Giving Students the Tools to Create, Build, and Innovate

Think about the last time a student asked, "When am I ever going to use this?" Maybe it was during a math lesson on angles or a science lecture on circuits. Now, imagine instead that same student building their own working circuit or designing a bridge that actually holds weight. Suddenly, it’s not just theory—it’s real, hands-on, and exciting.

That’s the kind of classroom the Grow, Create, Innovate: STEAM-Powered Art Program is making possible. No more passive learning. No more glazed-over looks. Just students who are curious, engaged, and learning by doing.

Through this program, Iowa educators can access a fully funded Makercart—a classroom-ready STEM kit filled with engaging, hands-on activities. No budget approvals. No red tape. Just real, tangible resources to bring learning to life.

But the deadline to apply is coming up fast. 

Here’s everything you need to know.

Why Hands-On STEM Learning Matters

It’s one thing to read about Newton’s laws or chemical reactions. It’s another to drop an egg in a self-built parachute or create a chain reaction machine and see science unfold right in front of you.

Research has shown that students retain knowledge better when they learn by doing. Hands-on experiences help them develop:

• Critical Thinking Skills – Encouraging students to analyze problems and find solutions.

• Collaboration & Communication – Teaching them to work together like real-world scientists and engineers.

• Confidence in STEM – Making science and math approachable and fun instead of intimidating.

Yet, many schools struggle to provide these opportunities due to tight budgets and limited resources. That’s exactly why the Iowa STEM Scale-Up Grant exists—to remove financial barriers and give teachers the tools they need to create engaging, STEM-rich classrooms.

What’s Included in the Fully Funded Makercart?

Each Makercart is ready to roll the moment it arrives, packed with everything educators need to start hands-on STEM learning right away.

• Reaction Game – Explore physics and chemistry through interactive play.

• DNA Modeling – Bring genetics to life with hands-on visualization.

• Operation Game – Combine logic, mechanics, and problem-solving.

• Automata Building – Discover the intersection of engineering and art.

Plus, the program provides professional development training, ensuring teachers feel confident incorporating these activities into their curriculum.

How Iowa Educators Can Apply

If you’re an Iowa educator, here’s how you can secure a fully funded Makercart for your school:

Step 1: Check Eligibility – Schools must be part of the Iowa STEM Scale-Up Program.

Step 2: Submit an Application – The application process is straightforward and can be completed online. (Deadline: March 3, 2025.)

Step 3: Attend Professional Development – Selected applicants will join training sessions to ensure they get the most out of the Makercart.

Step 4: Bring STEM to Life – Implement the activities and watch students thrive!

A Partnership Built for Impact: Maker Maven & edm8ker

This initiative is powered by Maker Maven and edm8ker, two organizations committed to revolutionizing STEM and maker education.

Maker Maven – A trusted leader in sourcing high-quality maker education tools.
edm8ker – A movement dedicated to purposeful making, developing experiences that blend STEM and creativity in powerful ways.

By joining forces, they’re ensuring that every student in Iowa, no matter their background, has access to the kind of learning that can shape futures.

Missed the Webinar? Catch Up Anytime!

To help educators understand the grant and how to apply, Maker Maven hosted a webinar breaking down:

The impact of the Iowa STEM Scale-Up Grant.

Step-by-step application instructions.

How to integrate Makercart activities into the classroom.

📺 Watch the Webinar Recording Here

What Educators Are Saying

•  "The Makercart provides engaging, inquiry-based design and making experiences that have transformed our approach to teaching."
  — Victor Pereira, Faculty Co-Chair, Teaching and Teacher Leadership (TTL), Lecturer on Education, Harvard Graduate School of Education

• "I think your program is phenomenal because it offers students both voice and choice. That to us is one of the most critical pieces of 21st-century learning."
  — Elizabeth Culkin, Principal, P.S. 176 The Ovington, New York City, NY

• "Your team’s expertise, experience, and sincere support have been critical to the success of our school’s maker journey. Thank you for growing the maker community in our school (and beyond)!"
  — Siew Khim Teo, Vice-Principal, Fuhua Primary School, Singapore

• "I can definitely see myself integrating more technology—more of these programs—because they line up with our curriculum and because of how excited my students were to complete them."
  — Emily Bocan, 1st Grade Teacher, Central Dauphin School District, Harrisburg, PA

📅 Applications close March 3, 2025. 

Don’t miss this opportunity! 

STEM Learning, Without the Barriers

STEM education works best when students can explore, build, and create—but too often, limited resources hold schools back. The Iowa STEM Scale-Up Grant removes that barrier, giving educators fully funded access to the tools and training needed to bring hands-on learning to life.

This isn’t just another grant—it’s an opportunity to equip your students with real-world skills, spark creativity, and make STEM exciting in a way that sticks.

Want in? 

📩 Write to us at [email protected], and we’ll help you get started!