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What to Expect:

Medtronic Spark Explore

We are excited to have you on board. Below are some tips for before, during, and after your visit.

If you have any questions, please contact Amanda Asher, Education Program Manager (amanda@learningundefeated.org, 240-552-9571).

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Welcome to the Medtronic Spark Explore Experience

Medtronic Spark Explore invites students to investigate authentic healthcare challenges through an immersive, hands-on learning experience that connects health technology, engineering, collaboration, and curiosity. Throughout the experience, students explore how innovation and technology can help improve lives while discovering new possibilities for their own futures. 

Educators are an important part of that journey. 

By preparing students before their visit, supporting them during the experience, and extending learning afterward, educators help turn one day of exploration into a meaningful learning experience that continues beyond the school visit. 

Thank you for partnering with Learning Undefeated and Medtronic to inspire curiosity, encourage innovative thinking, and help students see themselves as future problem-solvers and innovators. 

Download the Teacher Guide Here
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About the Experience

Medtronic Spark Explore connects classroom learning with real-world applications of health technology, biomedical engineering, and engineering design. 

Students take on an authentic healthcare challenge, work together to explore possible solutions, and experience how innovation, problem-solving, and technology come together to improve lives. 

Grades: Middle School 5-9
Class Size: Up to 36 students
Student Experience: Approximately 35-45 minutes 

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Medtronic Spark Explore Curriculum

Medtronic Spark Explore connects classroom learning with authentic applications of biomedical engineering, healthcare technology, and engineering design through an immersive instructional experience. Students investigate real-world healthcare challenges while strengthening the skills that support success in school, future careers, and lifelong learning.

DISCOVER THE 2026/27 SCHOOL YEAR CURRICULUM HERE

Medtronic Spark Explore is aligned with state science and engineering standards across California, Colorado, Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Minnesota. Across all five states, the experience supports

  • Science and Engineering Practices
  • Engineering Design
  • Crosscutting Concepts
  • Disciplinary Core Ideas
  • Mathematical Reasoning
  • STEM Career Exploration through authentic healthcare innovation challenges

Students engage in asking questions, investigating problems, analyzing evidence, designing and evaluating solutions, collaborating with peers, and communicating their ideas while exploring connections to human body systems, biomedical engineering, healthcare technology, and real-world engineering applications.

Read More About Standards in the Teacher Guide

Activities Offered For the 2026–27 School Year

Medtronic Spark Explore Mobile Experience

Medtronic Spark Explore Mobile Experience

Enter the operating room and work together to design the pacemaker of the future!

Grade Level: Grades 5-9

Subject: Biology and Life Sciences , Engineering

The Spark of Life

The Spark of Life

Students will learn about the parts of the heart and engage in a hands-on activity that simulates how the heart pumps and how a pacemaker helps regulate heart rhythm.

Grade Level: Grades 5-9

Subject: Biology and Life Sciences

Curriculum Unit: From Molecules to Organisms

The Next Generation of Innovators

The Next Generation of Innovators

Students will learn about the traits that make up a strong innovator and match their innovator traits to real careers.

Grade Level: Grades 5-9

Subject: Biology and Life Sciences

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Before Your Visit: Prepare

Let’s Get Planning 

Once your school is confirmed, a member of the Learning Undefeated team will connect with your school’s primary contact to begin planning your visit. 

Your primary contact will help coordinate communication between Learning Undefeated and participating teachers and school staff. We’ll work together throughout the planning process to make sure everyone has the information needed for a smooth and successful experience. 

About Six Weeks Before: Meet Your Team 

Learning Undefeated will schedule a virtual planning meeting with your school’s primary contact and participating teachers. 

This is our opportunity to walk through the upcoming experience together, answer questions, and begin planning the details of your visit. 

During our meeting, we’ll talk through: 

  • What students and teachers can expect 
  • Your school’s daily schedule 
  • Vehicle parking and site access 
  • Arrival and dismissal procedures 
  • Participating teachers and classes 
  • Pre- and Post-Experience Curriculum 
  • Required forms and important deadlines 
  • Accessibility or school-specific needs 
  • Any questions from your team 

Helpful tip: Before the meeting, begin thinking about possible locations for the vehicle and who from your school should be involved in planning the visit. 

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Forms to Complete: 4 Weeks Out

Following your planning meeting, your school will complete and submit the information needed to finalize the visit. This information helps Learning Undefeated and our operations team prepare for your school’s specific schedule, site, and arrival needs. 

Step 1: Download & Fill Out Forms

All required documents should be completed and returned at least 4 weeks prior to your visit. Please download the forms and fill them out.

Step 2: Upload Completed Forms Below

Click Here to Upload Completed Forms
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Day of Your Visit: Explore!

It’s time to explore! 

Learning Undefeated educators will welcome students aboard the Medtronic Spark Explore vehicle and guide them through an immersive, collaborative experience centered around an authentic healthcare challenge. 

Teachers remain an important part of the experience. While Learning Undefeated educators facilitate, participating teachers will remain with their students and help encourage curiosity, collaboration, discussion, and creative thinking.  

On the day of your visit: 

  • Follow the finalized class schedule provided during the planning process. 
  • Have students ready at their scheduled time. 
  • A teacher or school representative must remain with students while onboard the vehicle. 
  • Encourage students to ask questions, collaborate, and explore. 
  • Let our team know about any changes or needs that may affect the day’s schedule. 
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After Your Visit: Reflect

The learning continues after the onboard experience! 

Teachers will complete the  Post-Experience Curriculum with students to help them reflect on their experience, deepen their understanding of health technology and innovation, and connect what they explored aboard the vehicle to future learning and career possibilities. 

To complete the full Medtronic Spark Explore experience, educators will: 

  • Complete the Post-Experience Curriculum with students. 
  • Complete the Educator Survey. 
  • Facilitate the Student Survey. 
  • Submit required follow-up materials within two weeks of the visit. 
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Celebrate Your Participation

Receive a Certificate of Completion 

Your commitment to creating meaningful learning opportunities for students deserves recognition. Educators who complete all components of the Medtronic Spark Explore experience may receive a  Certificate of Completion for 5 hours. 

To receive a certificate, educators must complete the required Pre-Experience Curriculum, participate in the Medtronic Spark Explore experience, complete the Post-Experience Curriculum, complete the Educator Survey, facilitate Student Surveys, and submit all required materials within two weeks of the scheduled visit. 

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Safety & Accessibility

Creating a safe and welcoming learning environment for students, educators, and guests is a priority throughout every Medtronic Spark Explore visit. 

Learning Undefeated staff will review important safety and site considerations with your school during the planning process. We ask schools to share any campus-specific safety procedures, emergency protocols, accessibility needs, or other information our team should be aware of before the visit. 

A copy of Learning Undefeated’s Safety Plan is available to participating schools upon request. 

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Enter the Monthly Teacher’s Social Media Contest and Win a $100 Amazon Gift Card!

Teachers who submit photos or student quotes from the lab visit will be entered to win a $100 Amazon gift card each month. Each photo (up to 10 per teacher) is one chance to win! Submit a short quote about your experience for a bonus entry. Drawings will be conducted the last Friday of each month and winners will be notified by email.

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