What is a Breakout Box? In a Breakout Box activity, students work together and think critically to "break into" locked boxes. They must solve challenging puzzles and follow directions carefully to succeed.

The purpose of the spelling bee is to help students improve their spelling, increase their vocabularies, learn concepts and develop correct English usage that will help them all their lives.

History Day is a year-long learning opportunity for students in grades six through twelve, that offers students the opportunity to explore topics that interests them. They conduct research, using primary and secondary resources, and then analyze the information, in light of an over-arching historical theme or question.

For teachers, it offers practical models for integrating Common Core standards in the classroom that improves test scores on reading, math, and science assessments and prepares students for college-level work.

It’s Kansas City’s most exciting K-12 STEM competition — Burns & McDonnell Battle of the Brains. Area schools can earn a piece of $155,000-plus in grants for STEM education by dreaming up an exhibit concept for Science City — and one student team sees its idea come to life in a big way! It’s a fantastic, no-cost experience for students and teachers — thinking big, collaborating and having fun. So far, nearly 20,000 students in 55 school districts have benefited from this immersive educational opportunity.

The Topeka Model United Nations Organization was founded to provide opportunities for students to learn about the role international diplomacy plays within our world. This two-day simulation provides an avenue for over 600 students to research global issues to better understand there impact and what role the United Nations plays in combating them. 

The Topeka Model United Nations program is used to hone public speaking, critical thinking, research, and writing skills to help create a foundation for success. These student-led delegations are called upon to faithfully represent the views of their assigned country on a variety of topics. The simulation is designed to encourage debate, foster cooperation, and assist young leaders to resolve problems diplomatically.