What’s in the Box?

Every month, in every elementary classroom across our Skills Lab network, something exciting arrives.

The excitement of Skills Lab day starts with the box. Brightly designed and packed with purpose, each iINNOVATE Skills Lab kit delivers a complete STEM experience — ready to go, no extra prep required. Inside, teachers find everything they need to guide students through an engaging, hands-on lesson that builds future-ready skills and connects directly to local careers.

“Our Skills Lab boxes are purpose built to be fun and engaging for students and simple to use for teachers,” says Christine Robertson, Executive Director of the iINNOVATE Regional Skills Lab. “These kits are an invitation for students to discover their talents, see themselves in future careers, and realize that they’re already part of something bigger.”

Here's what’s inside each monthly Skills Lab box:

• Hands-On Activities: Students tinker, build, problem-solve, and collaborate. They’re not just learning about science and technology — they’re using it to create, explore, and imagine.

• Local Industry Video Spotlight: While technically not inside the box, each lesson includes a short video that highlights a key industry in our region — from construction to agriculture to clean energy — featuring real professionals who bring the lesson to life.

• Step-by-Step Guidance: Whether it’s a teacher’s first STEM lesson or their fiftieth, the curriculum is clear, grade-level appropriate, and easy to fit into the school day.

• All Materials Included: From building supplies to instruction cards, it’s all in there — carefully organized and labeled to make teaching (and learning) seamless.

At the heart of every box is a belief: our students are creative, capable, and full of potential. We just need to give them the tools — and the invitation — to build something great.

(Plus there’s a surprise photo on the inside bottom of the box).