Creating Exciting Futures in STEM
What is the Challenge?
CEF You Be The Solution Challenge™ (formally You Be The Chemist Challenge®) is a team-based competition for 5th- through 8th-grade students that builds interest and excitement among students to continue science and STEM-related education throughout high school, skilled trades, college, and into the workforce.
CEF supplies educators and parents with all the necessary resources to participate in the Challenge, including online support, study materials, and tips on step-by-step implementation.
Adventure Guides
Presented by Brenntag, CEF Adventure Guides™ (formally You Be The Chemist Activity Guides) use common, inexpensive items so educators can provide hands-on learning for K-8 students to explore foundational STEM concepts.
Hands-on learning engages young children in exploring STEM. These activities make real-world connections for students to see the value STEM in everyday learning and life.
Since no formal lab space is needed, these experiments, lesson sheets, and supplemental resources are ready-to-use in schools, afterschool programs, camps, museums – anywhere!
The content is compatible with the Next Generation Science Standards.
Essential Elements
Confidence. It’s what educators have after participating in CEF Essential Elements professional development workshops, so they are equipped to lead hands-on STEM activities with students.
This confidence is critical, and comes with providing K–8 educators—our “essential elements” in education—with methods for teaching STEM concepts.
Career Conversations
Online and in-person resources for students to explore different STEM careers and talk to professionals about future workforce opportunities.
"CEF and its programs ... have completely changed the way our young people see themselves and their future. Their journey is now completely transformed and their future seemingly boundless."
-Cathi Cox-Boniol (Director of Region 8 LaSTEM Center)
