Learning Undefeated debuts reading and engineering programme for Baltimore students

Learning Undefeated, a nonprofit focused on STEM education has launched a new programme in Baltimore that integrates reading and engineering skills for elementary and middle school students. 

This initiative, supported by the Weinberg Foundation, is part of the Baltimore Library Project and will impact ten K-8 schools this year, including the Maryland School for the Blind.

The programme delivers a mobile laboratory to schools, where students engage with a curriculum that pairs readings from children's storybooks with engineering design challenges. 

Activities include constructing bottle rocket trucks, designing artificial pollinators, and aligning these projects with discussions on the ecological role of bees and other thematic content from the books used.

The Baltimore Library Project aims to support public school libraries in economically challenged neighbourhoods, transforming them into supportive learning environments that foster academic success and personal development among students.

Learning Undefeated is known for its mobile labs, which are brought directly to schools to provide hands-on STEM education. These labs are designed to accommodate a range of activities and are equipped to handle various aspects of STEM education, from basic science experiments to more complex engineering tasks.

The organisation's programmes also aim to develop critical thinking and teamwork skills by involving students in collaborative projects that require creative solutions. 

Jennifer Colvin, Chief Innovation Officer at Learning Undefeated, described the programme's goals:

 "Curiosity and the love of discovery carry across all aspects of education, and drive innovation across science, engineering, technology and more. By becoming a partner of the Baltimore Library Project, this new program is blending literacy and reading with core STEM competencies to reach Baltimore students early, while they are building confidence and skills that will shape their lives and career choices."