Bridging the Gap in Project-Based Learning
As a collective of administrators, classroom teachers, and parents, we deeply value the principles of project-based learning.
We see its potential to ignite curiosity, foster collaboration, and build real-world problem-solving skills.
However, in practice, we've observed a persistent gap—one that calls for intentional rethinking.
What Makes Genstem Different?
GenSTEM was created to solve a common challenge in elementary education: how to deliver meaningful, hands-on STEAM learning without overwhelming teachers or requiring constant adult direction.
We believe students are capable of more than we often give them credit for.
Our plug-and-play elementary STEAM curriculum blends modern project-based learning with structured collaboration to create classrooms that are active, engaged, and student-driven. Instead of waiting for instructions, students build, test, redesign, and problem-solve together.
The result? Buzzing classrooms where learning feels purposeful — and independence grows naturally.
Our Approach
Project-Based by Design Each unit is built around meaningful challenges that encourage students to think like engineers, designers, and problem-solvers.
Collaboration With Structure Students work in small teams with defined roles and systems that promote productive teamwork — not chaos.
Independence as a Skill GenSTEM is intentionally designed so students learn to manage materials, navigate tools, and solve problems without constant teacher intervention.
Vertical Alignment (K–5) Skills build year after year. Students develop deeper collaboration, critical thinking, and engineering habits over time.
How we use supplies:
In practice, one of the biggest challenges in delivering a successful STEAM lesson is the time it takes to set up, clean up, and organize materials.
To make this easier for educators, we’ve categorized all supplies into three simple groups: Reusable, Consumable, and Recycling.
Project challenges allow for use of the same core set of supplies, while still providing flexibility to substitute additional materials that might already be available. Our suggested core materials can be organized in a box for home use, housed on a cart to move classroom to classroom, or set out in a designated classroom.
Reusable
Items that can be used across multiple lessons or classes.
We are not a kit.
Consumable
Single-use materials that will need occasional replacement.
Recycling
Everyday items that can be repurposed for projects, helping reduce waste and cost.
While some of the consumables are single-use, GenSTEM as a whole is not.
Our emphasis is on delivering high-quality, flexible curriculum—not pre-packaged, one-time lessons.
Our suggested supply lists are meant to simplify your preparation—not limit your creativity. We always encourage educators to supplement with materials already available at school or home.
Mistakes are Part of the Learning.
We believe that mistakes aren’t setbacks—they’re essential to learning and kids need to learn by doing. GenSTEM classrooms are positive, encouraging spaces where students get to learn through success and failure.
Students are taught to celebrate experimentation, embrace iteration, and develop the resilience to try again.
Teachers support this mindset by modeling curiosity, encouraging risk-taking, and guiding students to reflect constructively on their experiences.