Rock Canyon Sixth Graders Lead STEM Activities for Younger Students

At Rock Canyon Elementary, learning is happening across grade levels in a powerful new way. While second grade teachers conduct essential assessment testing, sixth graders have stepped into leadership roles guiding younger students through hands-on, curiosity-driven STEM activities.

Under the direction of sixth grade science teacher Lynette Risk, the school’s STEM Center has become a hub of collaboration. First and second graders rotate between their testing sessions and engaging STEM stations led by the sixth graders, creating a smooth and enriching learning rhythm for everyone involved.

Thanks to the generosity of Rock Canyon donors, the STEM Center is filled with high-quality materials that make these interactive stations possible. Students explore coding tools, magnets, circuits, engineering kits, geometry resources, and other exciting gadgets that spark problem-solving and creativity. These donations from private-sector partners continue to strengthen the wide range of STEM tools available, making the center an even more robust environment for exploration.

As younger students learn through play, sixth grade leaders support them with intentional conversations about the science, technology, engineering, and math concepts behind each activity. Risk explains that the experience has been valuable for her sixth graders. Even students who sometimes struggle with behavior excel when they are given the responsibility of mentoring younger learners. She notes that the sixth grade science curriculum is far enough ahead that taking time to lead these activities does not detract from their own learning. Instead, teaching STEM concepts to younger students reinforces foundational principles and deepens the sixth graders’ understanding.

Rock Canyon’s cross-grade STEM partnership keeps younger students engaged during testing periods while giving sixth graders meaningful leadership experience they will carry into middle school and beyond. The effort reflects a broader spirit of collaboration among teachers across grade levels, who work together to create meaningful learning opportunities and support one another, making the experience stronger for students and educators alike.