[Press release]
Power Up Communities, A Hands-On Energy & Sustainability City Program for Grades 4–8 Launches January 23
This winter, art and science nonprofit Mat Bevel Company is offering Power Up Communities, a FREE hands-on program for students in grades 4–8 that begins Friday, January 23 in Patagonia.
Part of the award-winning STEAM world-building curriculum The Universe Within, Power Up Communities introduces youth to energy, electricity and sustainability through playful engineering and mechanical construction. Students take on the role of superheroes who use imagination, science and invention to improve the wellbeing of their communities—both real and imagined.
Youth will explore how light, motion and electricity power the worlds they create, and they will learn how communities can thrive when energy is used as a resource to manage with creativity and care.
Through storytelling, invention challenges and mechanical build projects, students will discover how energy systems shape the way people live and how they can design better, stronger communities.
Participants will:
• Create a superhero persona and mission focused on community improvement
• Explore natural energy sources and design the climate, geology and landscapes of their worlds
• Use CAD, 3D printing and Cricut tools to fabricate elements of their dream electri-cities
• Build a working community landscape using circuits, LEDs, motors, buzzers and switches
• Share their inventions and superhero stories in the Circus of Electricity showcase
All activities are hands-on, inventive and designed to help students understand how energy works while building confidence, creativity and purpose.
Program details:
For students in grades 4–8
Fridays, 9:00–11:00 AM
January 23 through April 17, 2026
Patagonia Volunteer Fire & Rescue (upstairs loft)
Cost: FREE
Space is limited. Sign up soon:
Register at: https://the-universe-within.org/power-up-communities-sign-up/
To learn more, contact Paula Schaper at pschaper@matbevelcompany.org or 520-604-6273.
The Universe Within is supported by:
Arizona Commission on the Arts, The Burton Family Foundation, Sonora Investment Management, South32, Steve Bowles and Sulphur Springs Valley Electric Cooperative.