How to Bring Out the Innovator in Your Elementary School Student

Envision Family Labs

At Envision by WorldStrides, we provide hands-on educational experiences to foster critical thinking and innovation—even when we can’t be together in person. Our Family Labs are at-home experiential learning activities that promote new ways of learning and are fun!

Get your elementary schoolers ready—the first of our Family Labs focuses on complex machines! Please note: The Complex Machines Family Lab is intended for students in grades 3-5. However, older or younger students can still attempt the challenge and are sure to enjoy it.

A complex machine is one machine made up of simple machines as well as various cause-and-effect relationships. Science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) professionals use simple and complex machines every day to solve real-world problems!

During the lab, your child will dive into the fascinating world of STEM and discover the ways it impacts everyday life while taking on the role of an engineer and building their own complex machine—using only items found within your house (with your permission, of course).

Your child will complete the challenge by following the steps listed in our Lab Manual, which is designed as a helpful resource. We have also created a Lesson Plan that will allow you to assist your child as they complete their experiential learning journey. 

While participating in this Family Lab, be sure to encourage your child to embrace the challenge, think outside of the box, and, most importantly, have fun!

Family Lab: Complex Machines Challenge- LAB MANUAL

Family Lab: Complex Machines Challenge - LESSON PLAN

For the ideal experience, we recommend accessing the labs through a pdf reader. We also encourage you to share this fun activity with any fellow parents whose kids you think would enjoy it. Comment below to let us know what your child’s favorite part is! 

If your child enjoys this introduction to the engineering world, they may also enjoy attending the National Youth Leadership Forum (NYLF): Pathways to STEM. During this program, students spend six incredible days learning to program robots, training as doctors, and more, while also gaining valuable leadership skills.