Exposing More Students to STEM, Computer Science, and CTE
With Learning Blade you can easily integrate STEM, CS, and CTE concepts into a child’s education. Appropriate for grades 5-9, Learning Blade provides 13 “missions” that contextualize learning and engage all students, including special populations, while reinforcing academic standards. Each of our lessons and resources is indexed so you can see what state standards are being met.
With over 100 careers and technologies explored in more than 400 lessons in the specific contexts of science, math, English and social studies included, Learning Blade provides the perfect supplemental materials to integrate STEM, CS, and CTE into core courses or be used as a stand alone program (implemented before school, after school, through the counselors office, and more).
“We have found Learning Blade to be a strong career exploration tool for our middle school students. Its engaging and interactive activities, alignment with standards, and user-friendly design makes it an ideal tool for introducing students to STEM careers. This is a valuable resource.”
– Margie Vandeven, Commissioner of Education, Missouri
A Complete Toolbox Including
Interactive Lessons
Over 400 online lessons tied to academic standards
Challenge Projects
Hands-on, project-based lessons using common materials
Design Thinking
Solve complex problems with the 5-step creative thinking process
Parent Discussions
Handouts and easy experiments for at-home discussions
Career Videos
Introduce over 50 careers with real-life people
3D Printing Activities
Create objects that demonstrate science principles
Intro to Coding
20-hour middle school course providing robust coding experiences
Papercraft Figures
Students make origami-type figures of 100 careers and technologies
New Mission! Beneath the Waves: Building Submarines
Explore the cutting-edge world of Naval submarines and uncover the cool methods used to design and build these incredible machines. Curious about welding or casting? You’ll learn all about it! Meet experts like naval architects, marine engineers, and welders who bring submarines to life. Along the way, you’ll explore the latest technologies and refine your own designs to make submarines stealthier, stronger, and more efficient. By the end, you’ll have innovative ideas to share with the Navy’s top program directors. Ready to dive deep and become a young submariner? Let’s start this adventure!
Introduction to AI Module
From the wheel to the printing press and all the way to the internet, we can mark human history through some key innovations. There’s the world before and the world after. AI technologies are surely another one of those innovations, and the world isn’t going to be the same. But what exactly is Artificial Intelligence? Most of us have a vague sense, but that vague understanding isn’t going to prepare us for the many ways AI will affect our lives. In this course, students will take a walk through the world of AI. They’ll learn what it is, how it works, what it’s already doing for people, and where it will take us in the future.
Want to learn more? Tune in to our on-demand webinar, The Importance of Educating Students on the Impact of AI.
Introduction to Coding Module
This 20-hour course provides everything you need to introduce students to computer science and real, text-based computer programming for middle school.
Includes online lessons, group classroom activities, and complete lesson plans for guiding students through authentic coding experiences. Topics include:
- Computer hardware and software
- Simple algorithms and common statements
- Offline algorithm games
- Beginning programming
- Creating a simulated mobile app
- Concepts of cybersecurity and personal security
- Exploring common IT careers
“Computer Science was so foreign to me, but now I feel like I can do this thanks to my training on Learning Blade “Intro. to Coding” resources!”
-Nichelle Ruffin, 7th grade ELA Teacher, MNPS, Tennessee
Why Use Learning Blade?
Student Engagement
Introduce students to a wide range of STEM technologies and careers and engages students through an online, game-based platform.
Access for All
Multi-modal instructional materials help motivate all types of learners to explore STEM and Computer Science fields.
Multiple Academic Subjects
Missions address multiple academic subjects, not just science but math, English, social studies and technology.
Aligned to State Standards
Lessons are indexed so you can analyze student skills according to academic state standards.
How It Works
Students can select a mission, or teachers can assign specific missions
Students operate missions from a mission dashboard
Interactive lessons introduce careers while reviewing academics
The system provides academic skills reports by class or student
Lessons are specifically aligned to state academic standards
State Educators of the Year
We’re excited to share the school year 2024-2025 Learning Blade educators of the year.
National Educator of the Year: Kelly Conwell of Kosciuszko Middle School in Hamtramck, MI
Alabama State Educator of the Year: Jeremy Taylor, Rudd Middle School
Arkansas State Educator of the Year: Jaime Blamey, Two Rivers High School
Florida State Educator of the Year: George Hana, Sanford Middle School
Idaho State Educator of the Year: Debbie Meisner, Lewis & Clark Middle School
Illinois State Educator of the Year: Scott Valenta, St. John the Baptist Catholic School
Louisiana State Educator of the Year: Richard Felkel, Sterlington Middle School
Massachusetts State Educator of the Year: Robyn Cotta, Parker Middle School
Michigan State Educator of the Year: Janell Maszatics, Andrew G. Schmidt Middle School
Missouri State Educator of the Year: Bethany Bird, Odessa Middle School
Ohio State Educator of the Year: Nicolle Miller, Trimble High School
South Carolina State Educator of the Year: Jewel Moses, Camden Middle School
Tennessee State Educator of the Year: Phillip Johnson, Loftis Middle School
Wisconsin State Educator of the Year: Elizabeth Schmidt, Flambeau High School
Information about the Educator of the Year program can be found here.