
Pathfinders are just beginning to navigate their role in the world. In this stage, students learn to identify small problems, ask good questions, and work together to find creative, virtuous solutions. With courage, kindness, and obedience as guiding virtues, Pathfinders develop essential collaboration and communication skills. They explore what it means to participate in a community, learning that their voice and actions matter—especially when done in love and faith.


Example Lesson

In the example lesson below, students in the Pathfinders group (Kindergarten–Grade 1) take on a challenge to help a “Thirsty Garden” by designing a system that brings water to dry soil—mirroring the way God cares for His people and creation. Rooted in the virtue of Care, this activity helps children recognize their responsibility to nurture the Earth and support those in need, reflecting the Catholic Social Teaching principle of the Option for the Poor and Vulnerable.
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The lesson begins with a picture book to introduce the theme of helping plants grow and sets the stage for discussing kindness, stewardship, and the needs of others. A short, age-appropriate science video reinforces basic concepts about soil, water, and how plants drink. These materials engage students in both faith and science while igniting their natural sense of wonder and compassion.
As with all Kingdom Builders STEAM lessons, the heart of the experience follows the Engineering Design Process. Students are first asked: “Can you build something to help water get to dry soil in a garden?” From there, the learning becomes hands-on and collaborative. Students draft their own design ideas, label their diagrams, and discuss their thoughts in small groups. Together, they develop a group plan using materials like tubing, droppers, soil trays, and cups.
Soft skills such as observation, teamwork, and expressing ideas are emphasized through structured group roles, helping young learners grow in communication, patience, and problem-solving. Each student contributes uniquely to the team effort, learning what it means to serve and build together with care.
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Once teams receive approval on their plans, they build and test their irrigation systems—pouring water through tubes or droppers to see how effectively they can deliver hydration to the dry soil in their miniature gardens. Students then present their designs, receive feedback, and make improvements in a second iteration—growing in both their technical understanding and their personal development.
This lesson, like all in the Kingdom Builders Pathfinders curriculum, integrates:
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Catholic virtues inspired by saints
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Catholic Social Teaching themes made accessible through hands-on practice
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Developmentally appropriate soft skills that build a strong foundation for future learning
By the end of the lesson, students not only understand how to design a simple irrigation system—they also recognize the value of care in both engineering and everyday life. Through joyful learning and meaningful faith integration, they begin to see that their small actions can make a big difference in God’s world.
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This Lesson also ties into one of the Kingdom Builder STEAM Adventure books: The Case of the Wilting Garden! All 6 books are featured as resources in the Kingdom Builder STEAM Curriculum. Learn more about the Kingdom Builders STEAM Adventures by clicking on the image below!
