Keeping middle and high school–aged learners engaged with science can be a challenge—especially virtually! Facing the COVID pandemic in 2020, X-STEM rose to the challenge and expanded their digital offerings through X-STEM All Access, a program based on free, video-based science lessons aligned to the NGSS.
Hear from Nancy van Dillen, senior director of programs at X-STEM, about X-STEM's dedication to making science-learning both fun and accessible to anyone, anywhere!
What does your organization do?
X-STEM is a program of the USA Science & Engineering Festival. Our organization aims to spark kids' interest in science, technology, engineering, and math—or STEM—by producing fun and educational events and programs. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, we offer all of our content at no cost, making STEM accessible to everyone, everywhere.
We created X-STEM All Access, one of our key programs, to showcase STEM role models and highlight real-world career pathways to middle and high school students. Each episode comes with a companion NGSS-aligned lesson plan so teachers can easily incorporate this content into their classroom activities. Going forward, all new lesson plans will also include a Career Connection component.
What's one fun fact that LabXchange users should know about your organization?
Our X-STEM All Access program was born out of the 2020 pandemic when our in-person event had to be canceled just a few weeks in advance. We quickly pivoted to a virtual format and, despite the challenges of the moment, had nearly 50,000 attendees sign up to hear from NASA astronauts, a Titanic explorer, renowned climate and conservation scientists, and more! The program gave kids the opportunity to connect with these incredible role models, ask questions, and dive into exciting STEM topics, all from the safety of their homes. We have continued to grow the X-STEM All Access program post-pandemic, as the online format allows us to connect with students across the country and around the world, ensuring that our content is accessible to all.
What motivates you to work in science education?
I'm motivated by the idea that our programs could inspire the next generation of STEM innovators who will tackle the world’s biggest challenges.
Which X-STEM content are you most proud of?
It’s hard to choose just one! If I had to pick a few, some of my favorite episodes include:
How can learners and educators best use your content?
Students and educators can best use our content by taking advantage of our free, on-demand episodes, which have been designed to fit within a classroom period. Episodes can be watched on their own—in class or as homework—or combined with companion NGSS-aligned lesson plans. We offer topics appropriate for all STEM classes, but educators can utilize these lessons and videos in virtually any classroom. For example:
What does X-STEM have planned for the future?
Our goal is to continue to expand our library of videos and lesson plans to cover more STEM topics. We greatly value feedback from the educators who use X-STEM All Access and are continually adjusting episode format and content to meet teachers’ needs. For example, based on educator feedback we are shortening all future episodes to 20 minutes or less in length. Additionally, we have added a Career Connection component to our lesson plans so students can explore real-world career options related to the topics covered.
We will remain flexible and will continue to refine our content so it remains engaging, relevant, and aligned with classroom needs. If you have feedback about our videos or lessons, we want to hear from you!
Finally, what's your favorite science joke/pun?
As an avid reader it would have to be: "I'm reading a book on anti-gravity. I can't put it down."
Explore more of X-STEM's fantastic videos and teaching guides in the LabXchange library:
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