This virtual professional learning event demonstrates that media can be used for good, and that students are incredible problem solvers. We share the Universal Design for Learning (UDL) framework and the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Goals to show how these concepts together can inspire students to use engineering concepts and human centered design to create authentic, impactful, helpful solutions.

The episode, hosted by PBS Digital Innovator All-Stars Bobbi Starling, Laura Bradley, Mike Lang and Glenda Lozada, is inspired by the PBS American Portrait prompt, “My greatest challenge is…''. The episode ecourages educators to think about how they might use stories shared to the American Portrait platform to encourage students to be better problem solvers and advocates. Whether working towards tolerance, kindness, acceptance, or inclusion, students can make an impact when they combine scientific inquiry, engineering design, empathy research, and media to empower others to overcome great challenges.

Resources shared during the event can be found here.

Access the certificate of attendance for this event here.