When pupils enter the entrance of Woodhaven Upper Elementary School, they are greeted with both the district’s mission statement to "engender, educate, and energize," as well as the commitment to spark imagination and ingenuity.
This dedication has become reality through the Woodhaven-Brownstown School District’s recent investment in STEM labs focused on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
This is an interactive STEM initiative aimed at providing students with skills needed for the 21st century.
On September 3, 2024, Woodhaven Upper Elementary joyfully unveiled the doors of its new STEM Lab, an advanced educational center designed for student use.
The chance for students to utilize the newly established STEM laboratory at Woodhaven Upper Elementary School offers a significant educational benefit, which the Woodhaven-Brownstown School District is enthusiastic about. (Image provided by the Woodhaven-Brownstown School District)
The laboratory marks a considerable step forward in the region’s continuous endeavors to improve educational experiences that merge conventional learning methods with so-called future-ready skills as identified by educators.
Exploration and innovation
The STEM Lab’s launch highlights the district’s aim to cultivate curiosity, exploration, and innovation among its students.
The laboratory is furnished with state-of-the-art equipment such as advanced computers, 3D printers, laser cutters, drones, robot construction sets, programming applications, and digital designing utilities.
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These tools are crafted not just to spark creativity, but also to help students acquire hands-on, real-world expertise across various domains, including engineering and digital content production.
Led by STEM Lab Facilitator teacher Adrianne Clements' guidance, students are motivated to delve into their individual passions through interactive project work.
Regardless of whether they are exploring the complexities of electrical systems or becoming proficient in animation software, the possibilities are extensive, turning the lab into an inclusive environment for every learner.
The pupils at Woodhaven Upper Elementary School are engaging with the institution’s STEM Laboratory setting. This setup emphasizes project-based education, allowing learners to steer their initiatives, tackle practical issues, and collaborate within teams. (Image provided by the Woodhaven-Brownstown School District)
Excited to form teams, the students enter the classroom," Clements mentioned. "By working collaboratively, they experience genuine involvement as they progress jointly and take charge of their education. This method nurtures innovation and lets pupils influence both the content and methods of their studies. For all of us involved, this represents an exhilarating path forward.
Transformative learning
The STEM Lab goes beyond being merely a space packed with devices; it embodies a significant change in the district’s educational strategy—focusing instead on tailored, learner-focused instruction.
The atmosphere at the SMART Lab revolves around Project-Based Learning, enabling students to lead their initiatives, tackle practical issues, collaborate within teams, and acquire essential lifelong abilities like teamwork, communication, and guidance.
The laboratory's tailored layout encourages intentional teamwork and mobility, creating an environment where students have the freedom to explore ideas openly.
Students at Woodhaven Upper Elementary School will not only gain access to a STEM laboratory but also the district’s other elementary and middle schools will be equipped with similar facilities. (Image provided by the Woodhaven-Brownstown School District)
Ranging from basic introductory activities to complex technical tasks, the curriculum designed with educational benchmarks ensures that students progress through an independent learning path facilitated by LearningHub’s digital tools.
Over 500 initiatives are at hand, guaranteeing that every learner can follow their interests while developing crucial abilities needed for higher education and future professions in the changing job sector.
Beyond the classroom
The influence of the STEM Lab goes further than just academic achievements. According to school administrators, studies indicate that pupils involved in interactive, project-driven settings such as SMART Labs tend to be more attentive during lessons, exhibit robust problem-solving abilities, and encounter less conduct-related problems.
These encounters likewise foster the growth of social-emotional abilities like resilience and persistence, essential elements for achieving success both academically and personally.
According to school authorities, the launch of the STEM Lab at Woodhaven Upper Elementary School highlights the district’s aim to cultivate curiosity, exploration, and innovation among its pupils. (Image provided by the Woodhaven-Brownstown School District)
The STEM Lab is an integral component of the district’s overarching plan to ensure equal opportunities for STEM education among all students. Through tailored educational experiences that align with each student's individual interests and capabilities, the district aims to guarantee that every young learner gets the chance to thrive.
The students at the SMART Lab have been encouraged to consider real-world uses, as evidenced by their recent development of a new hall pass system for the classroom.
"One of my students decided to create a new hall pass for me since mine was damaged," Clements explained.
The SMART lab represents a move towards equipping students with the skills needed for a future shaped by technology, creativity, and innovation.
This funding aims to equip the future generations with the skills needed to become innovative thinkers, effective problem solvers, and capable leaders—preparing them for the difficulties and prospects that lie ahead.
The SMART Lab is regarded as a groundbreaking development in the WBSD—and its impact extends beyond just Woodhaven Upper Elementary.
In the coming two years, SMART Labs will be introduced into additional schools throughout the district.
This coming summer, Bates Elementary School and Gudith Elementary School, as well as Brownstown Middle School, will be getting new laboratories.
The constructions at Erving, Wegienka, and Yake Elementary Schools are set to begin during the summer of 2026.
Every SMART lab will be incorporated into the special subjects schedule for students from kindergarten through sixth grade, and subsequently offered as an elective at Brownstown Middle School.
This addition guarantees that all K-8 students in WBSD can enjoy top-notch STEM education options.
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