REACH Challenge

Toolkits

Registration for REACH Challenge includes instant access to the Educators Toolkit, providing educators everything they need to guide their students in this inspiring and life-changing project. In each unit, there are downloadable resources including ready-made lesson plans, videos, slide presentations, worksheets, hands-on activities, discussion prompts, and inspiring explorations aligned with STEL and NGSS standards. Here’s a look at the different units provided in the Educators Toolkit.

ONLINE LEARNING TOOLKIT

This guide for teachers and team leads provides adaptations for all of the other REACH Challenge Toolkit units to be taught as an online or hybrid learning option, with videos, online assessments, activities and worksheets provided in more flexible online formats.

 

ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY

Students will explore the world of adaptive and assistive technology, as well as why these technologies are critically important for those with ability challenges. The exploration will include case studies, resources, and an inspiring lesson on the power of inclusiveness.

 

 

 

USER-CENTERED DESIGN

Students will create a piece of adaptive technology as they develop a high-level of understanding of User-Centered Design, where the engineer includes its end user throughout the design process, which is filled with iteration. This section includes a fun lesson on the importance of failure.

 

 

EMPATHY + SAFETY

Students will learn how empathy and safety methods are applied to each step in the User-Centered Design process. This section includes an activity on listening, and how to conduct a good user interview to obtain qualitative and quantitative data.

ENGINEERING PROTOTYPES

Students will build a working prototype of their idea, applying what they’ve learned about User-Centered Design. Tips, tricks, and resources for prototyping will be taught through hands-on activities as well as explorations and slides on common mechanisms and control systems.

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY

Students will take on the role of an entrepreneur as they learn how to present their innovation to the world. This section includes information about open source options and the patent process, as well as tips on protecting intellectual property.

 

SUBMISSION GUIDELINES

Students will learn the details of the REACH Challenge, including a sample submission. This section provides teams with tips on finding a User-Expert, product discounts, templates, and tips on technical writing, photography, and videography.