What is a STEM Lab?
STEM Lab:
A fully-integrated learning environment where everything from the furniture and technology to curriculum and assessment work together to support hands-on, minds-on learning. It’s a place where personalized learning and intrinsic motivation engage students of all ages, interests and abilities. In a STEM Lab:
- Students explore.
- They problem-solve.
- They collaborate and create.
- And they learn.
STEM Lab programs are carefully designed and provisioned for each grade level. Every program element – technology, classroom design, construction kits, curriculum, scope and sequence – works together to meet students where they are and take them as far as they are able.
Click here to read the Top 15 Benefits of a STEM Education.
What do students learn in a STEM Lab?
Students gain 21st century learning skills in the STEM Lab by engaging in projects that develop:
- Communication
- Collaboration
- Critical thinking
- Problem solving
- Information literacy
- Adaptability
Skills are developed in a project-based learning environment where students apply technology to projects of their own design. Learning Launchers are the foundation of STEM Lab learning. Students access the Learning Launcher’s wide range of projects and challenges through the customizable LaunchPad navigation system. Learning Launchers provide a foundation in essential systems of technology including:
Alternative Energies and Renewables
- Electricity
- Solar
Circuitry
- Arduino
- MaKey MaKey
- Snap Circuits – Electricity and Electronics
Computer Graphics
- Pixie
- Photoshop
Mechanics & Structures
- K’nex
- Fischertechnik Mechanic
- IQ Key
- Vernier Structures Tester
- Bridge Designer
- Zometool
Robotics & Control Technology
- WeDo Robotics
- Lego EV3
Scientific & ?Data Analysis
- Vernier Science
- MicroObservatory
Digital Communications
- Frames
- Garage Band
- Google Sites
- PowerPoint
- Pixie
Software Engineering
- Digital Sandbox
- Scratch