Youth Engineering Solutions (YES) provides engaging STEM curriculum units for educators to implement with their students. Each unit takes about 5 to 10 instructional hours and is built around hands-on engineering design challenges. Detailed teaching guides support educators as they lead the lessons, and programs can purchase materials kits that include the supplies needed for the activities.

YES summer learning units support learners from preschool through middle school. Each unit includes a grade level tag such as Lower Elementary (K–2), Upper Elementary (3–5), or Middle School (6–8). Activities can often be adapted and work well in mixed-age summer programs.

STEM activities give students hands-on opportunities to build, test, and solve problems. Instead of worksheets or screen time, students learn by designing solutions to real-world challenges. These experiences help develop creativity, collaboration, and problem-solving skills. Plus, they’re fun!

A YES enrichment unit includes about 5 to 10 instructional hours. Units are typically divided into five to ten lessons that last 45 to 60 minutes each. Some lessons are optional and some can be extended. Programs can teach a full unit during a week-long camp or spread lessons across a longer summer program. Standalone STEM Event Activities take about 30 minutes.

Each YES materials kit supports about 24 students working in small groups over the span of five to ten lessons. One educator can facilitate the activities with an entire class or camp group.

YES units include step-by-step teaching guides that walk educators through each lesson, including materials lists and facilitation tips. Some lessons require preparation in advance, such as gathering materials or setting up activity stations. Many units also include short video guides that demonstrate preparation steps and activity setup. This preparation helps ensure students can spend their time building, testing, and improving their designs during the activity. Programs can reduce preparation time by using YES materials kits, which include activity supplies.

No prior STEM experience is required to teach YES activities. Step-by-step teaching guides support educators as they facilitate hands-on engineering challenges with their students. The guides help educators lead discussions, encourage problem-solving, and support students as they improve their designs.

Yes. Youth Engineering Solutions offers professional learning opportunities to help educators implement YES units with enhanced confidence. Workshops introduce the engineering design process used in YES activities and provide strategies for facilitating hands-on STEM learning. Free webinar recording are also available for review.

YES activities use accessible materials and include a detailed materials list for each lesson. Programs can gather the supplies themselves or purchase YES materials kits that include the activity materials. Some common classroom supplies may also be required depending on the activity. Step-by-step educator guides support educators during implementation.