Innovation Spaces
Clean Technology Lab
This lab offers many different forms of clean technology that can be utilized by students to design, create and make products, solutions, prototypes and art. Through the use of 3D printers, vinyl cutters, laser engravers as well as other equipment students find their own independent use to create solutions to problems as well as innovative ways to incorporate the technology into the school and classroom environment.
Coding and Robotics Lab
Being able to program computers is like having a superpower! Learn the fundamentals of system control with Ozobots, the concept of computer systems with Micro:bits, and have some fun programming and playing games with Splats. The Coding and Robotics is a fast paced, hands on learning experience that is sure to get you thinking, collaborating, and moving! In the Robotics & Innovation Lab, wild ideas are strongly encouraged and all judgments are deferred. The lab will be a safe place for students to work both independently and collaboratively to create, discover new things, and learn how to solve problems.
Health, Wellness and Mindfulness Center
In our innovation space students practice wellness to support thinking, emotions and behavior. Lessons are structured to increase awareness and development of skills that empower each individual and support helpful choices for mental, physical and emotional health. Wellness activities include a daily gratitude and mindful moment practice. Topics discussed and practiced: breath practices, calming the body, connection activities (to learn more about self and others), self-compassion, awareness to thoughts, how to make changes to thoughts to support health, awareness, identification and expression of feelings, and how the brain works to keep us safe and how we can access our brain for our health.
Humanities Center
The Humanities Center is a space for students to explore the art of storytelling and the impact it has on people and society throughout time. Students are inspired to share their own experiences, as well as the experiences of others, using a variety of mediums and technologies available to them. These include screenwriting, podcasting, interview simulations, and more. In the Humanities Center, our main goal is to strengthen our interpersonal and communication skills. As students engage in projects, they will learn how powerful of a role storytelling plays in cultivating human connection, building empathy, and developing acceptance of other human beings.
The Makerspace
In The Makerspace, students will be able to discover and explore their passions, work collaboratively to solve relevant, real-world problems, create, invent, and take risks in a safe and supportive environment. The Makerspace will be a place where all learners are welcome and where a "culture of making" will be cultivated as students gain confidence, develop a growth mindset by learning how to "fail forward", create their own meaning, and develop critical problem-solving skills. Students will engage in challenges, learn new technology, and create projects that integrate S.T.E.A.M. educational practices and support what they are learning in their core classes.
Simulation Center
Simulations are a form of experiential learning. These student-centered experiences will utilize a variety of analog and digital tools. In the Sim Center, students will explore how simulations can be used to develop skills and to create experiences that will imitate real-world activities and processes, in an engaging and safe environment.
A simulation is defined as “the production of a computer model of something, especially for the purpose of study.” In the SMS Simulations Center, students will investigate already existing simulations, and design their own that will incorporate connections to math, science, ELA, and history.
Units of study include “Data & Probability Simulations”, “Folding & Building”, “AR/VR/AI”, and “Flying with Drones”. Students will develop skills to explore a number of models, using technology tools including the Desmos and GeoGebra Graphing Calculators, Google Sheets, Scratch, Tinkercad, Google Earth, Minecraft, and Droneblocks.
For a look into the Simulations Center, please visit: https://sites.google.com/nccsk12.org/shakermiddleschoolsimulations/home