In today’s fast-paced world, introducing students to diverse career options early is vital for their success. Starting career exploration in middle school helps students discover their interests and build essential skills. Research shows that early engagement in potential career paths increases motivation, as students can connect their education to real-world opportunities. Learning Blade, powered by eDynamic Learning, provides educators with tools to integrate career exploration and STEM education. This empowers students to unlock their potential and confidently pursue their goals. (Learning Blade is funded in several states, find out if you have free access to the platform here.)

Let’s explore Learning Blade’s toolbox, our STEM curriculum, tools, and resources available in Learning Blade to help educators integrate STEM awareness and career readiness into your classroom.

Learning Blade’s Toolbox of Supplemental Instructional Resources

Learning Blade offers middle schools online interactive supplemental lessons and activities that are proven to increase career interests in a variety of high-demand areas including computer science, STEM, and CTE careers. Ready-to-use online student lessons for math, science, social studies, and language arts, aligned to state standards, with corresponding lesson plans for teachers. Learning Blade is constantly adapting and expanding our STEM curriculum toolbox that allows educators to integrate STEM and career awareness into their teaching needs.

Interactive Lessons

Over 400 online lessons connect more than 100 careers and technologies to students’ academic skills, demonstrating real-world problem-solving. These activities expose students to STEM and computer science (CS) careers and topics, fostering curiosity and expanding their understanding of real-world applications. These lessons not only build knowledge but also foster a deeper connection to potential career paths, helping students see the real-world value of their education.

Design Thinking

Students use design thinking methodology to solve complex problems through brainstorming, collaboration, and the creative exploration of new possibilities. Some of these activities include collaborative group work where a teacher can assign students to small teams where they can work together on mission tasks, such as solving real-world problems or brainstorming innovative solutions. For example, an entire grade level team in NJ is having students do “Shark Tank Presentations” in conjunction with our Entrepreneurship Mission. This approach helps students build teamwork and communication skills while encouraging peer learning and collective problem-solving. By practicing design thinking, students develop critical skills like creativity, adaptability, and resilience—qualities that are increasingly important in today’s job market.

Challenge Projects

Simple hands-on activities emphasize problem-solving, critical thinking, teamwork, and communication using readily available materials. Most middle school science teachers cover the concept of the flow of blood through the heart. The Learning Blade Mission Challenge for our Heart Surgery Mission has a simple lesson plan to have students design and build their own stethoscope using basic household items of paper towel roll and plastic bottles. Or the Haiti Orphanage Mission Challenge which engages students in designing a custom floor plan for a new orphanage, helping them understand the real-world challenges of planning a building to meet specific usage requirements, using graph paper or even toy building blocks like Lego® to bring their ideas to life. This allows teachers to be hands-on with learning and give students a digital break. These projects bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application, enabling students to experience the satisfaction of bringing their ideas to life.

3D Printing Activities

3D printing experiments and projects demonstrate STEM principles and provide students with experience turning 3D designs into physical items. Students gain firsthand experience with cutting-edge technology, sparking their interest in engineering, manufacturing, and other high-demand fields. For example, a 3D-printed car can enable students to conduct experiments by adding and removing weights (coins).

Career Videos

Each STEM and CS career addressed in our online lessons includes a career introduction video presenting the career and the education pathway. This gives students a great opportunity to learn about different careers. This visual approach helps demystify career options, making them more relatable and attainable for students from all backgrounds.

Parent Discussions

Parent-ready handouts simulate STEM and career conversations at home, help fill ESSA requirements for parental involvement, and encourage research and simple at-home experiments. Click to view one of the many parent handouts that a teacher can send home to encourage parents and students to learn. These discussions create a vital link between the classroom and home, fostering a community of support around students’ career exploration.

Papercraft Figures

Each STEM and CS career is accompanied by a 3D papercraft figure students can assemble, helping internalize knowledge of 3D Shapes and offering a tangible reminder of the careers and technologies. This is a fun activity for the students and gives teachers and students a digital break. This tactile activity not only reinforces key concepts but also serves as a creative and engaging way for students to reflect on their learning.

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Why Learning Blade and eDynamic Learning

eDynamic Learning, founded by a classroom teacher, is dedicated to providing educators with equitable and accessible instructional materials. We offer career and technical education (CTE) curriculum for middle and high school students as well as supplemental resources to help prepare learners for life after graduation. Our focus is on supporting teachers and programs that encourage students to explore their interests and career options, acquire skills through career and technical education (CTE), and develop essential life readiness skills such as interpersonal communication and financial literacy.

• Innovative Curriculum: As the largest publisher of CTE digital curriculum in North America, we offer diverse, engaging courses that inspire students.
• Real-World Application: With virtual simulations and experiential learning opportunities, students connect classroom lessons to real-world scenarios.
• Proven Success: Our curriculum prepares students for certifications, giving them an edge in college and careers.
• Commitment to Excellence: Our P.A.S.S. Promise ensures students can retake certification exams at no cost if they don’t pass, supporting their journey to success.

We take pride in our solutions and services, which are designed to assist educators in guiding students on a transformative journey of exploration. Our goal is to engage students in their learning and enable them to participate in real-world experiences.

With Learning Blade and eDynamic Learning, educators have the powerful tools to inspire the next generation of learners. Whether your goal is to enhance STEM education, strengthen workforce skills, or navigate students through their career exploration, we deliver comprehensive solutions tailored to your needs. Join us in shaping the future of education, ensuring students are fully equipped to excel in the workforce or pursue higher education with confidence.