New Perspectives in Science Education

The Desert Research Institute’s (DRI) STEM Education Program has provided innovative and accessible science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) learning opportunities for over a decade. Designed to address barriers to high-quality STEM education, this program combines hands-on curricula with educator professional development training to create sustainable pathways from student engagement to STEM careers.

Specifically, the Green Box Program develops and distributes reusable, self-contained curriculum kits that align with national science standards and include all materials necessary to deliver 3–4 weeks of classroom instruction. Each Green Box highlights environmental research being conducted by DRI scientists and incorporates career profiles to connect students’ classroom experiences with authentic STEM applications and pathways. Educators reserve boxes for one academic quarter, after which they are returned, restocked, and recirculated. This model reduces costs, eliminates barriers associated with lab materials or equipment, and creates opportunity for the authentic exploration of STEM topics and careers.

Complementing the curriculum, DRI offers educator professional development workshops that prepare educators to implement experiential and inquiry-based instruction with confidence. These trainings provide adaptable strategies for diverse learning environments and foster professional communities of practice. Educators consistently report increased readiness to apply inquiry-based methods, improved ability to connect students with real-world science, and stronger confidence in facilitating hands-on learning.

Together, the Green Box circulation model and educator trainings constitute an impactful, replicable intervention that advances both access to quality STEM learning and long-term workforce pipeline development. By integrating authentic scientific research, addressing logistical barriers, and embedding professional learning within curriculum deployment, this program illustrates how experiential models can expand equitable participation in STEM education and inspire the next generation of problem-solvers.