, but that they may just have new, unique or even better ones. In an effort to find their own voice and place in the world, they may see things that we don't see or have long been paralyzed to do anything about. In 1999, I saw students address a school's racial divide and cultural issues by creating a school-wide learning experience (see Harmony at Buchanan High School). Ever since then, I have believed that projects with real-world outcomes hold some of the greatest potential for helping students become driven, empathetic and engaged citizens. The outpouring of student voice in the wake of the recent tragedy in Parkland, Florida, is a great example.

When we begin the project design process in PBL, we can start either with a challenging problem or question and then tie it to our standards, or we can start with our standards and connect them to a real-world challenge. This second approach is more foundational to project based learning, for many reasons, including student engagement, student voice, relevance and authenticity. But beyond that, we also do it because this is where jobs are. Jobs are created and grown as we work to address the real problems facing our world and peoples. Our students are ready to tackle the problems facing our world. They have a voice. They have the tools and resources. And they are not afraid to collaborate and form new communities poised for the problem-solving work that needs to be done.

As an educator, parent and advocate for an engaged/empowered citizenry, I could not be prouder of how the students in Parkland, Florida - along with their peers across the nation - have both found their voice, as well as changed the narrative. These students, as well as many others across the nation, are not afraid to collaborate, and use new technologies and form new professional networks in order to address our current and future challenges. Let's be honest, our best hope of improving the status of our planet's many issues truly lie with our youth.

With all of this in mind, there are a number of current and ongoing real-world challenges that we currently face (and probably will for a long time). I don't like the term "problem-solving" in this context, as it implies that we can fix, cure or eradicate a problem or challenge, but by going after our problems with new solutions, we can certainly move progress forward. And in that movement, there is magic. There is innovation. There is change. There is our collective human mission: how can we creatively collaborate, critically think and communicate in ways that make our world a better place to live.

Our students are ready to exercise their collective voices and create calls to action. The following seven ideas are not ranked, but are rather my go to "top seven" that naturally lend themselves to projects that excite student interest, rely on available resources, and maintain relevance and authenticity. Moreover, they are not subject-specific. Indeed, there are many opportunities for English, science, social science, math and others to connect to these project challenges. They are:

1) Climate Change - Climate Change will have a significant impact on our students' lives. Indeed, there may not be one issue that will impact them more comprehensively. Students have seen the data and witnessed the changes, and are listening to the science community. They know that this an urgent issue that will affect almost everything, including, but not limited to, weather, sea levels, food security, water quality, air quality, sustainability and much more. Many organizations - such as NASA, The National Park Service, National Center for Science Education, National Oceanic Atmospheric Association and SOCAN to name a few - are working to bring climate change curriculum and projects to teachers and students.

2) Health Care - Since this has become a prominent topic in the national debate, students are becoming aware of the issues in our country related to rising costs, access, quality and equity. They are beginning to understand the importance both individually and societally. Like the aforementioned topic of climate change, students are also (and unfortunately) learning that we are not necessarily leading the world in this area. They know that this problem is connected to profits, insurance, bureaucracy and more, but they also have a fresher sense of how it could be different, and how we could learn from others around the world. The work on this topic, like many others, is being led by our universities. Institutions such as University of Michigan, Johns Hopkins and Stanford are leading the way.

3) Food Insecurity- as our students become more aware of their surrounding communities, as well as the peers they interact with daily, they begin to see differences. Differences in socioeconomic status, opportunities for growth, housing, security, support services and more. And since 13 million young people live in food-insecure homes, almost all of our students, as well as educators, know someone who is hungry on a daily basis. This may often start with service-based projects, but can also lead to high quality project based learning complete with research, data analysis, diverse solutions and ultimately a variety of calls to action. If you want to see how one teacher and his students transformed not only their school, but entire community related to food insecurity, check out Power Of A Plant author Stephen Ritz and the Green Bronx Machine.

4) Violence - This is a natural given current events taking the nation by storm. However, the related topics and issues here are not new. And yes, they are politically charged, but young people care about these issues. They care about their collective safety and futures, but also know something can be done. In addition to the specifics related to school violence and safety, students can study details of how to advocate, organize, campaign and solicit support, learn that this is a complex problem that has many plausible causes, and, perhaps most importantly, hope for progress. They also know that although they are concerned about attending school in safe environments, our society and culture have violence-related problems and issues that they want to see addressed. Following the recent incident in Florida and the subsequent response from students, the New York Times has compiled a list of resources for educators on this topic.

5) Homelessness - We often hear the expression "think globally, act locally." The topic of homelessness has garnered more attention than ever as more and more communities wrestle with a growing homeless population. In addition to opportunities for our students and schools to partner with local non-profit organizations dealing with homelessness, this topic, like others, is also a great way to elicit empathy in our students. We often hear from educators, employers and others that we want to raise adults that are able to solve problems, improve our communities, and have the ability to see beyond themselves. This topic can provide a number of options for helping students develop those skills. Finally, we also have a growing population of homeless students. So, the relevancy and urgency are all there. Many have laid the groundwork for us to address this within our curriculum. Organizations like Bridge Communities, National Coalition For The Homeless, Homeless Hub and Learning To Give are some of the many leading the way.

6) Sustainability - This is an extremely global issue that affects everything from energy, to food, to resources, economics, health, wellness and more. Students are becoming more and more aware that our very future as a species depends on how we address sustainability challenges. They are aware that this challenge requires new ways of thinking, new priorities, new standards and new ways of doing things. Sustainability is all about future innovation. Students have tremendous opportunities to collaborate, think critically, communicate, and be creative when questioning if a current practice, method, resource or even industry is sustainable without dramatic change and shifts. Students who tackle these challenges will be our leaders - business, political and cultural - of the future. Educators and students can find almost infinite resources and partners. A few of these are Green Education Foundation, Green Schools Initiative, Strategic Energy Innovations, Facing the Future and Teach For America.

7) Education - It seems that each and every day, more and more of us (though maybe still not enough) are moving closer to realizing that our educational systems are seemingly unprepared to make the big shifts needed to truly address the learning needs of 21st-century students. The related challenges are many - new literacies, skills, economic demands, brain research, technology, outcomes and methodologies. It's a good thing that more and more people - both inside and outside of education - are both demanding and implementing change. However, one of the continued ironies within education is that we (and I recognize that this is a generalization) rarely ask the primary customer (students) what they think their education should look, feel and sound like. We have traditionally underestimated their ability to articulate what they need and what would benefit them for their individual and collective futures. One of the many foundational advantages of project based learning is that we consult and consider the student in project design and implementation. Student "voice & choice" creates opportunities for students to have input on and make decisions regarding everything from the final product, to focus area within a topic or challenge, and even whom they may partner with from peers to professionals. It's this choice that not only helps elicit engagement and ownership of learning, but offers opportunities for students to enhance all of the skills that we want in our ideal graduates. As one might guess, there is not a lot of formal curriculum being developed for teachers to lead students through the issue of education reform. This may need to be an organic thing that happens class by class and school by school. It can start as easily as one teacher asking students about what they want out of their education. Some other entry points are The Buck Institute for Education, Edutopia's Five Ways To Give Your Students More Voice & Choice, Barbara Bray's Rethinking Learning and reDesign.

This is not intended to be an exhaustive or comprehensive list. However, these seven broad topics present hundreds of relevant challenges that our students can and should have opportunities to address. If they do, they will not only be more prepared for their futures, but also poised to positively impact all of our futures.

For more, see:
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7 Real-World Issues That Can Allow Students To Tackle Big Challenges

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By Michael Niehoff - How can we creatively collaborate, critically think and communicate in ways that will make our world a better place to live? Letting our students practice working on these seven big issues can present hundreds of relevant challenges can be a big step toward that future.

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Empowering Kids to Be Part of the Solution

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Giving elementary students a project in their community provides a real-world application for their content learning.

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STEM learning is largely about designing creative solutions for real-world problems. When students learn within the context of authentic, problem-based STEM design, they can more clearly see the genuine impact of their learning. That kind of authenticity builds engagement, taking students from groans of "When will I ever use this?" to a genuine connection between skills and application.

Using STEM to promote critical thinking and innovation

Invention and problem-solving aren't just for laboratory thinkers hunkered down away from the classroom. Students from elementary to high school can wonder, design, and invent a real product that solves real problems. " Problem-solving involves finding answers to questions and solutions for undesired effects. STEM lessons revolve around the engineering design process (EDP) - an organized, open-ended approach to investigation that promotes creativity, invention, and prototype design, along with testing and analysis," says in her book STEM by Design . "These iterative steps will involve your students in asking critical questions about the problem, and guide them through creating and testing actual prototypes to solve that problem."

STEM projects that use real-world problems

Here are some engaging projects that get your students thinking about how to solve real-world problems.

Preventing soil erosion

In this project, meant for sixth - 12th grade, students learn to build a seawall to protest a coastline from erosion, calculating wave energy to determine the best materials for the job. See the project.

Growing food during a flood

A natural disaster that often devastates communities, floods can make it difficult to grow food. In this project, students explore "a problem faced by farmers in Bangladesh and how to grow food even when the land floods." See the project .

Solving a city's design needs

Get your middle or high school students involved in some urban planning. Students can identify a city's issues, relating to things like transportation, the environment, or overcrowding - and design solutions. See the project here or this version for younger learners.

Creating clean water

Improving the lives of those with disabilities

How can someone with crutches or a wheelchair carry what they need? Through some crafty designs! This project encourages middle school students to think creatively and to participate in civic engagement. See the project here .

Cleaning up an oil spill

Building earthquake-resistant structures

Constructing solar ovens

Stopping apple oxidization

Advancing as a STEAM educator

The push for STEM has evolved into the STEAM movement, adding the arts for further enrichment and engagement. There are so many ways to embed STEM or STEAM lessons in your curriculum, but doing it well requires foundational knowledge and professional development. Imagine what type of impact you could have on your students and your community if you were supported by a theoretical framework, a variety of strategies, and a wealth of ideas and resources.

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STEM Projects That Tackle Real-World Engineering Challenges | Resilient Educator

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STEM learning is largely about designing creative solutions for real-world problems. When students learn within the context of authentic, problem-based STEM

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*This blog post contains Amazon affiliate links. By clicking on the links and making a purchase, we may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you.

Learning about real-world problems is a great way to engage your students and get them excited about STEM. Introducing your students to real-world problem solving also increases student buy-in as they realize that their work has an impact beyond the classroom walls.

The following are 4 of our favorite read alouds and STEM challenges to engage students in real-world problem solving.

The Watcher

The Watcher by Jeanette Winter is the story of Jane Goodall and her life with the chimps. You can adventure with young Jane as she watches the world around her change. Jane’s childhood curiosity lead to her dreams coming true of traveling to Africa to work with animals. The Watcher is a story of how Jane created a home living among the chimps to observe how they live and interact with one another. This is the perfect story to integrate real-world STEM and learn about conservation. Your students can plan, design, and execute their own ideas for creating a tool to capture bugs just like the termites the chimps like to eat.

Learn more about this challenge!

Nya’s Long Walk

Nya’s Long Walk by Linda Sue Park tells the inspirational story of two sisters from South Sudan who take a long walk to collect water. Nya runs into trouble on the journey when her sister becomes ill. Step-by-step she carried her sister and the water back to her home. Teach students about the water crisis and water pollution affecting nearly 1 billion people around the world and explore how water pumps can help. Invite students to help solve this real-world problem by constructing a water pump out of materials like cups, balloons, and straws.

Learn more about this challenge!

Seeds of Change

Seeds of Change by Jen Cullerton Johnson & Sonia Lynn Sadler is the life story of Wangari Maathai. Wangari became the first African woman and the first environmentalist to win a Nobel Peace Prize in 2004. As a young girl, Wangari was taught by her mother to respect nature. She was curious, hardworking and excelled in science. After completing her education, rare for females, she continued on to study in the United States. After returning home to Kenya, she used her persistence, patience, and commitment to promote women’s rights and save their land one seed at a time. Teach students about the importance of nature and engage them with the opportunity to create a seed bomb to plant and observe over time.

Learn more about this challenge!

Real-World Problem Solving with STEM

If your students aren’t excited about STEM, the problem might be a lack of exposure to real life applications. Real-world problem solving should be at the core of any STEM education program. It increases student buy-in as students realize that their work has an impact that extends beyond the classroom walls. Students develop empathy as they take a walk in someone else’s shoes understanding their problems before coming up with potential solutions.

These read-aloud lesson ideas are already planned and ready to inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers.

All 4 of these real-world STEM activities are bundled at a discount and available in our TPT store.

Join our FREE Facebook group Elementary STEM Teachers Club! Learn more about how to incorporate STEM in your classroom or at home and collaborate with other STEM teachers! JOIN NOW!﻿

We hope you have found this blog post helpful. To stay connected with Carly and Adam's teaching tips and classroom freebies be sure to follow us on Facebook, Pinterest, Teachers Pay Teachers, and subscribe to our blog!

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Real-World STEM Challenges for Elementary Students — Carly and Adam

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*This blog post contains Amazon affiliate links. By clicking on the links and making a purchase, we may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. Learning about real-world problems is a great way to engage your students and get them excited about STEM. Introducing your students to r

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As a parent or teacher, it's important to find engaging and educational activities for your children that will help them develop important skills and knowledge. STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) projects are a great way to do this, as they allow children to learn and explore these science concepts in a hands-on, interactive way.

MODEL BRIDGE

One STEM project that has real-world applications for everyday life is building a model bridge. This project not only teaches children about engineering and physics, but also allows them to see how these principles are applied in the construction of real-world bridges. To complete this project, children can use materials like popsicle sticks, glue, and rubber bands to build a model bridge that can support a certain amount of weight. This project can be adjusted for different age groups and skill levels, making it suitable for a wide range of children.

CLEAN WATER

Another STEM project that addresses a real-world problem is creating a water filtration system. This project teaches children about chemistry and environmental science, as well as the importance of clean water. To complete this project, children can use materials like gravel, sand, and activated carbon to build a filtration system that removes contaminants from water. This project can be adjusted to fit different age groups and skill levels, and can also be modified to incorporate additional elements like solar panels or wind turbines to make the system more efficient.

ROBOTICS

Another real-world STEM project for kids is building a robot. This project allows children to learn about robotics and computer programming, as well as see how these principles are applied in the real world. To complete this project, children can use materials like cardboard, motors, and sensors to build a simple robot that can move and respond to stimuli. This project can be adjusted for different age groups and skill levels, and can also be modified to incorporate additional elements like artificial intelligence or machine learning.

RENEWABLE ENERGY

A final real-world STEM project for kids is creating a renewable energy system. This science project teaches children about renewable energy sources and their importance in addressing climate change. To complete this project, children can use materials like solar panels, wind turbines, and batteries to build a system that generates and stores renewable energy. This project can be adjusted for different age groups and skill levels, and can also be modified to incorporate additional elements like energy monitoring or storage systems.

There are many STEM projects for kids that have real-life applications. Building a model bridge, creating a water filtration system, building a robot, and creating a renewable energy system are just a few examples of projects that can help children learn about important STEM subjects and see how these principles are applied in real-world projects. By completing these projects, children can develop important skills and knowledge that will serve them well throughout their lives.

As a parent or teacher, it's important to find engaging and educational activities for your children that will help them develop important skills and knowledge. STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) projects are a great way to do this, as they allow children to learn and explore these science concepts in a hands-on, interactive way.

MODEL BRIDGE

One STEM project that has real-world applications for everyday life is building a model bridge. This project not only teaches children about engineering and physics, but also allows them to see how these principles are applied in the construction of real-world bridges. To complete this project, children can use materials like popsicle sticks, glue, and rubber bands to build a model bridge that can support a certain amount of weight. This project can be adjusted for different age groups and skill levels, making it suitable for a wide range of children.

CLEAN WATER

Another STEM project that addresses a real-world problem is creating a water filtration system. This project teaches children about chemistry and environmental science, as well as the importance of clean water. To complete this project, children can use materials like gravel, sand, and activated carbon to build a filtration system that removes contaminants from water. This project can be adjusted to fit different age groups and skill levels, and can also be modified to incorporate additional elements like solar panels or wind turbines to make the system more efficient.

ROBOTICS

Another real-world STEM project for kids is building a robot. This project allows children to learn about robotics and computer programming, as well as see how these principles are applied in the real world. To complete this project, children can use materials like cardboard, motors, and sensors to build a simple robot that can move and respond to stimuli. This project can be adjusted for different age groups and skill levels, and can also be modified to incorporate additional elements like artificial intelligence or machine learning.

RENEWABLE ENERGY

A final real-world STEM project for kids is creating a renewable energy system. This science project teaches children about renewable energy sources and their importance in addressing climate change. To complete this project, children can use materials like solar panels, wind turbines, and batteries to build a system that generates and stores renewable energy. This project can be adjusted for different age groups and skill levels, and can also be modified to incorporate additional elements like energy monitoring or storage systems.

There are many STEM projects for kids that have real-life applications. Building a model bridge, creating a water filtration system, building a robot, and creating a renewable energy system are just a few examples of projects that can help children learn about important STEM subjects and see how these principles are applied in real-world projects. By completing these projects, children can develop important skills and knowledge that will serve them well throughout their lives.

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4 Fantastic STEM Projects with Real-World Applications - Parametric Studio Inc.

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As a parent or teacher, it's important to find engaging and educational activities for your children that will help them develop important skills and knowledge. STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) projects are a great way to do this, as they allow children to learn and explore these sc

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Forest Hill News | Forest Hill Elementary School

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Real-World Problem Solving: Finding Solutions Through Projects

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Magnet Mission Task Cards: 20 real world problems to solve using magnets!

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Magnet Mission! Students will combine their knowledge of magnetic properties with creative thinking and engineering to solve simple problems using magnets. This activity was created designed specifically to meet NGSS 3-PS2-4. Define a simple design problem that can be solved by applying scientific i...