Science and technology are at the forefront of the modern world: they are a major driving forces in our economy. It is vital that students understand how these fields help shape the world. The answer to today’s problems will be solved by the next generation of scientists and engineers. However, college enrollment trends in the U.S. indicate that there is a significant drop in students enrolling in these fields. Research indicates that students perceive these fields as too difficult, involving extensive course studies. GEAR was created in order to foster interest among elementary school aged students in the fields of engineering and science. More importantly GEAR shows young students that these fields can be a fun and rewarding career option.

The challenges are designed to make elementary students think at a higher level and show them how everyday math and science apply to the real world in the relative safety of a classroom lab environment. Throughout the challenge students are exposed to various aspects of design and engineering principles and gain valuable time management, team leadership, and problem solving skills. Critical thinking and conflict resolution also play a major role.