Explore our innovative K-12 curriculum for ocean and fresh water stewardship
Experience hands-on, inquiry-based BlueSTEM curricular units spanning Kindergarten through High School. Transform teaching and learning in class or remotely, and inspire your students with BlueTech and optimism.
These eight modules in each unit are designed with today’s educators and students – and our shared Blue Future – in mind
Engineering & Design Thinking
Students gain insight into problems affecting the environment through engaging in the design thinking process.
Exhibition of Learning
Students invite the public to celebrate learning and spread AquaOptimism.
Hands-on Investigations
Students continue to make sense of the phenomenon through hands-on investigations that build their conceptual understanding.
Student Action
Students engage in community action designed to build greater awareness, compel others to act, and make visible their own capacity to lead change.
Inquiry Launch
Each unit launches with a phenomenon that taps into students’ natural curiosity and natural inclination as learners.
Career Connections
Students engage in the world beyond the classroom through BlueTech career connections designed to inspire awareness and exploration in the BlueTech world.
Student-led Research
Students' questions propel further inquiry and engagement in the scientific process.
Reflection & Assessment
Students reflect on their learning as they continue to grow as scientists, engineers, literate citizens, and AquaOptimists.
AquaOptimism BlueSTEM units are
Transformative
Elementary school
The K-5 AquaOptimism units introduce students to ocean and fresh water ecosystems. New space-related units will associate Earth observation to the One Water Cycle. Students learn to engage in inquiry, prototype solutions through design thinking, and develop awareness of the power of their voices in raising awareness and promoting stewardship. Blue Career options are introduced to nurture curiosity and a sense of possibility. Ready to purchase?
Middle school
The 6th-8th grade AquaOptimism units delve into ecosystems, human impact, and awareness of water as a precious resource with greater depth and complexity. Prototyping becomes more detailed, advocacy is newly energized, and Blue Career awareness more defined.
High school
The High School AquaOptimism units are designed by branch of science rather than grade level for greater flexibility. They immerse students in complex disciplinary concepts and emphasize Blue Career options.
