Free Virtual Information Sessions

Sign Up Now

Select seats still available for Fall '25

Enroll Now
Days,
Hours,
Minutes,
Seconds

To Open Enrollment! Get Ready

To Open Enrollment!
Get Ready

NASA Competition Blog Image - 0325 - BASIS Ed

BASIS Phoenix Students Win NASA TechRise Student Challenge

We are thrilled to announce that five sophomores from BASIS Phoenix have been named as winners in NASA’s annual TechRise Student Challenge.


The
NASA TechRise Student Challenge is a STEM competition that gives students in grades 6–12 an opportunity to design and test innovative ideas for space travel. NASA selects winners by reviewing students’ detailed experiment proposals. The winning teams receive a $1,500 award from NASA to build their experiment, which will then be sent into space during a suborbital flight! 


Please join us in congratulating BASIS Phoenix’s winning team:

  • Arnav C.
  • Gavin C.
  • Paul H.
  • Aarav K.
  • Pranit K.

These students have the distinction of being the only team from Arizona to win this year’s TechRise Student Challenge. Way to go!


Our students’ win was recently covered on ABC15 local news. Check out the segment below!

The BASIS Phoenix team’s experiment is called “Shear Thickening Fluids as a Safety Measure in Situations of Rapid Decompression and Deceleration.” It centers around how shear thickening fluids—a liquid that solidifies under pressure—may be used as a safety mechanism in the event of an explosion.


In addition to winning a $1,500 award, the BASIS Phoenix team has the privilege of meeting weekly with a NASA engineer. This engineer supports the students and provides valuable advice as they work to finish their experiment.


“The TechRise competition has given our students a unique opportunity to bridge theory and practice,” says Susan Slayton, Head of School at BASIS Phoenix. “These students are gaining hands-on experience that reinforces the academic rigor we emphasize in our curriculum. Additionally, the weekly calls with NASA personnel have allowed our students to gain first hand insights into the space industry. This experience is not only shaping their academic growth—it’s also inspiring their future.”


“I couldn’t be prouder of my students for participating in and winning the NASA TechRise Student Challenge,” says Akash Joseph, a science teacher at BASIS Phoenix who acted as a faculty advisor for the winning students. “By taking part in this challenge, we are creating a community for the next generation of BASIS Phoenix pioneers to build something incredible. Together, we aim to reach greater heights!”


Once all of the experiments from the winning teams are built, they will be sent into the stratosphere on a high-altitude balloon operated by World View Enterprises of Tucson, Arizona. The launch will take place later this summer, and our winning team will be watching it via live stream.


Congratulations again to these talented students. We wish them the best of luck as they finish up their experiment! 


BASIS Phoenix is a tuition-free public charter school for grades 6–12. We are proud to offer an accelerated, STEM-inspired curriculum that empowers students to reach their full potential. Discover why BASIS Phoenix is the perfect fit for your student!
Take a school tour or attend a Virtual Info Session.

Share This Post

Recent Articles

Middle school boy doing a science experiment and looking through a beaker, with Texas Education Agency "A" badge overlayed in the corner

BASIS Texas Charter Schools Earn “A” Rating in 2025 TEA Accountability Ratings

BASIS Texas Charter Schools earned an “A” in the 2025 Texas Education Agency (TEA) Accountability Ratings, with a total score of 93 out of 100.
Collage of four BASIS Charter Schools with 2026 Niche Best Schools logo

BASIS Charter Schools Recognized Among the Nation’s Best in 2026 Niche Best Schools Rankings

In the 2026 Niche Best School Rankings, the BASIS Charter Schools network has 7 of the top 100 public high schools in the country. Additionally, many BASIS campuses placed at the top of state and metro area categories.
Group photo of BASIS Scottsdale seniors recognized as National Merit Semifinalists, with National Merit logo

BASIS Charter Schools Celebrates 119 Students Named 2026 National Merit Semifinalists

Congratulations to our newest National Merit Scholarship Program Semifinalists! Over 100 BASIS seniors are advancing in the 2026 academic competition.