In TJ Thorpâs classroom at Gowan Science Academy, hands-on activities translate science and engineering from abstract ideas to relatable concepts, connecting the dots between the âwhatâsâ and the âwhyâs.â With a $2,500 grant from the Fiesta Bowl Charitiesâ Wishes for Teachers campaign, these activities will soon take on a new dimension, as the funds provided Thorpâs classroom with two 3D printers and fulfilled one of the sixth- and seventh-grade teacherâs longtime wishes. âI feel that as a science teacher, my job is to show them the true hands-on focus of science and how it really applies,â Thorp said. âThe more hands-on activities I can give them where they actually get to see what science and engineering truly is, the more interest weâll have with students who want to go into STEM careers. If we can show them âwhyâ and start to apply it to their daily lives, they can connect with science; itâs the same boat with engineering. If all we do is talk through it, it becomes very boring. But if we can give them the opportunity to make a model of it themselves, then all of a sudden it becomes meaningful for them.â