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Grades 6–8

Facilitate youth-led research sprints that combine simulation, systems thinking, and pitches to community partners.

View Course Snapshot Access Prototype Kit

Course Snapshot

Twelve-week studio layering computational modeling, ethics debates, and youth-led research briefs. Ideal for advisory blocks, STEM labs, or afterschool accelerators.

12
Weeks
24
Core Sessions
75 min
Recommended Block
Community Pitch
Culminating Showcase

Inside the Innovators Course

Dig into the overview, sprint lessons, and differentiation moves that support middle-grades makers.

Course Overview

Learners investigate civic challenges, build prototypes, and present policy-aware recommendations.

  • Guiding themes: algorithms & fairness, simulation, stakeholder interviews
  • Capstone: pitch deck + demo video for a community advisory board
  • Optional tech stack: Scratch, micro:bit, or spreadsheet modeling

Resources & Differentiation

  • Mini research guide, interview scripts, and youth data ethics norms
  • Choice boards for coding, physical computing, or storytelling deliverables
  • Mentor call scripts + rubric for external reviewers
  • Email contact@cscs.org to access the prototype sprint kit

Sprint Rhythm

Balance rapid prototyping with reflection and authentic feedback loops.

Sprint Flow

  1. Frame the civic challenge with stakeholder stories
  2. Co-create evaluation criteria and success metrics
  3. Prototype + test using analog or digital tools
  4. Document evidence in research briefs
  5. Pitch or demo to mentors for actionable feedback

Facilitator Supports

  • Use critique protocols (I like, I wonder, What if)
  • Offer parallel workflows for coders, storytellers, and data analysts
  • Bundle mentor bios + logistics templates for visits
  • Reference the ethics checklist before every prototype test

Featured Resources

Research

Stakeholder Interview Kit

Interview scripts, consent templates, and notetaking guides for teams.

Request Kit

Includes Spanish + English versions

Tech

Prototype Sprint Toolbox

Scratch starter projects, simulation spreadsheets, and micro:bit snippets.

Get Toolbox

Updated quarterly with new demos

Showcase

Community Pitch Kit

Run of show, judging rubrics, and media release templates for the final showcase.

Reserve Kit

Pairs with mentor matchmaking support

Launch the Innovators Sprint

Share your lab schedule, student interest areas, and mentor availability so we can customize the bundle.

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