Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about STEAM StartUp accounts, simulators, plans, and more.

Accounts

How do I create an account?

Click the “Register” or “Sign Up” button on the STEAM StartUp homepage. Fill in your name, email address, and choose a password. You will receive a confirmation email to verify your account. Once verified, you can log in and start using the platform.

I forgot my password. How can I reset it?

On the login page, click “Forgot Password?” and enter the email address associated with your account. We will send you a password reset link. Follow the instructions in the email to create a new password.

Can I update my profile information?

Yes. Log into your account and navigate to your profile or account settings. From there you can edit your name, email, password, avatar, and other personal details. Remember to save your changes before leaving the page.

Why am I not receiving the confirmation email?

Check your spam or junk folder first. If it is not there, verify you entered the correct email address during registration. You may request a new confirmation email from the login or profile page. If the issue persists, contact our support team.

Can I delete my account?

Yes, you can request account deletion by contacting our support team or through your account settings, if available. Please note that deleting your account will remove your profile, progress, and any active subscriptions.

Using Simulators

How do I launch a simulator?

Browse the simulator library on the platform and click on any simulator tile or thumbnail. On the simulator detail page, click the “Launch” or “Start” button. The simulator will load in your browser window. No additional software installation is required.

What are the basic controls for simulators?

Controls vary by simulator, but common interactions include mouse click-and-drag, keyboard arrow keys, and on-screen buttons. Each simulator includes an in-app help or instructions panel. Look for a question mark icon (?) or “Help” button inside the simulator for specific control details.

What languages are supported?

STEAM StartUp simulators are available in 7 languages: English, Spanish, French, German, Portuguese, Russian, and Chinese (Simplified). You can switch the language from the settings menu within each simulator or from your account preferences.

How do I change the language of a simulator?

While the simulator is running, look for a language or settings icon (often a gear or globe symbol). Select your preferred language from the dropdown list. The simulator interface and instructional text will update to the chosen language immediately.

Why is the simulator not loading?

Ensure you are using a supported modern browser (Chrome, Firefox, Edge, or Safari). Clear your browser cache and refresh the page. Disable any ad blockers or privacy extensions that might interfere with the simulator. If the problem continues, check your internet connection or contact support.

Can I save my progress in a simulator?

Yes, most simulators automatically save your progress as you complete steps or reach milestones. Your progress is tied to your account, so you can return later and continue from where you left off. Make sure you are logged in before starting a session.

Full Screen Mode

Who can use Full Screen Mode?

Full Screen Mode is available only to users on the Educator plan. If you are on a free or basic plan, you will need to upgrade to access this feature.

How do I activate Full Screen Mode?

Once you are on a qualifying plan, launch any simulator and look for the full screen icon (a diagonal arrows icon, often in the bottom-right or top-right corner of the simulator window). Click it to enter Full Screen Mode. Press the Esc key or click the same icon to exit.

What are the benefits of Full Screen Mode?

Full Screen Mode removes browser chrome and distractions, allowing students to focus entirely on the simulator experience. It is ideal for classroom projection, dedicated lab stations, and immersive learning sessions.

Can I use Full Screen Mode on a tablet or mobile device?

Yes, Full Screen Mode works on supported tablets and mobile browsers, provided your device and browser support the HTML5 Fullscreen API. The feature behaves the same as on desktop, occupying the entire screen.

Plans & Pricing

What plans are available?

STEAM StartUp offers several membership tiers managed through Paid Memberships Pro (PMPro). Plans typically include a Free tier with limited access, a Basic individual plan, an Educator plan with full features including Full Screen Mode, and custom School or District plans for institutions. Visit the Pricing page for current rates and feature comparisons.

How do I upgrade or change my plan?

Log into your account and go to the Membership or Billing section. There you will see your current plan and available upgrade options. Select the plan you want and follow the checkout process. Changes take effect immediately for upgrades; downgrades apply at the end of your current billing cycle.

Can I cancel my subscription?

Yes, you can cancel at any time from your account’s Membership or Billing settings. Your access will continue until the end of the current billing period. After cancellation, your account will revert to the Free tier. We do not provide refunds for partial billing periods unless required by law.

Is there a discount for annual billing?

Yes, annual billing plans are available at a reduced rate compared to monthly billing. Look for the annual option when selecting your plan on the Pricing page or during checkout.

Do you offer discounts for schools or districts?

Yes, we offer custom pricing for schools, districts, and educational institutions. Contact our sales team through the website or email us at the address provided on the Pricing page for a personalized quote.

Browser Support

Which browsers are supported?

STEAM StartUp works on all modern browsers including the latest versions of Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Microsoft Edge, and Apple Safari. We recommend keeping your browser up to date for the best experience and security.

Does STEAM StartUp support Internet Explorer?

No, Internet Explorer is not supported. Internet Explorer lacks support for modern web standards required by our simulators. Please upgrade to a modern browser such as Chrome, Firefox, or Edge.

Do I need to install any plugins or software?

No additional plugins or software are required. All simulators run directly in your web browser using standard web technologies (HTML5, JavaScript, WebGL). Just make sure you are using a supported browser.

Can I use STEAM StartUp on a mobile browser?

Yes, the platform is responsive and works on mobile browsers. However, for the best experience, especially with complex simulators, we recommend using a desktop or laptop computer with a larger screen and a stable internet connection.

Content Submission

How can I submit my own simulator or educational content?

Visit the “Submit Content” page on our website and fill out the submission form. You will need to provide a description of your simulator, target audience, learning objectives, and any technical requirements. Our team will review your submission and get back to you.

What is the review process for submitted content?

After you submit your content, our editorial and technical team reviews it for educational value, technical compatibility, and alignment with STEAM StartUp standards. The review process typically takes 5 to 10 business days. You will be notified of the outcome via email.

Are there any content guidelines I should follow?

Yes. Content should be educational, age-appropriate, and related to STEAM subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics). It must not contain advertising, offensive material, or require third-party plugins. Detailed guidelines are available on the Submission page.

Will I retain ownership of my submitted content?

Yes, you retain full ownership of your intellectual property. By submitting content to STEAM StartUp, you grant us a license to host and distribute it on the platform. You may request removal of your content at any time.

Can I update my content after it has been published?

Yes, you can submit updated versions of your content. Contact our team or use the content management dashboard (if available) to upload new files or descriptions. Updated content will go through the same review process.

Technical

How does authentication work?

STEAM StartUp uses JSON Web Token (JWT) authentication. When you log in, the server issues a token that your browser stores and sends with each subsequent request. This keeps your session secure without requiring repeated logins. Tokens expire after a set period and are refreshed automatically when possible.

Is there a REST API available?

Yes, STEAM StartUp provides a REST API for integrating with external systems such as learning management systems (LMS), school portals, or custom applications. The API supports user management, simulator data retrieval, and progress tracking. API documentation is available on request.

Can I embed simulators on my own website?

Yes, simulators can be embedded in external websites using an iframe or a provided embed code. Depending on your plan, embedding may have restrictions. Check your account settings for embed options and refer to our embedding documentation for technical details.

Is my data secure on the platform?

Yes. We use industry-standard encryption (HTTPS/TLS) for all data in transit and follow best practices for data storage and access control. JWT authentication ensures secure API communication. We do not share your personal data with third parties without your consent.

What should I do if I encounter a technical issue or bug?

First, try refreshing the page and clearing your browser cache. If the issue persists, contact our support team with the following details: your browser name and version, the simulator you were using, a description of the problem, and any error messages you saw. Screenshots are very helpful.

Do you offer Single Sign-On (SSO) integration?

SSO integration is available for School and District plans. We support standard protocols such as SAML and OAuth. Contact our sales or technical team to discuss your SSO requirements and setup process.