Meet The Executive Team
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Rishi Srinivasan
Chairman/Executive Director, Co-Founder
Rishi Srinivasan is pursuing medical school and has done work at Pfizer, Stanford Medicine, Boston Children's, and on an NIH grant in rural South Africa. He received a B.S. in Neuroscience and was a presidential scholar at Boston College, where he also received the Finneran Commencement Award, the highest award given in the college. Rishi founded STEM For All Academy back in 2022 and is currently the executive director and chairman of the nonprofit. Outside science, Rishi travels and competes in endurance races such as the Boston Marathon or Ironman 70.3 triathlons.
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Colin Knutson
Co-Founder/President
Colin currently works at Verkada, a late stage startup, and is the Founder of Buter Up. He studied economics and cyber law a the London School of Economics (LSE) and majored in both Biology and Economics at Boston College. Colin was a pharmaceutical assistant for the Minnesota Doctor’s For People and also was an author for an NIH funded grant research paper on tuberculosis and HIV in South Africa. He enjoys astrophysics, epigenetics, football, basketball, and traveling the world.
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Rohit Srinivasan
Director of Corporate Sponsorships, Co-Founder
Rohit Srinivasan specializes in investment banking and the field of biotechnology. He majors in Biology and Economics at Boston College, where he is also a Gabelli Presidential Scholar. Beyond his formal studies, Rohit has a strong interest in nutrition and sports medicine, fields he explores independently. This knowledge enriches his pursuits in running and basketball. Rohit stands as a director of the nonprofit and specializes in gaining sponsorships for the organization.
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Braiden Deschryver
Vice President of Curriculum & Development
Braiden is a Clinical Research Coordinator studying consciousness, cognition, and compassion through the lens of meditation at the Sadhguru Center for a Conscious Planet. He received his degree from the University of Iowa, where his undergraduate research focused on renal and cardiovascular pathology. In his free time, he enjoys creative writing, surfing, and climbing. Braiden is also a VP of the company and focuses on training our teachers and developing our curriculum.
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Seth Facey
Vice President of Grants & Partnerships
Seth studied Political Science with a minor in Economics at Boston College and currently works as a Field Auditor at the Office of the State Auditor, conducting performance audits. In his free time, he enjoys surfing, climbing, and watching movies. Seth currently works as a VP of the company, with a focus on forming partnerships and applying for grants.
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Joey Marsallo
Director of NYC Operations, Co-Founder
Originally from Baldwinsville, NY, Joey studied biology at Boston College and is now a student at Columbia University College of Dental Medicine, aspiring to become an oral surgeon. Outside of his studies, Joey enjoys golf, reading, and cooking. Joey currently is a director who pioneers the efforts of expanding the organization to New York City.
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Kaushal Balagurusamy
Research Lead
Kaushal is a data analyst at the Molecular Foundry in Berkeley, California. He previously studied at the University of California, Berkeley, and Harvard Extension School. With expertise in materials engineering, research and development, and software engineering, Kaushal brings a multifaceted approach to his work in advanced scientific research. Kaushal leads the organization’s research efforts, to bring awareness about the importance of SFA’s cause.
Meet Some of Our Volunteers
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Andrew Kynes
Director of Fundraising
Kynes graduated from Boston College with a B.A. in Economics and a minor in Finance. He works as an Associate Consultant for Maryville Consulting Group’s Technology Business Management practice. He works with Fortune 500 companies to promote fiscal accountability within tech teams and enables finance teams to garner a better understanding of the tech that drives their business. Andrew is the company’s director of fundraising!
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Chloe Fields
Curriculum Lead
Chloe Fields is from Andover, MA, and graduated from Boston College with a BS in computer science. She now works at Liberty Mutual as an associate software engineer and is passionate about programming. Her goal is to introduce it to children to enhance their problem-solving abilities. Chloe is a curriculum lead for the team!
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Connor Skorge
Public Relations Lead
Connor Skorge has a BS in Entrepreneurship and Information Systems, with a minor in the Japanese language. He currently works at Puma in allocations and is inspired by technology’s influence on the world. Connor works as a Public Relations Lead for our team!
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Francesca Lynch
Online Programming Lead
Frankie received a B.S. in Neuroscience at Boston College. Here, she was also a student-athlete tutor in Psychology where she got to share her joy for the brain and psychology with other students. Currently, she is working at Thermo Fisher Scientific in the Genetic Sciences Division. She enjoys running and has run the Boston Marathon in '23 and '24.
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Colin Killgoar
Director of Boston Operations
Colin Killgoar is studying biology at Boston College and is pursuing medical school ultimately. He is heavily interested in the sciences, especially regarding nutrition and sports physiology. Colin is the nonprofit’s Director of Boston Operations!
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Lubens Benjamin
Public Relations Lead
Lubens Benjamin channels his passion for service and mentorship into his role at Havas, where he drives growth and business development in their CX practice. He draws on his leadership experience as President of Boston College's Undergraduate Government and his commitment to mentoring with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Massachusetts. Lubens currently serves as the company’s public relations lead!
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Tatum Evans
Curriculum Design Lead
Tatum is from St. Paul, MN, and is currently a student at Boston College. There, Tatum studies Biochemistry and Hispanic Studies and plans to apply to medical school next year. Tatum spends time conducting biochemical research at Boston College, stage-managing theatre productions, and enjoying the outdoors as much as possible. Tatum is our curriculum design lead!
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Devin Jenness
Director of Cleveland Operations
Devin currently studies mechanisms of inflammation and neurodegeneration in the Panicker Lab at Cleveland Clinic. He previously has done work at Korro Bio, Tufts Medicine, and Harvard's Department of Organismal and Evolutionary Biology. He graduated summa cum laude from the University of Massachusetts Lowell, and is the Director of Cleveland Operations!
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Connor Nicolas
Boston College Program Lead
Connor Nicholas is a biology major at Boston College. He plans to attend medical school and is interested in topics such as immunology and virology. Outside of class, he enjoys rock climbing, playing soccer, and listening to music. Connor is the Boston College Lead for the nonprofit and is also a mentor teacher at St. Columbkille.
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Pat Lanza
Grants & Partnerships Associate
Pat Lanza is a student at Boston College studying computer science. In his free time, Pat enjoys exploring the world of computers and technology, and he plans to pave the way for AI’s intersection in business. Pat is a Grants and Partnerships Associate for the nonprofit!
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Jackson Goodman
Marketing Associate
Jackson is a recent graduate of Boston College, where he studied Marketing, Entrepreneurship, and Philosophy. He currently works at Creative Artists Agency (CAA), the world’s leading full-service entertainment, media, and sports agency. Jackson is a marketing associate for the company!
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Abby Osborne
Marketing Associate
Abby is at Boston College, where she studies neuroscience. She is on track to pursue health administration and management. Currently, she is a marketing associate for the company!
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Tom Dankert
Boston College Program Lead
Tom is from Andover, MA, and is currently studying neuroscience. In addition, Tom has significant experience teaching and truly enjoys inspiring kids through the STEM curriculum. He is currently one of the Boston College Leads for the program and he is a mentor teacher at the FA Day Middle School.
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Peter Depasquale
Boston University Program Lead
Peter DePasquale is at Boston University studying biology and has ultimate plans for medical school. Peter loves playing and studying music, snowboarding, and adventurous activities. He is currently a program lead at Boston University and is a mentor teacher at UP Academy Holland!
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Megan Bianchi
Marketing Associate
Megan Bianchi is studying economics and biology at Boston College. Outside of her academic pursuits, she is an avid outdoor enthusiast. She is a marketing associate for the nonprofit!
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Luiz Jazo
Curriculum Lead
Luis graduated from the University of California, Berkeley, with dual degrees in Molecular Environmental Biology and Environmental Economics and Policy. He currently works as a Research Associate and Engineer at Myriad Genetics. In his free time, he enjoys backpacking, climbing, and beekeeping. Luis is currently a Curriculum Lead for the organization!
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Hannah Pecce
Northeastern Program Lead
Hannah is currently at Northeastern University studying Biology with a potential minor in Nutrition and is on the Pre-PA track. Aside from her love of science, she enjoys spending time outdoors, cooking, and 35mm film photography. Hannah is the Northeastern Program lead and serves as a mentor teacher for the Park Street School!
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Sammy Oliveri
Grants & Partnerships Associate
Sammy is at Boston College studying computer science, finance, and accounting. He actively works out and volunteers, and he is a true believer in education equality. Sammy is currently a Grants & Partnerships Associate for the nonprofit!
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Lucas Zidlicky
Grants & Partnerships Associate
Lucas is a current student at Boston College studying finance and business analytics. Outside of school, he is interested in volunteering, biomechanics, value investing, swimming, and spending time with friends and family. Lucas is currently a grants and partnerships associate for the company!
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Daniel Aguilera
Corporate Sponsorships Associate
Daniel Aguilera is from West Orange, New Jersey, and is currently majoring in biology with an interest in pre-med at Boston University. In his free time, he enjoys working out, spending time with friends, and playing the piano. Daniel is a corporate sponsors associate for the organization!
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Pavi Balachunder
Volunteering Associate
Pavi is a current student at Harvard and is majoring in human developmental regenerative biology with a secondary in global health and health policy. She is also a pre-med student and plans to go into stem cell research. In her free time, Pavi enjoys performing in acapella, hanging out with friends by the Charles, and volunteering!
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Megan Jones
Fundraising Associate/Mentor Teacher
Megan Jones is a psychology student at Northeastern University. Megan hopes to pursue clinical work and has a strong interest in mental health care. She enjoys walking on the Esplanade, reading, and exploring Boston's flea markets. Megan currently works as a fundraising associate in addition to being a mentor teacher at the Park Street School!
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Shivi Maheswaran
Curriculum Developer
Shivi graduated from the University of Pennsylvania with a major in molecular biology and a minor in Physics. She is currently a medical student at UMass Medical School and plans on specializing in Oncology with research interests in precision medicine and improving personalized treatment, liquid biopsies, and conducting clinical trials. Shivi is currently a curriculum developer for the organization!
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Abhi Balagurusamy
Marketing Associate
Abhi is a freshman at the University of Toronto, currently pursuing a degree in Computer Engineering. His passion for proof-based mathematics and deep learning research is fueled by his interest in connecting theory with technology. In his free time, Abhi enjoys watching basketball and playing chess. Abhi is a marketing associate for the company!
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Charlie Rainville
Mentor Teacher
Charlie is from Andover, MA, and is at Boston College studying biology. He is interested in minoring in computer science or going to med school. Outside of school, he enjoys playing hockey, volleyball, and hiking. Charlie is currently a mentor teacher for the St. Columbkille school!
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Michaela Perry
Curriculum Developer
Michaela currently works as a mobility mentor at the nonprofit organization, Economic Mobility Pathways. Prior to this role, Michaela worked in the mental health field. She graduated from the University of Massachusetts Amherst with a degree in Public Health Sciences and a minor in Women Gender Sexuality Studies. She is passionate about health equity, epidemiology, community health, and well-being and is currently a curriculum developer for the organization!
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Sevada Avanessian
Curriculum Developer
Sevada is a Systems Engineer and Mission Architect at Northrop Grumman, where he plays a pivotal role in shaping cutting-edge aerospace technologies. He earned a degree in Aerospace Engineering from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, and is currently pursuing a master’s degree in Astronautical Engineering at the University of Southern California. Outside of work, Sevada is a licensed private pilot and an avid golfer. Sevada is a curriculum developer for the organization!
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Luca Morrison
Mentor Teacher
Luca Morrison is at Boston College, studying Biology with a strong interest in the field of genetics. Originally from San Francisco, California, Luca enjoys spending time outdoors and going on runs in his free time. Luca currently works as a mentor teacher at UP Academy Holland!
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Luciano Mazzotta
Mentor Teacher
Luciano Mazzotta is studying engineering at Boston College with a minor in finance. He has a passion for the outdoors and sports, and one of his favorite activities is playing Spikeball. Luciano currently works as a mentor teacher at the FA Day Middle School!
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Olivia Giri
Fundraising Associate/Mentor Teacher
Olivia is at Northeastern University studying pharmacy. She is fascinated by how drugs work in the body and their capabilities to help humanity. She is a member of Phi Delta Chi, a professional pharmacy fraternity. She is a fundraising associate for the nonprofit and is also a mentor teacher at the Park Street School.
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Olivia Kohn
Fundraising Associate
Olivia Kohn is a current student at Boston College studying Mathematics and Chemistry. She dreams of becoming a physician to help marginalized communities. Originally from North Carolina, she spends her free time playing volleyball, lifting, biking, and enjoying time with family and friends. Olivia currently works as a fundraising associate
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Paulina Salgado
Curriculum Developer
Born and raised in Costa Rica, Paulina graduated from UC Berkeley with a degree in Bioengineering and Biomedical Engineering, specializing in Synthetic and Computational Biology, with a minor in Materials Science & Engineering. She is currently the co-founder and Cosmetic Product Developer of Orosi Dermotermal, a thermal hot spring skincare line. Her experience spans R&D in cosmetic formulations, leading biomanufacturing projects in the beauty industry, and co-founding a healthcare tech startup. Pau is a curriculum developer for the organization!
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DJ Brunelle
Corporate Sponsorships Associate
DJ is a Boston College student studying Finance and Entrepreneurship. He is an avid member of his home community and provides lacrosse coaching in his spare time. DJ hopes to pursue a career in consulting and is a corporate sponsorship associate for the company.
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Patrick Moore
Mentor Teacher
Patrick Moore is at Boston College studying Finance & Accounting and is originally from New Jersey. In addition, he likes to run, travel, and listen to music with friends. Patrick is a mentor teacher for the FA Day Middle School!
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Sam Gauladett
Mentor Teacher
Sam Gallaudet is at Harvard University studying both physics and computer science. He is especially interested in renewable energy and artificial intelligence. Outside of classes, he spends his time rowing on the heavyweight crew team.
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Shikar Singh
Mentor Teacher
Shikhar Singh is from the metro Boston area in Belmont, Massachusetts, and is an undergraduate student at Boston University studying biomedical engineering on the premed track. Outside of school, Shikhar loves gardening, taking care of plants as well as playing soccer and basketball during his free time. Shikar is currently a mentor teacher for the St. Columbkille school!
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Aaron Chen
Marketing Associate
Aaron Chen is a bioengineering major with a concentration in medical devices at Northeastern University. He enjoys working out and learning about up-and-coming medical technologies. Aaron is a marketing associate for the nonprofit!
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Maggie Vanderschaaf
Curriculum Developer
Maggie Vanderschraaf is a graduate from Berkeley with a bachelor's degree in Integrative Biology. She has a deep curiosity about the fruitfulness of the natural world, with a particular interest in the mechanisms and behaviors observed in biotic interactions. Maggie is currently a curriculum developer for the team!
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Artan Redzepi
Corporate Sponsorships Associate
Artan Redzepi is studying Finance and Philosophy. He loves giving back to his community by empowering young minds as a youth soccer coach. After college, he hopes to specialize in investment banking and he is a corporate sponsorship associate for the nonprofit.
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Gage Krakora
Mentor Teacher
Gage is studying neuroscience and marketing with aspirations to become a doctor. He has a passion for travel, basketball, and cooking. Gage is one of our new Mentor Teachers!
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Lara Padir
Curriculum Developer
Lara Padir is a Product Manager and is based in Melrose, MA. She studied Computer Science at Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) and now works at Oracle in their Life Sciences Business Unit. Lara has a passion for health, nutrition, and fitness, and is dedicated to empowering others through knowledge about wellness. In her free time, she loves traveling, skiing, and learning to cook new recipes. Lara is currently a curriculum developer for the organization!
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Vicky Zheng
Mentor Teacher
Vicky is studying Psychology and Education/Human Development at Boston University. She is passionate about understanding the human mind and how the brain interacts with our environment. She is one of our mentor teachers at UP Academy Holland!
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Christian Cerulo
Mentor Teacher
Christian Cerulo is at Boston College majoring in Biochemistry. He loves helping others and staying active through soccer and tennis. After college, Christian hopes to pursue a profession in the field of oncology. Christian currently works as a mentor teacher at the FA Day Middle School!
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Sarah Shentu
Mentor Teacher
Sarah is an undergraduate student at Northeastern, studying Chemical Engineering and Computer Science. She hopes to work in energy sustainability in the future. In her free time, she enjoys playing the flute, volunteering and is currently learning to cook. Sarah is a mentor teacher at the Park Street School!
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Noah Huang
Mentor Teacher
Noah Huang is a current student at Boston College from Irvine, California studying Biology as a pre-medical student. Outside of class he works in a Zebrafish genetics lab, plays club volleyball, and loves spending time with friends and family. Noah is a mentor teacher at UP Academy Holland!
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Timi Faba
Research Associate
Timileyin Faba is from Queens, New York, and studies Biology at Boston College with plans to attend medical school after graduation. In his free time, he enjoys lifting, watching movies and sports, and learning about exercise science. Timileyin works as a research associate for the organization!
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Grace Weikel
Fundraising Associate/Mentor Teacher
Grace is at Boston College from St. Louis, Missouri. She is studying Biology with admiration for being a physician. Outside of school, she plays on BC’s club volleyball team. In addition to being a Fundraising Associate, Grace is currently a mentor teacher at the Park Street School.
Become a Volunteer
Ignite your passion for STEM while shaping the future! College students, share your knowledge and become a mentor in our engaging program. Lead hands-on activities, explore real-world applications, and witness the "aha!" moments as young minds discover their STEM potential. Develop valuable skills, connect with educators and peers, and make a tangible difference – all while reigniting your own love for learning. Visit our website to find the perfect way to share your passion and become a hero in the classroom. Together, let's spark curiosity and build a brighter future, one young STEM enthusiast at a time!
Passionate Mentors, Empowered Students
Our faculty embodies these values. Each one pursued their STEM passion under the guidance of inspiring mentors, and now they dedicate themselves to paying it forward. They understand the power of early exposure and are committed to ensuring all students have the opportunity to discover their own STEM potential.
We believe that STEM education is not just about formulas and equations; it's about fostering curiosity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills that will benefit students in every aspect of their lives.
Join us on this mission. Become a volunteer, donate, or explore our curriculum and resources. Together, let's spark a generation of innovators and make the future brighter, one young STEM enthusiast at a time.
Driven by the belief that everyone deserves a mentor and a roadmap to STEM possibilities, we offer a unique curriculum built on 5 pillars:
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We connect abstract concepts to tangible applications, showcasing how STEM solves real-world problems and shapes the future.
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Expose students to diverse STEM careers through guest speakers, field trips, and role-playing activities, igniting their dreams and ambitions.
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Empower students to become the innovators of tomorrow by demonstrating how STEM knowledge tackles global challenges like climate change and resource scarcity.
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Transform learning into an adventure with exciting experiments, robot-building contests, and interactive activities that make STEM fun and accessible.
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Provide students with guidance and inspiration from passionate young STEM professionals who serve as role models and prove that anything is possible with dedication and hard work.
FAQs
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Each lesson incorporates a variety of assessment methods, including hands-on activities, group projects, and reflections. The curriculum also adapts assessments for different learning styles and abilities, ensuring all students can learn and showcase their understanding and progress.
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Each lesson is designed to be flexible and can be completed in one to three class periods (usually around an hour and a half after school), depending on the depth of exploration and student engagement.
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This curriculum is designed for k-12, but mainly middle-school students, typically ages 10-15. The activities and difficulty level are tailored to this age group, promoting engagement and fostering a love for STEM in early adolescence.
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The curriculum provides detailed materials for each lesson, sometimes utilizing simple, everyday items or readily available classroom supplies, sometimes we bring in our own complex machinery and devices. Additional resources like educational videos, websites, and guest speaker suggestions may also be included for further exploration.