After attending T.S.G.C's, Lift Off 2007 program, on Robotics and Space Exploration, I was left with a desire to offer VZG's students the opportunities to explore Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics in a unique manner. The club will utilize Lego Educational kits; such as “Motorized Simple Machines”, “Science and Technology”, and “Mindstorms NXT Robotics and Engineering”, to engage student interest, and introduce them to the fun and exhilaration of science and technology while developing self-confidence, knowledge and life skills. A further goal is to build “Early and First Lego League” teams that can compete in Early and FLL tournaments. The challenge of educating future generations of engineers, and scientists for our country is an issue that cannot be swept aside. Although, engineering enrollments are rising in universities, the graduate engineer shortage continues, in particular, women and minorities our still underrepresented. Van Zandt Guinn’s school demographics as of May 2007 are as follows: Small inner city elementary, Title 1, school with a total student population of 268, this population is categorized as African American = 150, Hispanic =111, Anglo American = 7. Many of our student population have limited experience with the basic underpinnings of physical science and most certainly with technology applications. It is my intention, with the implementation of this club to provide experiences which not only mirror their middle income counterparts but exceed them. The goals and learning objectives for the VZG Space STEM Club are varied however; the overall goal is to raise the level of student achievement, engagement, motivation, and enthusiasm for learning via a curriculum that incorporates science, technology, engineering and mathematics through the incorporation of Lego Educational kits. Students will achieve these goals and objectives by attending the VZG Space STEM club and completing three consecutive programs. Each program is designed to build upon the knowledge and skills developed previously. First: Introduction of simple machines; designed for students to explore simple machine concepts using open ended hands on activities and models. Second: Engineering and problem solving. Students work in teams to manufacture 12 different working models of various physical science and technology concepts, including; forces and motion, simple machines, measurement, energy, magnetism and more. Then students will embark on open ended projects, allowing for self discovery of specific problems and the invention of student driven solutions. Third: The Mindstorm NXT robotics program. After initial instruction in to use of the NXT software, the students will design and construct various robotic designs to answer challenges. Challenges will focuses on the correct use of robotic sensors, program design and construction of a robot that solves the challenge. Current learning theories including Constructivism, Active Learning, Whole Class and Small Group Teaching promote student engagement and consider it to be a key component of knowledge construction. The interactive, hands-on exploration and construction of machines and robots in this program will promote student engagement. Students who are encouraged to explore, are taking charge of their own dynamic learning processes. This project uses age appropriate tools, challenges and opportunities for students to explore science and technology while working together with their peers. This program will enhance student’s individual performances and potential, therefore, improving their motivation and understanding of science and technology. Implementation of the plan begins with students being introduced to simple machines. This program consists of thirty one hands-on activities. I anticipate having one and a half hour blocks of time with the students. Therefore, two activities will be completed each week, for a total of sixteen weeks. Then we move to the science and technology program, which focuses on engineering, team work, and problem solving. This program has a total of sixteen activities, therefore, I am allowing eight weeks. Finally, the robotics program, will round out the remainder of the year. Many choices are available in programming and robotic design. Those younger students who return to school the following year can continue their studies with new and ever more demanding challenges, whilst less experienced students will start with the basics of simple machines. All students will keep STEM Journals to record ideas, perceptions, diagrams, programs and designs of everything they do. This journal will become a resource as well as a record of their achievements. The step by step, progressive nature of the programs promotes questioning, discussion and provides for many opportunities for pupil learning and teacher responses. The interactive, hands-on nature of the Lego programs and the accompanying NXT soft ware allows for students of all learning styles to gain mastery. The models appeal to a variety of student learning styles and have additional benefits for special needs students. For example; Visual learners benefit from note taking, diagramming and manipulating objects and symbols, Kinesthetic learners can benefit from the tactile experiences and the movement and spatial tendencies of constructing the mechanized models, English language learning strategies such as color coding and the use of diagrams is incorporated into the Lego parts by design, and students with ADD find the interactive nature of the modeling valuable to their needs. The acquisition of the simple machine as noted in this proposal will allow the students to discover the wonderment and challenges of science, and start them on a great voyage of future discovery. Who knows they may be the future engineers who enable us to travel to Mars and beyond.