The goal of this project is to build the skills, interest and knowledge K-12 students need to be successful in the science, mathematics and technology fields. In an effort to address this issue, engineering and science departments are working with K-12 schools to develop new skills in field-based research, new technology skills and inquiry-based teaching strategies. Inquiry-based teaching is a method that seeks to actively involve students in the learning process and encourages them to seek knowledge through questions. Three K -12 school districts in the state of Alaska - Highland Technical School, Chugach School District and Denali Borough School District - have developed core curriculum that allows for the implementation of science and engineering exploration into their classrooms. This core curriculum includes field trips designed to expose students to practicing engineers and scientists who are available to discuss their work and its significance. The students are required to develop their own projects. Each group has selected topics of interest to their community - while some students are studying whale migration, other groups are examining changes in carbon dioxide concentration in the atmosphere and another is studying groundwater quality and migration. They are using cutting edge technology and learning the importance of data collection, quality and analysis. Each group of students is required to maintain a webpage with an ongoing discussion and presentation of their work. While this project is in its initial phases, students and their teachers have been exposed to more science and engineering related topics and the importance of these fields to their every-day life. This project is also examining the changes in the students' and teachers' perception of scientists and engineers and our impact on society through a series of surveys and video interviews at pre-planned intervals throughout the study. To date, it is clear that inquiry-based learning/teaching is an excellent mechanism for encouraging science and engineering exploration in K-12 students.