Hands-On STEM at EDUPRIZE Gilbert: Learning That Sparks Curiosity

At EDUPRIZE Charter Schools in Gilbert, Arizona, we believe that the best learning happens
when students are actively engaged. That’s why hands-on STEM learning is a central part
of our curriculum. From kindergarten through high school, our students explore science,
technology, engineering, and math through real-world challenges, experiments, and projects
that ignite their natural curiosity.
STEM education isn’t just about memorizing formulas or taking tests—it’s about discovery,
creativity, and critical thinking. At EDUPRIZE Gilbert, we make STEM learning fun,
meaningful, and relevant to students’ lives.

What Is Hands-On STEM Learning?
Hands-on STEM learning invites students to roll up their sleeves and dive into
problem-solving. It goes beyond textbooks, encouraging students to question, build, test,
and improve. Whether they’re creating simple circuits, designing model cities, or coding
robots, our students engage deeply with STEM concepts by actively doing the work
themselves.
This active approach builds confidence, strengthens understanding, and helps students
retain knowledge far more effectively than passive learning.

STEM Starts Early at EDUPRIZE Gilbert
Our commitment to STEM begins in the earliest grades. In kindergarten and elementary
school, students are introduced to scientific concepts in fun, age-appropriate ways. They
might experiment with water and gravity, build structures with blocks and recycled materials,
or explore basic coding through playful apps and unplugged activities.
These early experiences help young learners view challenges as opportunities—and they
begin to see themselves as inventors, engineers, and scientists.

Middle School: STEM Gets Real
By middle school, EDUPRIZE Gilbert students begin applying their foundational skills in
more complex ways. STEM is integrated across the curriculum, with hands-on labs,
interdisciplinary projects, and group activities that challenge students to explore real-world
problems.
Students might:

● Engineer bridges out of spaghetti to learn about tension and load
● Use microcontrollers to build basic electronic systems
● Design, test, and refine eco-friendly homes in environmental science units

We encourage collaboration and creative thinking, helping students see how math and
science connect to the world around them.

High School: Career-Ready STEM Experiences
In high school, our students take STEM learning to the next level. Through elective courses,
science labs, and career-focused programs, students explore fields such as biotechnology,
physics, environmental science, engineering, and computer programming.
With access to tools like 3D printers, lab equipment, and digital modeling software, students
gain hands-on experience that prepares them for college and STEM careers. Projects
become more advanced and often interdisciplinary—for example, combining math, art, and
technology to develop product prototypes.
We also encourage participation in STEM competitions, science fairs, and collaborative
projects with local organizations, giving students a chance to showcase their skills and
creativity.

Why Hands-On STEM Learning Works
STEM careers are among the fastest-growing fields in today’s economy. But even for
students who don’t pursue a STEM career, the skills developed through hands-on STEM
learning are essential: problem-solving, resilience, teamwork, and critical thinking.
When students work on real problems with tangible outcomes, they become more engaged.
They start to ask better questions, make deeper connections, and grow in confidence.
At EDUPRIZE Gilbert, we’ve seen firsthand how this approach transforms learning. Students
are more motivated, more curious, and more capable of handling academic challenges
across all subjects.

STEM That Connects to Life
We don’t believe in STEM for STEM’s sake. At EDUPRIZE Gilbert, STEM learning is
connected to real-life applications that matter to students and their communities.

Some recent examples include:
● Designing water filtration systems during a unit on clean water access
● Creating digital animations to demonstrate the life cycle of plants
● Building solar-powered models to understand renewable energy

These projects help students recognize that STEM isn’t just something you study—it’s
something you live.

The EDUPRIZE Advantage
What makes STEM at EDUPRIZE Gilbert so effective?
● Project-Based Learning: Students don’t just learn concepts—they apply them
through meaningful projects.
● Innovative Tools: From robotics kits to virtual simulations, students get hands-on
experience with industry-relevant tools.
● Supportive Teachers: Our educators guide and encourage students to take risks, try
new things, and learn from mistakes.
● Engaged Community: We partner with families and local organizations to expand
students’ learning beyond the classroom.

This approach empowers our students to explore, discover, and thrive in a fast-changing
world.

Come See STEM in Action
If you’re looking for a school where your child will be inspired to think, create, and grow,
EDUPRIZE Gilbert is the place. Our hands-on STEM learning model ensures that students
don’t just understand concepts—they own them.
We invite you to visit our campus, talk with our teachers, and see how our students are
building their futures one project at a time.
To learn more or apply, visit:
🔗 www.eduprize.com/apply
🔗 www.eduprize.com/gilbert
🔗 www.eduprize.com/tour