What Is Hands-On Learning and How Does It Work Online?

K12 curriculum includes hands-on learning activities that go beyond the screen. K12 ships physical materials — supplies, manipulatives, and activity kits — directly to enrolled families so students can complete experiments, projects, and interactive lessons at home alongside their online coursework.1 

Young learner using a magnifying glass while standing behind a K12-branded box. Educational graphics, including a rocket, scissors, light bulb, globe, and star illustrations, appear around the learner against a green graphic background.

How Does Hands-On Learning Work for Students and Families?

Once enrolled at a K12-powered school, families don’t need to shop for school supplies. Materials are determined based on each student’s assigned courses and shipped directly to the front door at no cost. Students in grades K–5 typically receive four to six boxes packed into one or two larger cartons. Students in grades 6–12 receive two shipments per year — one in the fall and one in January. Tracking information is sent by email once materials have shipped, and delivery typically takes four to seven business days after courses are assigned. 

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Who Is Hands-On Learning Best Suited For? 

Hands-on learning is best suited for students who learn more effectively through active participation rather than passive instruction. These learners often understand concepts better when they can practice, build, experiment, or apply what they are studying in real-time. 
 
In K12 programs, this approach is a strong fit for students who are engaged by interactive projects and real-world applications of academic concepts. It can be especially helpful for students who prefer to “learn by doing” — a more experience-based learning style that shows how lessons connect to practical situations.

What Materials and Resources Are Included in Hands-On Learning?

Each student is sent materials personalized for their courses and grade level.1 Supplies vary by grade, course, school, and state, but can include items like microscopes, world maps, math blocks, art supplies, chemistry molecule sets, and rock and mineral kits — anything needed to bring the curriculum to life beyond the screen!

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Microscope

Use it for science class or to examine items you find around the house.

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World Map

This is a great reference for geography and social studies classes.

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Math Blocks

These bring a visual element to math and make learning more fun.

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Art Supplies

Painting supplies, modeling clay, craft sticks, floral moss—and much more!

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Chemistry Molecule Set

Everything you need to understand the building blocks of chemistry.

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Rock & Mineral Kit

Who doesn’t love a hands-on science experiment?

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Portia

parent of a 9th grade student*

“My son loves getting his K12 boxes to see the new materials in them. I enjoy seeing the smile on his face. Knowing my son is happy and loving this experience, it’s the best decision I ever made.”

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Amanda

parent of 3rd and 6th grade students**

“Both of my kids love that they get packages addressed with their names. It’s like an early Christmas! All our faces light up when we see what books and materials they get. And I love getting new boxes to use when sending back materials at the end of the school year.”

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Santiago

11th grade student***

“Opening the boxes is always fun with a touch of suspense! It’s impressive how many supplies come, and it’s exciting because you get an idea of what you’re going to study throughout the year.”

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Pierson

10th grade student†

“I was really excited to try something new in my own way and in my own time frame.”

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Learning Beyond the Classroom

One of the many benefits of online school by K12 is the ability to take learning beyond scheduled class time. Whether they’re painting their next masterpiece, observing nature under the microscope, or diving into their first dissection, K12 gives your child the freedom to experience hands-on learning where and when they want to.

Make learning fun with our free Interactive Learning Activity Book!

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Frequently Asked Questions

It helps students better understand and remember what they learn by actively engaging with the material.

Programs often provide guidance and materials so families can easily support activities.

As a student at a K12-powered school, your child will receive all the essential educational materials at no cost to you — including textbooks and supplies for offline activities. Many schools offer a loaner computer as well, check with your school to confirm if this is an option in your state.1 

Once your student has been assigned courses, these materials will be shipped directly to your home and typically arrive within four to seven business days. You’ll receive tracking information via email as soon as your order ships. For added convenience, you can also sign up for UPS My Choice to get delivery updates and notifications. 

* Portia is the parent of a 2023 student at a K12-powered school in Tennessee, and their statement reflects their experience at their child’s school. 
**Amanda is the parent of a 2023 student at a K12-powered school in North Carolina, and their statement reflects their experience at their child’s school. 
***Santiago is a 2023 student at a K12-powered school in Florida, and their statement reflects their experience at their school. 
†Pierson is a 2023 student at a K12-powered school in Texas, and their statement reflects their experience at their school. 
1Families do not pay tuition for a student to attend an online public school by K12. Materials provided vary by course, state, school, and grade level. Common household items and office supplies, like printer ink and paper, are not provided. Our enrollment consultants can help address your technology and computer questions and needs.