Career-Connected PBL Curriculum
Explorer (K-5) Unit Spotlight
Harvest Hauler (for grade K)
Just 30% of 2024 graduates met at least three of ACT’s four readiness benchmarks 1 — while 75% of employers report difficulty filling positions 2 .
Career & Industry Pathway: Agriculture, Energy, & Natural Resources
Integrated STEM Application: Robotics & Control Technology
Challenge: How can we program a self-driving delivery truck to help a farmer bring food to our community? Overview: Learners explore how food goes from farm to table, considering food distribution challenges and focusing on delivering fresh produce to food deserts.
1 ACT (2024) — “Thirty percent of 2024 high school graduates met three or four of ACT’s College Readiness Benchmarks.” https://www.act.org/content/act/en/research/ services-and-resources/data-and-visualization/grad-class-database-2024.html 2 ManpowerGroup (2024) — “74% of employers report difficulty filling roles” (global) https://go.manpowergroup.com/talent-shortage-2024
Research that Strengthens Learning Outcomes
SmartLab contracted with the Johns Hopkins University School of Education Center for Research and Reform in Education to study the impact of its Explorer and Pathfinder programs on student outcomes. The multi-district study examines science and mathematics achievement and STEM identity using independent measures. Conducted across schools in Texas, Illinois, and California, it compares SmartLab participants with similar non- SmartLab schools and meets ESSA Tier 3 evidence standards. Grounded in research, SmartLab builds lasting skills, confidence, and belief in student potential.
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