The Phoenix Suns STEM Fest brings together innovation, education,
and community pride across The Valley.
Inspired by the City Edition uniform, which celebrates the region’s heritage, creativity, and bold spirit, this year’s STEM Fest challenges students to bring those same qualities to life through hands-on STEM projects connected to sports, sustainability, and community impact.
Designed for 6th–8th grade students, STEM Fest invites participants to think like engineers, designers, and problem-solvers by creating solutions inspired by a Valley that is moving faster, shining brighter, and setting trends instead of chasing them.
By combining the energy of the game with the power of STEM, the Suns STEM Fest empowers students to elevate their schools, their neighborhoods, and their city—one idea, one experiment,
and one project at a time.
Students may choose one of the challenges below or design their own. Each project must include a testable hypothesis, data collection with visualizations such as charts or graphs, and a creative solution connected to real-world impact.
tudents test which fabric, such as polyester, cotton, or recycled blends, provides the best balance of comfort, breathability, and sustainability. Measurements may include drying time, weight,
or airflow after simulated activity.
Students evaluate how basketball-inspired innovations, such as solar lighting, recycling bins, or hydration stations, can improve community sustainability. Survey data or energy-use comparisons should be used to measure impact.
Students investigate which court surface, including rubberized, recycled, or turf-based materials, is most sustainable and durable for play. Research or testing may include heat absorption, traction, body impact, or material longevity.
Students analyze which event practice, such as reusable cups, composting, or recycling, reduces
the most waste. Waste data should be collected or estimated and displayed visually using charts
or graphs.
Students determine whether basketball brand, material, or price affects bounce height or energy return. Balls should be dropped from the same height and bounce data recorded for comparison.
Students design or test a sustainability upgrade for their school, such as solar panels, LED lighting,
or water-recycling systems. Energy or resource savings should be measured or estimated
and shown visually
Students may create their own STEM project inspired by innovation, sports, or community impact. Each project must include a hypothesis, measurable data, and a creative presentation of results.
All projects must demonstrate clear connections to science, technology, engineering, or math. Projects should show creativity and innovation through original ideas and thoughtful problem-solving. Data and evidence must be included and displayed using charts, graphs, or visuals. Each project must explain how the solution could improve a school, community, or environment. Information should be communicated clearly and neatly using a tri-fold board and or a digital presentation.
Demonstrate clear use of science, technology, engineering, or math concepts.
Present original ideas, solutions, or designs that reflect critical thinking and imagination.
Include measurable results shown through charts, graphs, or visuals.
Explain how the project could improve your community, school, or environment.
Display information neatly and logically on a tri-fold board and/or digital presentation.
Final Project Submission: February 13 , 2026
STEM Fest Showcase Event: March TBD
