STEM SPARK ⋆ Phoenix Space

STEM SPARK

A Spark That Ignites Lifelong Curiosity

STEM Spark is a nimble, three-session online course crafted to reintroduce young learners to physics, mathematics, and programming.

It’s more than a taster: it’s a confidence-builder, a peer connection opportunity, and a springboard toward deeper engagement with STEM.

STEM Spark is a short-form, modular course designed to reignite learners’ engagement with science, math, and technology. It is specifically tailored for students in under-resourced or disrupted learning environments -particularly those who may have lost confidence or connection with formal education.

Over a series of interactive sessions, students:

Reconnect with core STEM concepts through applied, hands-on activities

Build foundational skills in physics, math, and digital literacy

Gain confidence through collaborative learning and creative experimentation

STEM SPARK LEARNING OUTCOMES

Strengthen basic scientific thinking, experimentation, and inquiry skills

Gain exposure to real-world applications of physics, math, and coding logic

Build confidence and interest in pursuing future STEM learning

designed for

Young learners (ages 11–14) in post-crisis, fragile, or transitional educational settings

Education NGOs and humanitarian partners seeking a lightweight, impactful STEM offering

Teachers and facilitators looking to build student engagement before longer programs

Customizable & Scalable

STEM Spark is often used as a foundational entry point into Phoenix Space’s broader programs such as Balloon Camp, Moon-Equest, or AI Spark. It can also be used as a stand-alone spark of engagement for youth with limited prior access to interactive STEM education.

Program Format

12 lessons, easily adapted to online, hybrid, or in-person delivery

Facilitator-led, with plug-and-play modules and support materials

Developed for use by trained local educators within NGO or school settings

The course consists of the following lessons:

Introduction Lessons

Lesson 1 - 7

In each of the first practical lessons students learn about some aspect of a fictional mission to a space hotel. Students learn, through a combination of a video-assisted practical followed by a theoretical question.

Aspects

Lesson 1-7

➢ How composite materials make space planes lighter ➢ How aerofoils create lift ➢ How hydrogen is created ➢ How burning fuel creates thrust ➢ How objects can orbit the earth ➢ Why spacesuits are required. In the seventh lesson, students practise their communication and imaginative skills when making a presentation to their classmates about their learning so far.

Falling: Investigating Gravity and Acceleration

Lesson 8

Using household objects such as elastic bands, paper clips, and water bottles, students investigate the effect of gravity and understand how forces work in concert and opposition.

Introduction to SCRATCH

Lesson 9

Students learn the basics of computer programs using MIT’s Scratch to create a short animation. This animation will teach the basic flow, conditions, and use of variables that are the fundamentals of computer programming. With this, students will be able to pursue further computer programming courses and develop an interest in making their own creative programs.

Paper Maths

Lesson 10

In this lesson, students investigate the maths of simple shapes that they make from paper and discover the real essence of mathematics: surprising results, deep rules and a simple and creative attitude of investigation and analysis.

The size of space

Lesson 11

Students learn about scale, specifically about how to think about the scale of space despite how much everything out there dwarfs us. Along the way they pick up knowledge about the structure of the solar system and some of the names of astronomical bodies.

A New World

Lesson 12

In this lesson, students connect their learning to their wider understanding of the world. We ask them to discuss questions, giving them the task of imagining a future society in space. We ask them to picture and explain their own role within that new society. What would they bring? Students must discuss and evaluate each others’ proposals.

PROGRAM OVERVIEW


Course goal	Reignite interest and confidence in STEM learning, especially for students in disrupted educational pathways.
Content	~15 hours of content across 12 lessons, including foundational physics, mathematics through geometry, and introductory programming.
Duration	Typically delivered over 2–3 weeks, depending on context and delivery format.
Instruction method	Facilitator-led sessions (in-person, online, or hybrid), with guided materials and interactive activities.
Student ages	11–14 years old.