The Universe Within is an innovative approach to spark the inherent creative genius of 3-8 graders, especially in the areas of science, technology, engineering and math. The 120-hour classroom curriculum uses doodling, sculpture, kinetic art and electronics to teach scientific observation, physics, geometry, engineering, electricity and theater as a way for students to more confidently present their ideas and lessons they’ve learned to peers and the community.
The curriculum addresses a critical educational challenge for Southern Arizona’s students: the student attainment gap in STEM education and careers, especially at Title 1 schools. These students, especially females, have the skills to succeed in STEM education and careers, but don’t receive encouragement and exposure to active learning techniques that can enhance their success. The Universe Within uses divergent thinking, kinesthetic and intuitive processes in conjunction with game-like world-building challenges and daily practices to stimulate deeper learning of STEM for under-represented populations.
The Universe Within was developed by Mat Bevel Company, Patagonia Elementary School and University of Arizona School of Mathematical Sciences. The curriculum uses Mat Bevel Company President Ned Schaper’s magical world of Beveldom, a lost land of found objects, as the framework for students to use divergent thinking as they create their own magical worlds. Playing the role of world-builders, students develop their characters, solve problems and build multi-dimensional replicas from their worlds using recycled materials and found objects.
Module 1: In Headgear Of Heroes students develop superhero characters who solve major social and environmental problems. They work with materials and attachment mechanisms to create tools and headdresses that help their characters solve the problems in their worlds. Geometry concepts are the foundation for this module. The module concludes with The Pedestrian Carnival where students publicly parade in character and share their problems and solutions, poems and functions of the sculptural headdresses and tools they’ve made.
In Module 2, The Art of Kinetics, students create the physical features of their worlds within the larger context of the solar system. They work with simple machines to make a complex machine. Classical mechanics and physics concepts are the foundation for this module. The module concludes with The World Exhibit where students publicly exhibit their Time-Space Machines, display their 3D models and communicate what they’ve learned about motion.
In Module 3, the Power of Electricity, students create sustainable cities powered by electric energy. They work with circuits, batteries and lights to fabricate a Sustainable Electri-City model that lights up parts of the electric grid. Electricity and magnetism are the concepts for this module. The module concludes with The Circus of Electricity where students publicly present different ways electricity is generated in a community on their planets.
A fourth module is on the works! It’s called Making Music. In this module 4, students will learn the history and science of music, music coding and instrument making by working with materials to fabricate and perform with unique percussion, wind and stringed instruments from their worlds. They’ll learn about the physics of sound—vibrations, waves, frequency—as well as the basic elements of music: Rhythm, Dynamics, Melody, Harmony and Tone color. The module concludes with The Intergalactic Ensemble, a public musical performance in which each student plays their instrument.
The Universe Within is now available to schools, libraries, clubs and families! It’s perfect for semester or a year-long in-school program or condensed break camps. The curriculum has been adopted as an integrated STEM curriculum by Patagonia Elementary School. It was also a hit during the Santa Cruz County Superintendent of Schools Office two-week Summer Camp. All elements are ready for teachers, program directors and parents to simply start facilitating:
- Opening 3-minute videos with inspiration from Beveldom, instructions by Math Professor Dr. Bayly and demonstrations by peer mentors – Take a moment to watch Become The Problem Solver
- The User Guidebook with all learning objectives, success criteria, assignments, standard alignment and resources
- The Daily Doodle student notebook with all sequential worksheets
- STEM kits with all supplies
Lessons align with Science, Math, Engineering, Visual Arts, Theater and English Language Arts Arizona State Standards.
MBC is seeking financial support to produce all materials for the third set of 20 lessons for Module 3: Series Circuits. In this module, students design and build a Sustainable Village through these lenses: social, ecological, economic, and culture/worldview. They construct a series of lights using circuits to display their community solutions for food, shelter, water, resources, industry, etc.
Thousands of students will benefit from The Universe Within once educational content is completed and disseminated to schools in Southern Arizona and beyond. This STEM program can be translated into any language using subtitles and can easily expands to include more lessons, subjects and grades.
Be part of the momentum. Donate or become a sponsor for The Universe Within. Or donate a scholarship to a student!