Our student-centered, choice-based model revolves around our suite of 32 STEAM Challenges. Facilitators select a set of Challenges for their studio to work on, and the students browse, choose, and explore the first level of any Challenge they are interested in. Let's walk through a FUSE session with two students, Sophie, and Jayden.

Choose a Challenge

Sophie and Jayden watch the introductory trailer video for the different challenges currently available to them. After watching the trailers, they choose to work on Solar Roller, the solar-powered car challenge.

Start Level One

Jayden gets the Solar Roller Kit, while Sophie starts watching the instructional videos on the FUSE website. Level one of each FUSE Challenge is designed to be enjoyable, accessible, and easy to complete within a standard class period.

Ask for Help

When Sophie and Jayden get stuck on a step, they work together to troubleshoot. They have many resources available to them, including help videos on the FUSE website as well as the peers in their class who have already completed this level. Facilitators play a crucial role here, supporting students as they discover their own answers.

Complete a Level

When Sophie and Jayden complete this level, they document their progress and upload their work to the FUSE website. This unlocks the next level of Solar Roller. Students save and complete their work directly on the FUSE website. They create a portfolio of their work, which moves easily between computers and classrooms.

Level Up

After completing Level 1, Sophie is ready for more! She decides to keep going, persisting through the different levels of Solar Roller until she completes all the levels of the challenge. She’s developed real expertise, and when other students try Solar Roller, they know she’s the person to go to for help. She’s also discovered a new interest. Who knows where this will lead her?

Try Something New

Student choice is key to the FUSE model. As Sophie continues with Solar Roller, Jayden decides to change direction and try something new. He might start a new challenge, or join a peer struggling to solve a problem. If he decides to come back to Solar Roller in the future, he can pick up right where he left off. The flexibility of the FUSE model means that students truly have voice and choice in the work they do in FUSE.