Charles W. Harris Elementary Opens New STEM Lab
Students from kindergarten through eighth grade now have access to 3D printing and AI tools at the Phoenix school.
Updated on Oct. 30, 2026 in Primary Education
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Charles W. Harris Elementary School in Phoenix has officially opened a new STEM lab, offering students hands-on access to emerging technologies. The facility serves all pupils from kindergarten through eighth grade in the Cartwright School District.
Why it matters
The new lab aims to help local students keep pace with rapid technological shifts and better prepare for future science-based careers. It provides a dedicated space for hands-on learning that bridges classroom theory with real-world application.
The Charles W. Harris Elementary School lab is part of a national rollout reaching 200 schools, serving students from kindergarten through eighth grade. The project involved local support from the J. Orin Edson Entrepreneurship + Innovation Institute at Arizona State University.
The players
Charles W. Harris Elementary School
A Phoenix-based institution within the Cartwright School District serving kindergarten through eighth-grade students.
Verizon
A national telecommunications company providing technology labs to 200 schools across the country.
Arizona State University
A major research institution that contributed to the project through its J. Orin Edson Entrepreneurship + Innovation Institute.
The details
Students begin the design process in their regular classrooms by identifying a specific problem before moving to the lab to develop a solution. The facility features advanced tools including virtual reality headsets, 3D printing equipment, and artificial intelligence programs. By moving from theoretical design to practical execution, the school intends to give students experience with the technologies shaping modern professional fields.
Timeline
October 30, 2026: The STEM lab officially opened to students.
The Home Front
This project aligns with a broader trend of integrating specialized innovation centers into public K-8 facilities to bridge the digital skills gap. It follows similar national initiatives that prioritize tech-heavy infrastructure over traditional classroom configurations.
Families with students at Charles W. Harris Elementary should look for upcoming school communications regarding after-school or extracurricular access to the new lab tools. You may also want to discuss the new technologies, such as 3D printing and AI, to reinforce your child's in-class learning at home.
The takeaway
The addition of this STEM lab creates a new pathway for students to engage with modern technology throughout their formative school years. Parents can support this learning by asking students to describe a problem they solved using the lab's 3D printing or AI tools.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest resources for students in the Primary Education section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by KJZZ.
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