Chain Reaction is a hands-on sTEAMbuilding enrichment program where students learn simple machines and social-emotional skills in parallel—because building effective machines requires building effective teams.

Through collaborative engineering challenges centered on levers, inclined planes, wheels and axles, wedges, and pulleys, students explore foundational engineering concepts while simultaneously strengthening leadership, communication, perseverance, and teamwork. Chain Reaction intentionally blends simple machine instruction and SEL, allowing students to experience how technical success and human skills are deeply connected.

PROGRAM STRUCTURE:

• Duration: 10 weeks

• Schedule: 2 days per week

• Session Length: 2 hours per session

• Group Size: Typically up to 40 students, program may be adapted to accommodate large group size

• Delivery: On-campus, Fulcrum-led

• Grade Levels: 4–6 and 7–12 (content adapted by age group) & can be customized to incorporate your mission statement & values

STUDENT OUTCOMES:

• Increased understanding of simple machines and engineering systems

• Stronger collaboration, communication, and leadership skills

• Improved perseverance through trial, error, and iteration

• Greater ability to plan, problem-solve, and adapt

• Deeper understanding of how individual actions impact group success

SIMPLE MACHINES & SEL THEMES:

• Levers & Leadership – Small actions can create big impact when someone steps up to lead.

• Inclined Planes & Patience – Finding a smoother path takes planning, persistence, and patience.

• Axles, Wheels & Working Together – When every part plays its role, the whole system moves forward.

• Wedges & Words – Clear communication and attention to detail make all the difference.

• Pulleys & Perseverance – Complex challenges require effort, patience, and perseverance.

WHY THIS WORKS:

Chain Reaction is an Accelerator Partner program that is fully expert-led, delivers a true 50/50 integration of simple machine engineering and SEL, utilizes specialized materials and large-scale building components, and follows a progressive, multi-week design and build structure—ensuring high engagement, strong attendance, and meaningful outcomes aligned with ELO-P priorities.

ENGINEERING DESIGN ARC:

• Weeks 1–5: Simple machine exploration and skill-building

• Week 6: Planning and design of a large-scale chain reaction machine

• Weeks 7–9: Build, test, troubleshoot, and iterate

• Week 10: School-based showcase and reflection