6th grade STEM
Build Your Own Battery
A hands-on science and engineering lesson where learners build a simple battery, vary the number of cells, measure voltage, and reflect on what they observe.
Explore the interactive lessonAbout Proof & Progress
Turning complex ideas into meaningful learning.
Engineering, instruction, and STEM education brought together to make learning clear, practical, and engaging.
Malcolm Johnson
Founder · Engineer · STEM educator
A note from the founder
Learning should make sense, not just get done.
Hi, I’m Malcolm Johnson, the founder of Proof & Progress. I’m an engineer, instructional designer, and STEM educator with seven years of tutoring experience.
My engineering background taught me to break complex systems into parts, test ideas, and learn through iteration. I bring that same approach to teaching: listen for what’s unclear, explain the ideas in manageable steps, and give students a chance to practice and ask questions.
Alongside personalized tutoring, I develop practical STEM learning experiences for youth and educators. That work can include lesson plans, hands-on activities, learning objectives, assessments, and facilitator materials shaped around the learners and program goals.
Build understanding. Grow confidence.
Selected STEM learning work
Learning through making, testing, and problem-solving.
Examples of hands-on STEM learning experiences and materials developed for student learning.
Engineering education
Automation for Beginners
A 6th-grade engineering learning package using an Input → Decision → Action model, with instructor and learner materials, assessment, and interactive scenarios.
Explore the interactive lessonEngineering foundation
B.S. Aerospace Science Engineering
Tuskegee University · 2014
This technical foundation informs the way I approach problem-solving and translate complex ideas into practical learning.
Personalized
Start with the student or group, not a one-size-fits-all plan.
Practical
Connect learning to clear explanations, active practice, and real questions.
Purposeful
Build the understanding and confidence that support continued learning.