Category: Education

Many teens spend a large portion of their day on phones, tablets, or computers. While technology is important for learning, students also benefit from hands-on experiences that build creativity, teamwork, and problem-solving skills. The benefits of STEM activities are that they can pull teens away from screens while still fueling curiosity about science and innovation.

Below are several engaging ideas that teachers and parents can use at school or at home.

1. Build a DIY Bridge Challenge

Students work in small groups to design and build a bridge using limited materials such as popsicle sticks, paper, or spaghetti. Once completed, test how much weight each bridge can hold. Teens naturally begin discussing engineering principles like tension, balance, and structural design.

This activity encourages experimentation and friendly competition.

2. Create a Backyard Weather Station

Weather science becomes more exciting when students track their own data.

Teens can build simple tools like rain gauges, wind vanes, and thermometers, then record daily observations. Over time, they can analyze patterns and create charts that explain local weather trends.

3. Design and Launch Water Rockets

A plastic bottle, water, and a small air pump can create an exciting physics lesson. Students experiment with launch angles, water levels, and air pressure to see what produces the highest flight. It’s a great way to explore aerodynamics and motion.

4. Build a Rube Goldberg Machine

Rube Goldberg machines require students to create complex chain reactions using simple materials.

For example, a marble might roll down a ramp, knock over dominoes, and trigger a pulley that rings a bell. Each step forces teens to think critically about motion, timing, and cause-and-effect.

5. Map a Giant Concept Diagram

Large visual diagrams can help students understand complex STEM ideas. Using oversized paper allows groups to brainstorm systems, processes, and scientific relationships together.

Teachers often use tools like these so students can map diagrams, engineering plans, or science processes collaboratively. Working on a large surface encourages discussion and teamwork.

Bonus Idea: STEM Club “Build Day”

Schools can host monthly build days where students tackle creative challenges such as:

• Designing the tallest free-standing tower
• Creating a working catapult
• Building solar-powered mini vehicles
• Engineering protective packaging for a dropped egg

These group challenges turn STEM into an exciting event that students look forward to.

6. Construct a Solar Oven

Using a pizza box, foil, and plastic wrap, teens can build a small solar oven.

Students test how sunlight can generate heat and learn about renewable energy. Many classes even try melting chocolate or warming snacks to prove the concept works.

7. Redesign a Classroom for Better Learning

Engineering isn’t just about machines—it also involves solving everyday problems. Students can analyze how a new classroom layout affects focus, lighting, and collaboration. They might sketch redesign ideas, then present their own improvements.

These 7 STEM activities engage multiple learning styles in teens. Instead of simply reading about science or engineering, they test ideas, build prototypes, and discover solutions through experimentation.

Have you ever wondered how a game of 32 pieces and 64 squares became the world’s most famous strategy game? Chess isn’t just a game; it’s a journey that started over 1,500 years ago. Whether you’re playing a quick match on your phone or sitting across a wooden board, you’re part of a massive history of kings, warriors, and geniuses.

If you’re ready to go from “just moving pieces” to actually winning games, Upstep Academy offers amazing online chess classes for kids and teens. They help you understand these historical strategies in a way that actually makes sense for today’s games.

How it All Began: The Birth of Chaturanga

Chess started in India around the 6th century. Back then, it was called Chaturanga, which means “four divisions.” The pieces weren’t just random shapes, they represented the four parts of the ancient Indian army:

1. Infantry (The Pawns)
2. Cavalry (The Knights)
3. Elephants (The Bishops)
4. Chariots (The Rooks)

The game moved to Persia (modern-day Iran), where it was called Shatranj. This is where we got the term “Checkmate.” It comes from the Persian phrase “Shah Mat,” which literally means “the King is helpless.”

Quick Timeline of Chess Evolution

Curious about which piece fits your personality? Take our “Chess Style” quiz here.

The “Mad Queen” and Modern Rules

For nearly a thousand years, chess was actually a very slow game. The Queen was once the weakest piece on the board. She could only move one square at a time!

Around the year 1475, players in Europe decided the game needed more excitement. They gave the Queen the power to move any distance in any direction. This changed everything. It made the game faster, more aggressive, and much more fun.

How the Game Works Today:

• The Goal: Trap the enemy King so he has nowhere to run (Checkmate).
• The Layout: The board always has a white square on the bottom right.
• The Moves: Each piece has a unique “job,” like the Knight jumping over others or the Rook sliding in straight lines.

Learning these rules is the first step, but mastering them takes practice. At Upstep Academy, coaches break down these rules into simple steps, so you don’t feel overwhelmed while learning.

Ready to make your first move? Book a free demo session to see how it works.

Benefits of Playing Chess

Chess is like a gym for your brain. It’s not just about winning; it’s about how your mind grows while you play.

• Better Memory: You have to remember your opponent’s patterns and your own plans.
• Problem Solving: Every turn is a new puzzle you have to solve under pressure.
• Patience: You learn that waiting for the right moment is better than rushing.
• Focus: It helps with concentration, which is great for school and exams.

Upstep Academy uses a scientifically designed curriculum that makes sure you’re having fun while getting all these “brain-boosting” benefits.

Discover more ways strategy games help your school grades here.

Greatest Moments You Should Know

Chess has had some seriously “epic” moments that felt like world-class sporting events:

1. Bobby Fischer vs. Boris Spassky (1972): This was called the “Match of the Century.” It was the USA vs. the USSR during the Cold War, and it made chess famous all over the world.
2. Deep Blue vs. Garry Kasparov (1997): This was the ultimate “Man vs. Machine” battle. When the computer won, it proved that technology had finally caught up to human intelligence.
3. The Rise of Viswanathan Anand: India’s own “Vishy” Anand became a 5-time World Champion, inspiring millions of kids in India to pick up the game. In fact, Upstep Academy is even certified by him!

Want to watch the most famous games in history? Browse our video archive.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is chess hard to learn?

The basic moves take about 10 minutes to learn! Mastery takes time, but starting is easy for anyone.

How old do I have to be to start?

Most people start between ages 5 and 15, but you can learn at any age.

What is the “En Passant” rule?

It’s a special pawn capture that happens when an opponent’s pawn moves two squares and lands right next to yours.

Can a game end in a tie?

Yes! One of the ways is a “Stalemate”. It happens when a player isn’t in check but has no legal moves left.

Who is the best player in the world right now?

Magnus Carlsen from Norway has been the top-ranked player for over a decade.

Do I need a physical board to practice?

Not necessarily. While physical boards are great, many students at Upstep Academy learn using digital boards that allow for instant corrections.

How long does a typical chess game last?

It can be as short as 2 minutes (Bullet chess) or as long as several hours in professional tournaments.

Why are the pieces black and white?

It’s simply to make them easy to tell apart! In ancient times, they were often red and green or other contrasting colours.

Can I get a certificate for learning chess?

Yes! When you complete levels at Upstep Academy, you can earn certificates to show off your progress.

Back-to-school shopping will be here before you know it, and it’s time to start thinking about your budget. From art supplies to hygiene essentials, the costs add up quickly. However, with the right supplier, you can keep costs down by buying in bulk and choosing high quality products that will hold up throughout the year.

Here’s a simple plan for stocking your classroom and a starter list of supplies to follow to ensure a successful school year.

The Game Plan

Start with the supplies you burn through every week and lock them in first. Think pencils, paper, glue, dry-erase markers and tissues. Next, look at the unit price rather than the sticker price. A case might feel bigger up front, yet your per-item cost usually drops when you buy in bulk.

Consider case pack sizes. A bulk option that comes in odd quantities can be annoying when you’re building class sets. Additionally, teachers and administrators standardize when possible. Try to use the same notebook across a grade and the same folder colors by subject. Simple choices save time and sanity.

Why Kurtz Bros. Works

You can buy school supplies from many places, but when you’re ordering for an entire building or grade level, you want more than just low prices. You also want someone who understands how schools run and how quickly you need answers when a shipment is late or an item changes.

Kurtz Bros has been serving educators since 1894. That long history means consistency, and you will feel it in the day-to-day stuff. The company offers a wide selection of school supplies that covers the basics and more unique items. You will get fast shipping to help you stay on schedule and a team that can guide you and track your orders.

Key Features:

• Experience serving schools since 1894
• One-stop shop for school supplies, classroom furniture and learning tools
• Bulk buying made easy
• Personalized support from a responsive team
• Fast shipping
• Order tracking
• Consistency and reliability
• Educator-first approach

Affordable Bulk Supplies for Back-to-School Season

When you stock the basic supplies early, the rest of the year feels calmer. You’re not going to be scrambling the second week of September or making emergency runs between dismissal and a staff meeting. Bulk basics give you breathing room.

Pencils and Pencil Cap Erasers

Pencils are the classic budget drain because students go through them like snacks. Bulk places help you refill without having to think too hard. Pencil cap erasers are also tiny heroes. They save time because you don’t have to hunt for loose erasers.

Dry Erase Markers and Board Erasers

If you teach with a whiteboard, markers die mid-sentence, caps vanish and ink turns faint right when you’re explaining the main point. Buying in bulk makes this less dramatic. Low-odor options are worth it, too, especially in small classrooms.

Glue Sticks and Clear Tape

Glue sticks and tape are the craft table and “quick fix” essentials. Bulk multipacks keep you stocked for projects without rationing like it’s the end of the world. These items help with posters, name tags, homework folders and last-minute bulletin boards.

Paper and Prep Supplies

Papers eat budgets in tiny bites. Bulk cases help you stop the drip and plan ahead.

Copy and Colored Paper

Copy paper is the backbone, but buying it one ream at a time can feel tedious. Case pricing usually lands better and keeps your supply closet steady. Colored paper is also worth adding, because it turns ordinary handouts into quick systems. Try different colors for different days, subjects or groups.

Composition Notebooks and Folders

Notebooks and folders are an easy win for bulk buying because you can standardize across a grade. That reduces confusion and makes supply lists clearer for families. You can also label and distribute folders quickly, which helps in the early days.

Organization Supplies

A tidy room saves time, and bulk bins pay off fast. Organization is one of those things that feels optional until it suddenly isn’t. And once students know where things go, you spend less time answering where items are.

Storage Tubs and Classroom Bins

Bins make routines possible. Add one bin per table group, one tub per subject and one set for finished work. When you buy in bulk, you can keep the setup consistent, so students learn the flow more quickly. Stackable options are also great because classroom storage space is often limited.

Labels and Sorting Tools

Labels are small, yet powerful. They keep shared supplies where they belong and make cleanup less of a negotiation. Sorting tools like index card boxes, organizer trays or simple dividers help you run centers and manage paperwork without piles taking over your desk.

Health and Cleanup Supplies That Disappear Fast

These supplies vanish quietly, so stock them early. You will feel the difference when flu season hits or when an art lesson turns into a glitter mess.

Tissues, Hand Soap and Sanitizer

Tissues are basically a classroom currency during certain months. Soap and sanitizer help you keep routines simple. Bulk cases make it easier to place supplies in every room and refill without stress.

Disinfecting Wipes and Trash Liners

Wipes are the fast reset button for desks, shared tables and tools. Trash liners are unglamorous yet essential. When you have enough on hand, cleanup becomes routine instead of a scramble.

Frequently Asked Questions

Learn more about buying affordable bulk supplies for back-to-school season.

What should you buy in bulk first?

Obtain pencils, paper, glue, dry-erase markers, tissues and disinfecting wipes first. These get used daily and run out fast. Buying them in bulk saves you time and money.

How do you avoid overbuying when you order in bulk?

Use last year’s usage as a guide if you have it. Alternatively, pick a conservative baseline and then add a small buffer for high-turn items like pencils and tissues. Standardize your list across classrooms so leftovers still get used. Also, only buy nonperishable items in bulk to avoid any waste that might occur.

Are bulk suppliers worth it for a single classroom?

Usually, bulk supplies are worth it for core consumables. Even one classroom can go through a surprising amount of pencils, glue and paper. Bulk packs also make it easier to refill student bins without weekly shopping runs.

Pencil It In

Schools and educators need a steady supply plan each year. Start by buying the basics in bulk so your budget stops bleeding in little chunks. Standardize items where you can and keep your list tight. When you want one supplier that understands schools and keeps ordering simple, explore Kurtz Bros. and build your bulk cart in one place.

Sustainability management has moved from a niche interest to a serious career path with real impact. Organizations now seek professionals who understand environmental responsibility, social equity, and long-term economic stability.

This shift has created strong demand for individuals who can balance business goals with ethical practices. Education plays a central role in shaping these professionals. It builds the knowledge, skills, and mindset needed to address global challenges. Many students now explore this path with a clear purpose. A structured academic journey helps them gain clarity and direction. It also prepares them to contribute meaningfully across industries while driving responsible change.

1. Understanding Sustainability Management as a Career

Sustainability management focuses on aligning business operations with environmental and social goals. Professionals in this field design strategies that reduce waste, conserve resources, and improve community outcomes. They also help organizations stay compliant with regulations and meet stakeholder expectations. This career demands both analytical thinking and ethical awareness.

Strong communication skills also matter because professionals often collaborate across departments. The field continues to grow as companies recognize long-term risks tied to unsustainable practices. Education introduces these concepts early and helps learners understand their real-world application. It also builds a strong foundation for future specialization.

2. Role of Higher Education in Building Expertise

Higher education shapes the way future professionals approach sustainability challenges. Academic programs provide structured knowledge about environmental systems, policy frameworks, and corporate responsibility. Students also gain exposure to real-world case studies and practical tools. Many pursue advanced programs, such as masters in sustainability management, to deepen their expertise and improve career prospects.

These programs encourage critical thinking and problem-solving. They also connect theory with application through internships and projects. This combination helps learners develop confidence and clarity. A strong academic background often leads to better opportunities and prepares individuals to lead sustainability initiatives effectively.

3. Core Subjects That Shape Sustainability Professionals

Educational programs in sustainability management cover a wide range of subjects. Students learn about environmental science, economics, and social impact. Courses often include climate change, renewable energy, and sustainable business strategies. These subjects build a balanced understanding of how systems interact. They also help learners identify risks and opportunities within organizations. Data analysis and reporting skills also play a key role. Students learn how to measure impact and track progress. This knowledge allows them to make informed decisions. A well-rounded curriculum ensures that graduates can handle complex challenges with confidence and clarity.

4. Development of Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving Skills

Sustainability challenges rarely have simple solutions. Education trains students to think critically and approach problems from multiple angles. Case studies and group discussions encourage deeper analysis. Students learn how to evaluate trade-offs and make balanced decisions. They also develop the ability to question assumptions and explore innovative ideas. Problem-solving exercises strengthen their ability to act under pressure. These skills prove essential in real-world scenarios where quick and thoughtful decisions matter. Strong analytical abilities also help professionals identify patterns and predict outcomes. This skill set supports long-term success in sustainability management roles.

5. Importance of Practical Experience and Internships

Practical experience plays a crucial role in shaping career readiness. Many educational programs include internships or project-based learning. These opportunities allow students to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world settings. They gain hands-on experience with sustainability tools and frameworks. Internships also help them understand workplace dynamics and expectations.

Students often build valuable networks during this phase. Employers value candidates who demonstrate real-world exposure. Practical learning also boosts confidence and adaptability. It helps individuals transition smoothly from academic environments to professional roles. This experience often becomes a key factor in securing job opportunities after graduation.

6. Building Leadership and Communication Skills

Sustainability professionals often lead initiatives that require collaboration across teams. Education helps students build strong leadership and communication skills. Group projects and presentations encourage clear expression of ideas. Students learn how to influence decisions and engage stakeholders. They also develop the ability to handle conflicts and negotiate solutions. Leadership training focuses on accountability and ethical decision-making. These skills help professionals guide organizations toward sustainable practices. Effective communication also ensures that complex ideas reach diverse audiences. This combination of leadership and clarity strengthens their ability to create meaningful impact in their careers.

7. Exposure to Global Perspectives and Policies

Sustainability issues often cross national boundaries. Education introduces students to global perspectives and international policies. They learn how different regions approach environmental and social challenges. This exposure broadens their understanding and encourages cultural awareness. Students also study global frameworks such as climate agreements and sustainability goals.

These insights help them align local strategies with global standards. Understanding policy landscapes also improves decision-making. It allows professionals to anticipate changes and adapt accordingly. A global perspective strengthens their ability to work in diverse environments and contribute to large-scale solutions.

8. Career Opportunities Across Diverse Industries

Sustainability management offers opportunities across multiple industries. Graduates can work in corporate sectors, government agencies, and non-profit organizations. Roles include sustainability consultants, environmental analysts, and corporate responsibility managers. Many companies now integrate sustainability into their core strategies. This trend continues to create new job roles and career paths. Education helps students identify areas that match their interests and strengths. It also prepares them for industry-specific challenges. Diverse opportunities allow professionals to explore different paths while maintaining a clear focus on sustainability goals. This flexibility makes the field both dynamic and rewarding.

9. Continuous Learning and Professional Growth

The sustainability field evolves rapidly as new challenges and technologies emerge. Professionals must commit to continuous learning to stay relevant. Education builds a strong foundation, but growth continues beyond formal programs. Workshops, certifications, and industry events support ongoing development. Professionals also learn from real-world experiences and peer interactions. This continuous process helps them refine their skills and adapt to change. Staying updated allows them to implement innovative solutions. It also strengthens their credibility within organizations. Lifelong learning ensures long-term success and keeps professionals aligned with evolving sustainability standards and expectations.

Sustainability management continues to grow as a vital career path in today’s world. Education plays a central role in preparing individuals for this journey. It builds knowledge, sharpens skills, and shapes values that guide responsible decision-making. From theoretical understanding to practical experience, each step adds depth and clarity. Professionals who follow this path gain the ability to influence organizations and drive meaningful change. They also contribute to a more balanced and responsible future. With the right education and mindset, sustainability management offers both purpose and opportunity. It stands as a career that aligns ambition with positive global impact.