4 Leaf
4Leaf is a research-based initiative dedicated to creating innovative, out-of-school curriculum for middle school aged youth that combines STEM education, literacy, and the 21st century skills youth will need in order to thrive at home, in school, and in future careers. In order to achieve this, Tumblehome Inc, works on curricula in partnership with other organizations.
Our Curriculum
Data Detectives
Funded by the National Science Foundation, the Data Detectives curriculum uses Dr. Penny Noyce’s adventure book Pandemics! to help frame a six-session program that focuses on epidemiology and data science, literacy, and resiliency skills. Youth learn about worldwide epidemics throughout history and how to read and analyze data using free data mapping tools. If you’d like to learn more, please visit the Tumblehome curriculum page. Or you can check out this informational brochure about the six-session curriculum as well as sign up here to try it out.
Project Brainy
Made possible through grants from the Alden Trust and the Mott Family Foundation, and created in partnership with ISRY (Institute for the Study of Resilience in Youth), Project Brainy focuses on neuroscience and resilience. The curriculum helps youth learn about concussions, brain anatomy, neurons and connections, healing and neuroplasticity. It combines reading Dr. Penny Noyce’s novel Baffling Brain with STEAM projects to help youth understand the brain and how it works–and how it connects to their daily lives as they interact with the world around them. You can learn more about this six-session curriculum here.
Clover for Youth
Clover for Youth is a six-session curriculum designed to help middle school aged youth understand and advocate for their own social-emotional needs and gain skills in navigating social situations. It is based on PEAR’s (Partnerships in Education and Resilience) research-backed Clover Model of Youth Development created by Dr. Gil Noam of Harvard Medical School and McLean Hospital This curriculum’s initial pilot will take place in summer 2025. You can learn more and sign up to be part of the program’s roll-out here.
Programs in Development
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EDGY (Engineering Design for Growth in Youth)
Even though the Next Generation Science Standards include standards for engineering, most students experience very little engineering in school. Engineering topics are especially well suited to afterschool and summer settings, which tend to be hands-on and low stakes while emphasizing fun and belonging. Many of the skills necessary for engineering projects, such as teamwork and persistence, are also important social skills for success in the workforce and higher education. Thus, engineering can be an effective vehicle for the youth development goals of OST (out-of-school time) learning as well as STEM inspiration. The EDGY curriculum is currently in development in partnership with The Tech Interactive. You can sign up for updates here.
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AI / Art
It’s crucial for middle school youth to develop skills in the area of AI technology standards while also developing their own creativity. Artistic expression is a powerful vehicle for fostering creativity and aspirations. The fusion of AI and art allows students to explore new mediums and technologies, encouraging them to think beyond traditional boundaries. This initiative aims not only to meet educational standards but also to make the educational journey enjoyable, particularly in after school environments, by offering hands-on interactive lessons that seamlessly blend the realms of technology and artistic expression. AI/Art is currently in development. If you’d like to learn more you can sign up for updates here.