Reach Cyber Charter School Blog Inside Reach Cyber's Elementary STEM Program

Hands-On, Creative, and Virtual

STEM education comes alive at Reach Cyber Charter School, where elementary students don't just learn about science, technology, engineering, and math- they build, design, test, and create. Through live virtual instruction, flexible materials, and real-world problem solving, Reach's elementary STEM courses empower students to think like engineers from kindergarten through fifth grade.

STEM for Kindergarten-3rd Grade: Choice, Creativity, and Exploration

For younger learners, Reach's STEM courses are built around guided choice and exploration. Students begin with limited materials and gradually gain access to more supplies as their skills grow.

Examples include:

• Kindergarten lessons on animal habitats, where students build:
  • Spider webs
  • Caves
  • Tunnels
  • Custom animals (hand-drawn or digital)
• 1st Grade explores sound and engineering by building headphones, phone amplifiers, and later designing musical instruments- connecting science concepts to real-life applications.
• 2nd Grade builds a wing prosthetic prototype based on a story they read in class, Izzy Gizmo. This gives them experience solving a real-world problem by understanding the needs that need to be met.
• 3rd Grade creates Paper Projects using only paper, scissors, and tape

STEM for Grades 4-5: Engineering Through Play, Design, and Presentation

In 4th and 5th grade, students dive deep into the engineering design process. Lessons often begin with something simple- like a cardboard box- and evolve into complex problem-solving challenges.

Students learn to ask questions such as:

• What else can this be used for?
• How can I improve my design?
• What didn't work, and why?

Projects steps include:

• Creating blueprints before building
• Participating in a design day, where students construct their ideas
• Sharing their final projects during presentation day, learning how to explain their thinking and designs to peers

These experiences teach students that failure isn't a setback- it's part of engineering and strengthens problem-solving skills.

STEM That Connects Across Subjects

Reach's STEM lessons align closely with grade-level science topics, adding an engineering twist. For example:

• When 4th grade science covers hazardous weather, STEM students explore how structures can adapt or withstand those conditions
• Lessons encourage students to apply classroom knowledge in practical, creative ways

This cross-curricular approach deepens understanding and keeps learning meaningful.

Real Materials, Real Learning- Right From Home

All Reach STEM courses are:

• Live and fully virtual
• Held twice a week for one semester
• Supported by a STEM kit sent directly to families

Students use materials from their kits or safe household items like cardboard, paper towel tubes, and boxes. The flexibility allows students to innovate while still meeting project requirements.

Importantly, students are encouraged to learn from designs that don't work because iteration is part of the engineering process.

Student Spotlight: Jackson, Kindergarten Engineer-in-the-Making

Jackson, a kindergarten student at Reach, says STEM is one of his favorite classes.

"He loves the hands-on part of it," his mom shared. "He loves the teachers and getting to interact with his class online." She also shared that the STEM kit has been "tremendous because I don't have to go to the store and buy things. I can just pull it out of the STEM kit. The things in it have been excellent."

Jackson recently designed a cardboard structure using boxes collected by his grandmother. Following the STEM process, he:

• Drew a blueprint
• Built his design over two short sessions
• Tested and adjusted his structure

"He loves construction and army vehicles," his mom said. "He's even said he wants to be an engineer."

For Jackson's family, Reach provided the perfect balance:

• Flexibility for a homeschooling lifestyle
• Structure and consistency
• A strong focus on STEM and career readiness

Student Spotlight: Nurya, First Grade Creator

First grader Nurya loves STEM because, in her words, "we usually do things that are fun."

Her favorite project? A baby bed she designed and built using:

• Cardboard
• Decorations
• Materials from her STEM kit

She created her blueprint digitally on a tablet before building.

Nurya also built a working sound amplifier, tying into a unit on musical instruments. She plays the xylophone, maracas, and piano, and dreams of becoming a veterinarian one day.

Her mom appreciates Reach's approach:

"I like the flexibility to teach her at home and then go online and reinforce it. The teachers really support what we're doing."

Why Families Choose Reach Cyber Charter School for STEM

Families consistently highlight:

• Flexible, virtual learning
• Engaging, hands-on projects
• High-quality STEM kits
• Live interaction with teachers and classmates
• Strong preparation for future STEM and career pathways

At Reach Cyber Charter School, STEM isn't just a subject- it's an experience that builds confidence, curiosity, and creativity.

Learn More About Reach Cyber Charter School

If you're looking for a public cyber charter school that prioritizes hands-on STEM learning, flexibility, and real-world skills, Reach Cyber Charter School offers an innovative approach that meets students where they are. Join an Info Session to learn more about STEM opportunities and how your student can reach their potential.