February 2nd, 2026
How Out Teach Seed Packs™ Help Students See Themselves in STEM Careers
If you had asked me to draw what an inventor looked like when I was a child, I certainly would not have drawn me! As a kid, I never met an inventor and I was never taught about inventors who looked like me.
Dr. Arlyne Simon
In many elementary classrooms, students learn science without consistently connecting their investigations to real STEM careers. Out Teach Seed Packs™ are designed to change that. As students explore soil, ecosystems, and engineering challenges outdoors, they are introduced to scientists whose work mirrors what they’re experiencing. Science becomes something they can do, and a career path they can imagine for themselves. This intentional design is what career-connected, equitable STEM instruction looks like in practice. For example:
Chavonda Jacobs-Young — Soil, agriculture, and food systems
When students examine soil, plant growth, and environmental conditions outdoors, they learn how scientists like Dr. Jacobs-Young study agriculture, sustainability, and food systems at a national level.
Students begin to understand that soil science isn’t just a lesson. It’s a real career that shapes how communities live and eat.
Earyn McGee — Ecosystems and habitats
As students observe insects, habitats, and living systems around their schoolyard, they learn how Dr. McGee studies reptiles and ecosystems and works to make science more accessible to young learners.
Students see that exploring nature isn’t just curiosity. It’s the work of scientists.
Arlyne Simon — Engineering and problem solving
During design challenges and measurement activities, students are introduced to engineers like Dr. Simon who solve problems that improve lives through biomedical engineering and innovation.
Students begin connecting problem solving with real STEM careers.
Supported by the IF/Then® Collection
These connections are informed by the IF/Then® Collection, a national initiative that highlights women in STEM careers and provides educators with access to diverse, contemporary scientist role models.
Seed Packs™ intentionally draw from this collection to ensure students encounter scientists of color and women in STEM as part of their everyday learning...not as a special feature, but as a natural part of science instruction.
Why Schools and Districts Choose Seed Packs™
Schools and districts partner with Out Teach because Seed Packs™ make this type of instruction simple, consistent, and repeatable across classrooms.
