Arthur CUSD 305 has developed new STEM labs at Arthur Grade School and Atwood-Hammond Grade School, as well as expanded the learning opportunities at Lovington Grade School's STEM lab. By utilizing ESSR III funds, the grade schools were provided the opportunity to create rooms based on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) learning. STEM labs break free from the confines of textbooks. Knowledge comes alive through hands-on activities, open-ended challenges, and real-world problem-solving. Students aren't just memorizing facts; they're building robots, coding, flying drones, building cars, creating LED radios, and conducting experiments. Teamwork is one of the main components of a STEM lab. Students huddle around projects, brainstorm ideas, test their hypotheses, and celebrate discovery.
The STEM labs at each of the three grade schools are supplied with a variety of tools and materials. Shelves are stocked with circuits, coding kits, LEGO robotics, virtual reality (VR) headsets, Ozobots, drones, 3D printers, weather stations, green screens and a broadcaster set, STEM challenge cards and more! Arthur Grade School Principal states "A STEM lab at Arthur Grade School fosters a vibrant environment where young minds collaboratively explore the wonders of science and technology. Through hands-on activities, students not only cultivate a spirit of ingenuity but also develop essential life skills such as collaboration and perseverance, laying the foundation for a future generation of innovative thinkers. We are excited for the opportunity that this will provide for our students moving forward for the years to come.”
The students have been very excited to get to learn in the STEM lab. Younger students are collaborating on constructing a city with LEGO Coding Express blocks. Once finished, they will learn how to code the train to travel along the track, stop, refuel, and reverse. Middle grades are learning how to code with LEGO SPIKE. Their first project is to build a machine to help a student wave to his friends. According to Mrs. Renee Brown, "I don't know who is more excited, me or the students! As their teacher, I love to hear them say, "Wow!" "I got it!" "It works!" You can literally see the connections being made in real time." Mrs. Hale comments "My class has been looking forward to coming back to the STEM lab all week! They've had so much fun with it."
The STEM labs are more than just a room, it is a place where the impossible becomes imaginable. We are excited to watch our students flourish and become innovators.
