10 Outstanding Teacher Ideas to Encourage Experiential Learning in Your Classroom

As teachers, you’ve seen kids learn by doing more times than you can count. Whether you’re showing a student how to tie their shoes or helping them learn what happens when you mix an acid and a base, experiential learning is a favorite in most teachers’ toolkits. Research proves you’re right to employ these methods: hands-on, real-world experiences that foster active participation and creativity can help students retain up to 70% more information compared to traditional learning methods. 

So it’s no wonder that our partners at the Maxwell/Hanrahan Foundation, with their passion for supporting teachers and students, created the Experiential Learning Innovation Challenge.

Teachers across the country shared projects focused on giving students opportunities to engage in activities that deepen their understanding through direct experience, exploration, problem-solving and connections to the world beyond the classroom.

The Top 10 Winners of the Maxwell/Hanrahan Learning Innovation Challenge

We called on teachers across the country to share their ideas for experiential learning, and a $500,000 grant helped participating teachers get key classroom materials. A group of DonorsChoose Teacher Ambassadors judged the teachers’ project submissions for innovation, student engagement, and learning impact.

Bring These Projects To Your Students 

Teachers, think any of these curriculum designs would be a big hit with your students? Copy the shopping cart of your favorite projects below to bring the supplies and lessons to your own classroom!

The 10 Winning Projects

Elementary School

Exploring STEM with Drones: Hands-On Learning for Future Innovators! | Mr. Puod, New Mexico

This teacher is using compelling tech to support his students’ physics and computer science education. Here’s to the future engineers, tech wizards and robotics innovators in his class!

Bilingual Biologists: Classroom Ecosystem Exploration | Mrs. Ezolt, Arizona

This request for science materials — including an AeroGarden and lab coats, among other supplies — gives English language learners a get-your-hands dirty classroom environment ripe for scientific discovery and vital language practice.

Middle School

Breaking Language Barriers Through Technology and Creative Expression | Mrs. Kathy Clark, Texas

This teacher merges technology with literacy development through translator pens and podcast equipment. We can’t wait to hear the stories her bilingual students have to tell!

A Blast from the Past! | Mrs. Peele, North Carolina

It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to see how Mrs. Peele uses rocket launchers to teach aerodynamics, the laws of motion, and the physical forces that make flight possible.

Mission: Innovation — Drones Elevating Young Minds | Mrs. Clark, Alabama

This teacher’s request for drones transformed her school’s library into a hands-on, interactive STEM laboratory.

‍High School

Elegant Enchantment: Table Linens and More for Dinner Theater Magic | Mrs. Vlaming, Nevada

Mrs. Vlaming is bringing her students through the looking glass by having them create an Alice in Wonderland-themed dining experience! From chefs to actors, her students will practice teamwork and creativity — and maybe a bit of magic!

‍Detroit Students Building Leadership & Public Speaking Skills! | Dr. DeGarmo, Michigan

When students are passionate about a topic, learning often happens more easily. Encouraging passion and combining it with interview skills and public speaking experience sets students up for success far beyond the classroom.

Clear Air, Bright Minds: Classroom Air Filter Project | Ms. Wirts Pelayo, California

What could be more important than keeping the air we breathe clean? When Ms. Wirts Pelayo’s students measured higher-than-expected CO₂ levels in the classroom, she knew their next unit had to tackle clean air.

Unveiling the Anatomy: a Forensic Exploration Through Fetal Pig Autopsy | Mrs. Frazier, Arizona

With students expressing interest in forensic science, Mrs. Frazier sought ways to give her students hands-on experience with investigation approaches.

So, You Want to Be in Healthcare! | Dr. Lincecum, Massachusetts

All it took was five crucial learning kits to bring Dr. Lincecum’s innovative curriculum to life.  Now, budding nurses, doctors, and technicians are getting hands-on experience that is both unforgettable and practical.
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Want to support one of these innovative educators? Click on their profile to see what they're dreaming up!