Annenberg Learner’s NASA’s BEST (Beginning Engineering, Science, and Technology) program offers free STEM units developed with NASA that guide middle school students through engineering design challenges. Lessons invite kids to tackle problems like building lunar landers or designing habitats, using low-cost materials and iterative testing. Teachers and homeschoolers appreciate the clear alignment with engineering practices and the real NASA context that boosts engagement. It’s best for grades 6–8 but can be adapted for slightly younger or older learners. Preparing materials and managing multi-step projects takes planning, but the payoff in problem-solving skills is strong. Using engineer-style design notebooks alongside the units helps students think like real scientists.
