Groovy Lab in a Box is much more than science supplies. Kids use the Engineering Design Process to be problem solvers.

What problems have you solved today?  Every day we are challenged with solving problems. As adults, we don’t think about the process that goes into finding a solution. Why? Primarily because we have years of practice. We learn at an early age to be problem solvers.

What is the Engineering Design Process?

NASA’s example of the Engineering Design Process “involves a series of steps that lead to the development of a new product or system.” In fact, all engineering design processes start with the identification of a problem.  Educators around the world use varying steps in a design process.

What is a STEMist?

Here’s How We Do It

Each month STEMists receive a subscription box that focuses on a certain theme. The box provides all the supplies necessary to complete the investigations, experiments and design challenge. Our retro-style custom, subject-specific 20+ page lab notebook outlines all the steps of the engineering design process. 

However, our boxes don’t stop there. Through the contents of our boxes, we encourage children to channel their inner STEMist and guide them through the steps of the engineering design process.

In fact, the engineering design process is central for completing the activities in the box.  For example, in the Lunar Launch groovy box, STEMists investigate and research what others have done. Then, inspect the materials supplied to design three types of rockets they will build in their challenge.  What’s nice, especially for busy parents and educators, is all the materials needed are included.

Next, children brainstorm on how they should complete each task based on the information they learn. If in a STEM Team, they discuss creative ways to design their project.  Then, they plan how to build the design.  Once the STEMists build the design, they test their design, observe and record the results.  The last step is to redesign the design challenge to fix any problems that occur in their first design.  Most certainly, our STEMists go through this process with each of the activities. Likewise, they put to good use the groovy lab notebook that guides them through the engineering design process. 

By being a groovy lab, the box is able to entice the innate curiosity and determination in children through the engineering design process.

Next Generation Science Standards

Groovy Lab in a Box aligns with Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) in teaching STEM to students.  STEM education and learning through the engineering design process is imperative to our future.  Groovy Lab in a Box, like many educational organizations and STEM-driven companies, agree that typical education is behind in teaching and learning STEM.

Thinking Outside of the Box

Our lessons don’t stop when we deliver to our STEMists’ door or classroom.  In addition, STEMists continue to learn through “Beyond…in a Box.” This unique web portal contains videos and interactive activities to supplement what kids learn through the box projects.

Groovy Lab in a Box’s main focus is to challenge children to create their own designs, use the engineering design process, and think outside the box. In short, this is how we learn to be successful problem solvers. The makers at Groovy Lab in a Box are excited to play a part in STEMists’ creativity and learning all around the world.

Start your subscription today, or check out our Single Box Order options, to get Groovy Lab in a Box for your STEMists!

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