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“Of all the investments we make in educational technology, the SmartLab has been the most effective in actually putting technology in the hands of our students.”
Problem-solving that prepares students for what’s next.
Spark supports structured independence. With flexible project pathways and scaffolded supports, students build technical fluency while exploring challenges that matter to them. Schools implement Spark in a variety of ways:
- As high school STEM 1 or STEM 2 courses
- Within elementary school specials rotations
- As structured enrichment blocks in middle school
- Embedded in science, CTE, or tech electives
- Used for intervention, extension, or credit recovery
- Offered in after-school or summer STEM programs
Whatever the structure, Spark helps students develop problem-solving habits that transfer across subjects and future careers.
See how students rise to the challenge
Figuring it out
is the point.
Today’s learners need more than exposure—they need opportunities to explore, create, and take ownership of their learning. Spark encourages students to pursue their interests through self-directed projects using real-world tools. From kindergarten to high school, students build confidence, curiosity, and digital fluency that supports their long-term success.
Flexible projects that scale across grades and classrooms.
Spark includes hundreds of project starters across STEM disciplines, organized across eight Areas of Exploration. These themes group related kits, tools, and software into meaningful pathways for building skills and applying them.
This structure supports logical progressions in tool use and connects learning to real-world applications and future careers.
One approach. Endless possibilities.
Spark offers a consistent design framework across grade levels, with project starters that align to common developmental stages. From robotics and art to environmental tech and app design, students explore challenges that build relevant skills while honoring voice, choice, and curiosity.
K-2
Students build early awareness of STEM concepts through whole-class challenges. With teacher guidance and collaborative exploration, they begin to see how tools and technologies relate to their everyday world.
3-5
Learners explore a wide range of STEM tools and topics in small groups. With structured choice and teacher support, they build problem-solving confidence while navigating early interests across domains.
6-8
Students deepen their exploration through structured challenges across STEM areas. Teachers act as facilitators while learners collaborate, grow technical fluency, and begin forming meaningful affinities.
9-12
Students pursue personal interests through open-ended projects and collaborative problem-solving. With teachers in coaching roles, learners deepen their affinities and pursue real-world applications with autonomy.
Students thrive when they own the process
When learners shape their own outcomes, they engage more deeply and take greater pride in their work. Spark provides space for students to explore what matters to them—and shows them how far they can go. Educators describe shifts in confidence, persistence, and creativity when students are empowered to take the lead.
Project Examples
What does Spark look like in action? In this high school challenge, students use the Energy Efficiency Kit to conduct a home or school energy audit. They analyze data and propose changes that reduce usage and cost—connecting environmental science, engineering, and math in one real-world project.
Adaptable to your environment and needs
Spark is an excellent fit for dedicated learning spaces, but it’s also built to work in existing classrooms, enrichment periods, or shared-use setups. Schools choose the setup that fits their schedule, staffing, and goals without compromising engagement and learning. Educators can facilitate Spark alongside other duties—and still create meaningful, student-driven learning experiences.
Success in Action
Districts across the country use SmartLab to strengthen engagement, improve performance, and empower students.
Explore how different communities are making it work.
What Educators Say
“Education isn’t about just filling your head with facts. It’s about taking knowledge and doing something novel with it. So once the students have that experience [in the SmartLab], they start to see that what they’re learning about is bigger than just a fact or concept. Learning is no longer a job; it becomes this adventure.”
“My greatest, most fulfilling years in teaching were the years that I facilitated a SmartLab!”
“In our SmartLab, students become empowered and engaged as they use critical thinking, curiosity, and collaboration to apply content standards. I have yet to meet a student who doesn’t love this class or
benefit from this connected approach to learning.”
Ready to transform learning in your school?
Together, we’ll bring the SmartLab ecosystem to your school. Students will engage deeply in STEM, take on real-world challenges, and build the skills for lifelong learning, leadership, and career readiness.
