THE LOCKWOOD STEM CENTER

Who We Are

In 2015, Hemlock's Gray Matter Robotics team was founded.  As the STEM program grew, the need for a dedicated space became more apparent. In 2020, the Lockwood STEM Center was built. 

At the new STEM Center, students practice a variety of STEM education skills, such as coding, computer-aided design, machining, and fabrication.  FIRST Robotics programs from supported schools also use the STEM Center as a build and practice arena. 

High-school students are able to determine if a STEM career is right for them – whether they are college-bound or entering the workforce right away – by receiving mentoring from professionals in industries such as engineering, farming, and manufacturing. 

In addition, the STEM Center provides a positive and safe environment in which to cultivate academic achievement and instill a sense of pride within students. 

The STEM Center Currently Services Five Local School Districts

Help Build the Future

The STEM Labs Expansion

As our teams grow, the need for additional space becomes apparent.  Last year, we added FIRST Lego League and Hemlock Middle School's FIRST Tech Challenge program into our space. Now, the plans are in motion for phase two. 

The expansion of our facilities will be a vital step in accommodating our growing teams. Following the inclusion of FIRST® LEGO League (FLL) and the Middle School FIRST® Tech Challenge (FTC) last year, we are now embarking on phase two. The upcoming addition of a STEM Lab, featuring a LEGO Lab, an Electronics Lab, a 3D Printing Lab, and a Computing and Design Lab, underscores our commitment to fostering skills essential for future generations. Moreover, the new facility will boast a lobby for additional meeting space, cold storage, and versatile areas to ensure optimal utilization.

This expansion will continue to transform our facility into a world-class center, serving as a source of inspiration for our community and the region. Beyond academic growth, we are creating a space that addresses the challenges of the future workforce. 

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We invite you to explore the Lockwood STEM Center and witness firsthand the valuable opportunities it offers to our students. For any inquiries or to arrange a visit, please feel free to contact us. 

More Information

See the official STEM Labs brochure for more renderings, drawings, and information about the expansion, relationships, and investing.

Why?

In our endeavor to fundraise and make our dream of this space become a reality, we present four compelling reasons to support the STEM Lab Expansion.

The STEM Labs:

For more information about the individual labs, see below.

Computing and Design Lab

The Computing Lab will be a multi-purpose technology space. Eight desktop computers will be in this space to be used by students for coding, CAD Design, and CAM output for 3D printers and CNC machines. Students will learn to program a Universal Robot UR5 donated by Nexteer Automotive and programmed and set up by Fullerton Tool. Students will gain experience programming Artificial Intelligence and computer-vision systems.

3D Print Lab

The 3D Print Lab will provide a safe, secure space where 3D printing can conveniently happen. In an “open facility,” it is important to have a space where the printers are protected from the students and the students are protected from the printers. The printers are sensitive and they do have print nozzles that get very hot and can burn students.

Electronics Lab

The Electronics Lab is dedicated to electronics manipulatives; wiring electronics control systems, Arduino projects (for embedded systems), the use of electronic breadboards, and soldering. Students will have an opportunity to use oscilloscopes and multimeters.

Lego Lab

The Lego Lab will be a bright, colorful space filled with STEAM (Science Technology Engineering Art, and Mathematics) manipulatives for students from Pre-K through 6th grade. Lego walls, Brain Bins (boxes of assorted hands-on materials), Spike Lego robots, Dot, Dash, and Cue robots, WeDo robots, Ozobots, TTS Bee-Bots, glue guns, and lots of legos and hands-on learning aids like the Turin Tumblewill let the students explore engaging STEAM topics. Emily Schmidt, a recognized STEM Champion, has developed and refined a curriculum with her classroom students; lessons learned will be applied here.

Donate Now

Donate now to help build the future in which our STEM leaders gain hands-on experience in math, science, and engineering. 

If interested, please contact Tom Lockwood at lockwood@hemlockps.com

Other Resources

Check out our other website for more information about Hemlock  Robotics Teams! tEAMS