Poster 5: Designing Inclusive STEM Learning Through PBL: Executive Function, Equity, Engagement “Design a Zoo” Pilot

How can project-based STEM/STEAM challenges be intentionally designed to support executive functioning, collaboration, and engagement -- especially for diverse learners? This interactive workshop shares findings from a multi-site pilot of the “Design a Zoo” challenge, a hands-on, interdisciplinary experience that blends engineering, science, math, empathy, and creativity. Co-designed by experts in occupational therapy, education, and design thinking, the pilot was implemented across three schools and over 100 students, using a mixed-methods approach to assess growth in academic learning, executive function (planning, organization, flexibility, self-regulation), and interpersonal development. Participants will review pilot data and classroom observations, then engage in an adapted version of the challenge -- including role-based participation and learner-specific constraints that simulate neurodiverse perspectives. The session concludes with a reflection on inclusive STEM strategies and a ready-to-use framework for designing or adapting PBL units that drive meaningful growth in 21st-century competencies across all learners. Participants will explore how project-based learning, grounded in UDL principles, can support executive function, collaboration, and content mastery across a wide range of learner profiles. Attendees will leave with tools to help students succeed in STEM -- and in their future roles as collaborators, citizens, and changemakers.