Center School Innovation Lab
Curriculum » Innovation Lab

Innovation Lab

Innovation Labs in schools are dedicated spaces or programs designed to foster creativity, critical thinking, problem-solving, and hands-on learning among students. The Center School Innovation Lab aims to cultivate an environment where students can explore, experiment, and collaborate on various projects and ideas, preparing them with 21st-century skills.
 
Our spacious lab is configured to accommodate various projects and activities. There is ample space for teamwork, individual exploration, project areas, and materials storage.
 
Currently, the Center School Innovation Lab includes: 
  • These boards can toggle between a PC-based and an Android-based platform, allowing multiple avenues of exploration and learning.
  • Their tabletop configuration allows multiple students to work on separate projects simultaneously, further enhancing engagement and retention of material.
  • Every classroom is equipped with a wall-mounted ClearTouch board.
  • These panels are also mobile, allowing for transportation into classrooms to use as an additional educational tool.
  • Plants grown in these panels are 100% organic and self-sustainable.
  • Students learn about the positive impact of growing environmentally friendly food.
  • Students help monitor and harvest these plants while learning about the life cycle steps.
  • The food grown in these panels is used in extracurricular activities such as cooking classes and educational workshops hosted through our Center for Learning.
  • The 3D printers are capable of printing multiple colors, allowing for more creative and colorful designs. 
  • They are equipped with broader heating plates for much larger projects.
  • Students learn to program for 3D printing using Tinkercad and Thingiverse websites.
  • The Cura Slicing Tool app is used to edit the student designs to ensure they fit the parameters of the 3D device.
  • The laser engraver is used for more intricate designs on various surfaces such as wood, metal, leather, and plastics.
  • Students utilize a mobile-based Android app called Engraver to build and design their engraving, which is compatible with our school-wide Google interface. 
  • VR headsets are a heads-up display (HUD) that allows users to interact with simulated environments and experience a first-person view (FPV).
  • The VR goggles contain polarized lenses that show two images, one per eye when in use, and are wifi-adapted, allowing students to access various 3D videos and immersive experiences.
  • Students can take virtual field trips to almost every part of the world, from the pyramids in Egypt to the cave paintings in Lascaux, France.
  • Lego Mindstorm Robotics consists of programmable bricks, motors, and sensors for students to create movable and adaptable robots.
  • Edison Robotics are designed to bring coding to life, from remote control robot operations to programming in Python.
  • Students use these interchangeable robotics kits to build complex designs to perform various tasks. Students learn how to become inventors, problem solvers, and creative thinkers. 
  • Intelino Smart Trains engages students in hands-on interactive play and helps to spark their imagination with both screen-free and app-connected play modes.
  • Ozobots are used as an introduction to coding for our younger grades and enhance sequencing and critical thinking skills during STEM class.
  • Sphero is another type of programmable robot where students can play different missions on a multitude of applications while learning the fundamentals of STEM concepts.
  • Students learn various types of coding, such as Python, HTML, and Block coding, while using all of the programmable electronics listed above. 
  • Using the latest generation of iPads, students have created films with iMovie and utilized green screen technology to enhance their recordings further.
  • Researching information is critical for project-based learning. Students can work collaboratively on these mobile devices in order to develop comprehensive presentations.
  • Our Math Suite uses apps such as Prodigy Math, Boddle, Moose Math, Quick Math, and Native Number to enhance math factors further.
  • For coding and problem-solving, we use apps such as Inventioneers, Scratch Jr., CodeSpark, Kodable, and Think Rolls.
  • All apps for codable electronics create an integrated experience for accessing Android and Apple operating systems.
In addition to the hands-on materials, students can access various online resources to support their research and learning during lessons with the support of our Technology Integration Specialist and their teachers. Utilizing the lab for curriculum integration, such as project-based learning, emphasizes hands-on, project-based activities to promote problem-solving and critical thinking skills.
The Center School Innovation Lab:
 
  • Fosters critical thinking: Encouraging students to think critically and solve problems independently.
  • Encourages collaboration: Promoting teamwork and communication skills through participation in group projects.
  • Allows for adaptability: Preparing students for a rapidly changing technological landscape.
  • Creates out-of-the-box thinking: Stimulating creativity by allowing students to explore and experiment with diverse ideas.
  • Personalizes learning: Allowing students to pursue projects aligned with their interests, increasing engagement and motivation.
  • Provides hands-on experience: Providing practical, hands-on experiences that enhance learning.
  • Provides multi-modal access to learning: Allowing students to access materials visually, auditorily, and kinesthetically.
  • Showcasing achievements: Providing opportunities for students to showcase their work to the community.
  • Prepares students for the future: Providing experiences that mirror real-world challenges they may encounter in their future careers.