THINKER TANK Communities
The C3 THINKER TANK Community is a yearlong program that brings teachers together to learn, collaborate, and grow as a network of innovative educators. Through shared experiences, hands-on projects, and ongoing support, teachers exchange ideas, learn from one another, and build a strong professional community centered on creativity and innovation. As part of this collaborative experience, educators gain practical strategies and interactive lessons that help students develop essential life skills while exploring the Engineering Design Process.
Apply for the 2026–27 Cohort (Closes 5/14)
Teachers Monthly PD Meeting
Monthly STEAM Projects & Lessons
Free 1-3 Hour Visits for Eligible Teachers/Classes
Borrowing Bank for Members
10+ Hours of PD
Collaboration & Connection for Educators
What's Included
A Collaborative Community That Sparks Creativity & Growth
See the C3 THINKER TANK in Action
“Students were focused, problem solving, and teaching each other when they figured it out.”
“Students were able to learn how coding works for the first time and seemed genuinely amazed!”
"The students are so involved and focused on tasks they are given. They execute the engineering design process with such mastery. Frustration in failure is minimal because they understand that they can improve, and they want to. Students’ public speaking skills have developed naturally, with minimal effort on my part. They are eager to share their ideas and actively engage in answering questions. Thinker Tank has played a key role in boosting their self-confidence."
"These challenges have increased student engagement, participation, and improved student behavior. Two years ago, I had a class with three boys who had severe ADHD. I couldn’t keep them in their seats, and they were super active. When Gigi, with the THINKER TANK program, came to my room to do a Gold Rush project based activity, the three boys did not get out of their seats and were engaged for a full hour. Their parents and I couldn’t believe it. The engagement was 200%! This is the power of the THINKER TANK Community and its ability to support my students’ engagement, participation, and growth, and diversify their learning.”seemed genuinely amazed!”
THINKER TANK Challenge Library
THINKER TANK Challenges are ready-to-use lessons, that include a slide deck and a project, to help students strengthen through meaningful, hands-on learning. Each activity is easy to implement, requires little to no prep, and uses simple, everyday or recyclable materials students can easily bring from home. Explore samples of the challenges in the Challenge Library below to find grade-level projects designed to fit seamlessly into any classroom.
GradeS TK-2
GradeS 3-5
ALL GRADES (TK-5)
Challenge
Grade
LINK
There's a Turkey on Your Head
TK-2
EXPLORE
Access now
Standard
1-LS1-1 – Structure and Function
Use materials to design a solution to a human problem by mimicking how plants and/or animals use their external parts to survive.
Recycled Rabbit
TK-2
EXPLORE
Access now
NGSS K–2 Engineering Design standards (K-2-ETS1-1, K-2-ETS1-2, K-2-ETS1-3) and Life Science standard 1-LS1-1 as students design and build a rabbit model using recyclable materials while exploring animal structures.
Maybe Read Aloud
TK-2
EXPLORE
ACCESS NOW
NGSS 3-PS2-1 – Forces and Motion
Plan and conduct an investigation to provide evidence of the effects of balanced and unbalanced forces on motion.
Leaf People
TK-2
EXPLORE
Access now
NGSS K-LS1-1, K-ESS2-2, K-2-ETS1-1, and K-2-ETS1-2, as students collect leaves, observe patterns in nature, and design a creative “leaf person” using natural materials.
Divergent Thinking: Not a Triangle
TK-2
EXPLORE
access now
K-2-ETS1-1 – Ask questions, make observations, and gather information about a situation people want to change in order to define a simple problem that can be solved through the development of a new or improved object or tool.
K-2-ETS1-2 – Develop a simple sketch, drawing, or physical model to illustrate how the shape of an object helps it function as needed to solve a given problem."
The STEAM of Snowflakes
TK-2
EXPLORE
ACCESS NOW
1-PS4-2
Jabari Tries and Shape Flyer
TK-2
EXPLORE
access now
K-2-ETS1-3
Making with Recyclables
TK-2
EXPLORE
access now
K-2-ETS1-2
Easter Cross: Religion/Art Project
TK-2
EXPLORE
access now
VA:Cr3.1
GradeS TK-2
GradeS 3-5
ALL GRADES (TK-5)
Challenge
Grade
LINK
Standard
Jane Goodall and the Primate Playground
3-5
EXPLORE
Watch now
TK-2
Origami Bunny Face
3-5
EXPLORE
Watch now
TK-2
Earthquake Challenge
3-5
EXPLORE
Watch now
TK-2
The March of the Water Bottle Penguin Challenge
3-5
EXPLORE
Watch now
TK-2
Show Kindness to All
3-5
EXPLORE
Watch now
TK-2
STEM in a Bag
3-5
EXPLORE
Watch now
TK-2
Design a Heart Box Challenge
3-5
EXPLORE
Watch now
TK-2
Supply Caddy Challenge
3-5
EXPLORE
Watch now
TK-2
Gratitude Pumpkin Challenge
3-5
EXPLORE
Watch now
TK-2
Creepy Catcher and Spider
3-5
EXPLORE
Watch now
TK-2
Mini Nature House Challenge
3-5
EXPLORE
Watch now
TK-2
The Recycled Tree House Challenge
3-5
EXPLORE
Watch now
TK-2
Paper Foosball Follow Challenge
3-5
EXPLORE
Watch now
TK-2
Brainstorming & Making Project
3-5
EXPLORE
Watch now
TK-2
Cardboard Chair Design
3-5
EXPLORE
Watch now
TK-2
Jane Goodall and the Primate Playground
3-5
EXPLORE
access now
3-5-ETS1-1 – Define a Design Problem
Origami Bunny Face
3-5
EXPLORE
access now
VA:Cr3.1
Earthquake Challenge
3-5
EXPLORE
access now
NGSS Engineering Design standards (3-5-ETS1-1, 3-5-ETS1-2, 3-5-ETS1-3) & Earth Science standard 4-ESS3-2
The March of the Water Bottle Penguin Challenge
3-5
EXPLORE
access now
3-LS3-2
Show Kindness to All
3-5
EXPLORE
access now
Religion Activity - Connects to Parable of the Good Samaritan
STEM in a Bag
3-5
EXPLORE
access now
3-5-ETS1-1
Design a Heart Box Challenge
3-5
EXPLORE
access now
3-5-ETS1-1, 3-5-ETS1-2
Supply Caddy Challenge
3-5
EXPLORE
access now
3-5-ETS1-1
Creepy Catcher and Spider
3-5
EXPLORE
access now
3-5-ETS1-2
Mini Nature House Challenge
3-5
EXPLORE
access now
3-5-ETS1-2
The Recycled Tree House Challenge
3-5
EXPLORE
access now
3-5-ETS1-3
Paper Foosball Follow Challenge
3-5
EXPLORE
access now
K-2-ETS1-2
Brainstorming & Making Project
3-5
EXPLORE
access now
3-5-ETS1-1
Cardboard Chair Design
3-5
EXPLORE
access now
3-5-ETS1-1
Easter Cross: Religion/Art Project
3-5
EXPLORE
access now
VA:Cr3.1
GradeS TK-2
GradeS 3-5
ALL GRADES (TK-5)
Challenge
Grade
LINK
Standard
Jane Goodall and the Primate Playground
3-5
EXPLORE
Watch now
TK-2
Origami Bunny Face
3-5
EXPLORE
Watch now
TK-2
Earthquake Challenge
3-5
EXPLORE
Watch now
TK-2
The March of the Water Bottle Penguin Challenge
3-5
EXPLORE
Watch now
TK-2
Show Kindness to All
3-5
EXPLORE
Watch now
TK-2
STEM in a Bag
3-5
EXPLORE
Watch now
TK-2
Design a Heart Box Challenge
3-5
EXPLORE
Watch now
TK-2
Supply Caddy Challenge
3-5
EXPLORE
Watch now
TK-2
Gratitude Pumpkin Challenge
3-5
EXPLORE
Watch now
TK-2
Creepy Catcher and Spider
3-5
EXPLORE
Watch now
TK-2
Mini Nature House Challenge
3-5
EXPLORE
Watch now
TK-2
The Recycled Tree House Challenge
3-5
EXPLORE
Watch now
TK-2
Paper Foosball Follow Challenge
3-5
EXPLORE
Watch now
TK-2
Brainstorming & Making Project
3-5
EXPLORE
Watch now
TK-2
Cardboard Chair Design
3-5
EXPLORE
Watch now
TK-2
Start with Kindness
TK-5
EXPLORE
ACCESS NOW
N/A
Cardboard Tube Nativity Scene
TK-5
EXPLORE
access now
N/A
Love Is
TK-5
EXPLORE
access now
N/A
Maybe Read Aloud
TK-5
EXPLORE
ACCESS NOW
NGSS 3-PS2-1
Show Kindness to All
TK-5
EXPLORE
access now
Religion Activity - Connects to Parable of the Good Samaritan
The Recycled Tree House Challenge
TK-5
EXPLORE
access now
3-5-ETS1-3
Easter Cross: Religion/Art Project
3-5
EXPLORE
access now
VA:Cr3.1
Invention Education Online Course
Designed specifically for educators across the Archdiocese, this online professional development course equips teachers with the tools and confidence to bring invention education into classrooms in grades 3–8. Through a flexible, self-paced pathway, teachers engage with meaningful content that strengthens their instructional practice while directly impacting student learning.
This course provides engaging videos, hands-on activities, and practical classroom-ready resources that support teachers in guiding students through the invention process. Grounded in real-world application, educators will learn how to foster creativity, problem-solving, collaboration, and innovation—skills that prepare students for lifelong success.
Participants will receive a Professional Development certificate for the hours they complete, making this a valuable opportunity to grow professionally while implementing innovative, student-centered learning.
START LEARNING
Building the Next Generation of Inventors & Innovators
Building the Next Generation of Inventors & Innovators
THINKER TANK Invents
THINKER TANK Invents empowers students to tackle real-world problems, design and build original inventions, and share their work at regional and state competitions. Each project is created with the goal of benefiting society, giving students a meaningful way to explore STEM through creativity, curiosity, and hands-on learning.
LEARN MORE
Students will gain:
Strong problem-solving and critical-thinking skills
Hands-on STEM experience with real tools, materials, and design processes
Confidence through building, testing, and presenting their own inventions
Collaboration, communication, and documentation skills used by real engineers
LEARN MORE
THINKER TANK Communities
The C3 THINKER TANK Community is a yearlong program that brings teachers together to learn, collaborate, and grow as a network of innovative educators. Through shared experiences, hands-on projects, and ongoing support, teachers exchange ideas, learn from one another, and build a strong professional community centered on creativity and innovation. As part of this collaborative experience, educators gain practical strategies and interactive lessons that help students develop essential life skills while exploring the Engineering Design Process.
What's Included
Teachers Monthly
PD Meeting
Monthly STEAM Projects & Lessons
Free 1-3 Hour Visits for Eligible Teachers/Classes
Borrowing Bank for Members
10+ Hours of PD
Collaboration & Connection for Educators
See the C3 THINKER TANK in Action
Apply for the 2026–27 Cohort (Closes 5/14)
A Collaborative Community That Sparks Creativity & Growth
“Students were focused, problem solving, and teaching each other when they figured it out.”
"The students are so involved and focused on tasks they are given. They execute the engineering design process with such mastery. Frustration in failure is minimal because they understand that they can improve, and they want to. Students’ public speaking skills have developed naturally, with minimal effort on my part. They are eager to share their ideas and actively engage in answering questions. Thinker Tank has played a key role in boosting their self-confidence."
“Students were able to learn how coding works for the first time and seemed genuinely amazed!”
"These challenges have increased student engagement, participation, and improved student behavior. Two years ago, I had a class with three boys who had severe ADHD. I couldn’t keep them in their seats, and they were super active. When Gigi, with the THINKER TANK program, came to my room to do a Gold Rush project based activity, the three boys did not get out of their seats and were engaged for a full hour. Their parents and I couldn’t believe it. The engagement was 200%! This is the power of the THINKER TANK Community and its ability to support my students’ engagement, participation, and growth, and diversify their learning.”seemed genuinely amazed!”
Challenge Library
THINKER TANK Challenges are ready-to-use lessons, that include a slide deck and a project, to help students strengthen through meaningful, hands-on learning. Each activity is easy to implement, requires little to no prep, and uses simple, everyday or recyclable materials students can easily bring from home. Explore samples of the challenges in the Challenge Library below to find grade-level projects designed to fit seamlessly into any classroom.
Teachers Monthly
PD Meeting
Invention Education Online Course
Building the Next Generation of Inventors & Innovators
Designed specifically for educators across the Archdiocese, this online professional development course equips teachers with the tools and confidence to bring invention education into classrooms in grades 3–8. Through a flexible, self-paced pathway, teachers engage with meaningful content that strengthens their instructional practice while directly impacting student learning.
This course provides engaging videos, hands-on activities, and practical classroom-ready resources that support teachers in guiding students through the invention process. Grounded in real-world application, educators will learn how to foster creativity, problem-solving, collaboration, and innovation—skills that prepare students for lifelong success.
Participants will receive a Professional Development certificate for the hours they complete, making this a valuable opportunity to grow professionally while implementing innovative, student-centered learning.
START LEARNING
THINKER TANK Invents
THINKER TANK Invents empowers students to tackle real-world problems, design and build original inventions, and share their work at regional and state competitions. Each project is created with the goal of benefiting society, giving students a meaningful way to explore STEM through creativity, curiosity, and hands-on learning.
Building the Next Generation of Inventors & Innovators
LEARN MORE
Students will gain:
Strong problem-solving and critical-thinking skills
Hands-on STEM experience with real tools, materials, and design processes
Confidence through building, testing, and presenting their own inventions
Collaboration, communication, and documentation skills used by real engineers
LEARN MORE
Team!
Meet
the
CONNECT WITH US:
thinkertank@la-archdiocese.org
Gigi Castello
THINKER TANK Director
Jennifer Taylor
C3 Program Coordinator
Meet the TEAM!
CONNECT WITH US:
thinkertank@la-archdiocese.org
Gigi Castello
THINKER TANK Director
Jennifer Taylor
C3 Program Coordinator
Check Out the THINKER TANK Community on Instagram!
Stay connected, get inspired, and see innovation in action! Follow @C3THINKERTANK to explore classroom highlights, student innovation, and ideas you can bring directly into your own learning space.
CONNECT WITH US ON INSTAGRAM
Check Out the THINKER TANK Community on Instagram!
Stay connected, get inspired, and see innovation in action! Follow @C3THINKERTANK to explore classroom highlights, student innovation, and ideas you can bring directly into your own learning space.
CONNECT WITH US ON INSTAGRAM
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STAY UP TO DATE WITH C3! "CATHOLIC COMMUNICATION COLLABORATION"
Get exciting new updates, resources, workshops, useful tips and more delivered right to your inbox with C3’s Monthly Download.
