Add as a preferred source on Google

STEAM Lab Holds Economic Potential for Rural NY Community

  • By Yvonne Marquez
  • 09/03/19

Groton Junior-Senior High School’s former dingy basement has transformed into a brightly lit $4.8 million STEAM lab and shared-learning space. The 8,000-square foot renovated space officially opens Sept. 4 for district-wide use following a soft-opening in December 2018.

Groton Junior-Senior High School’s former dingy basement has transformed into a brightly lit $4.8 million STEAM lab and shared-learning space.

The lounge-like area is fitted with high-tech screens, work stations, adaptable furniture, energy-efficient lighting and HVAC systems. Ashley McGraw Architects designed the center with the district’s curriculum in mind and collaborated with Groton Central School District Superintendent Margo Martin to create a place where students want to hang out.

Almost every surface is a writing surface, including some glass walls, to encourage creativity. The center features transparent and flexible spaces to encourage independent work as well as collaboration. The lab hosts a photo, video, and music editing studio.

The lounge-like area is fitted with high-tech screens, work stations, adaptable furniture, energy-efficient lighting and HVAC systems.

The STEAM lab will be used for a variety of educational programs including: building trades, computer science, engineering & electronics, agriculture technology and communications & media arts.

“Groton CSD STEAM Coordinator Mick Levick has been instrumental in informing the students of the concept of the STEAM lab and giving them the freedom to explore its possibilities,” Mike Frisina, an architect and design tech manager at Ashley McGraw, said in a press release. “Mick has stated that the variety of the spaces and learning environments in the STEAM lab has given the students and the faculty the flexibility to ‘choose your own adventure’ in their educational programs. They have been able to transform the spaces to fit the needs of their tasks on a day-to-day, class-to-class basis.”

 The STEAM lab has also had a positive effect on the rural New York community by potentially being an “economic engine.” An agricultural steering committee is promoting the expansion of an agricultural program at the center, while STEAM experts are offering their services as guest speakers and giving adult education courses after school hours.

About the Author

Yvonne Marquez is senior editor of Spaces4Learning. She can be reached at [email protected].

Featured

  • El Paso District Breaks Ground on New Elementary School

    The Canutillo Independent School District in El Paso, Texas, recently announced that construction has begun on a 119,000-square-foot elementary school, according to a news release. The district partnered with Pfluger Architects, Carl Daniel Architects, and LDCM Solutions on the new Davenport Elementary School, which has an expected completion date of 2027.

  • Armstrong World Industries Acquires Geometrik

    Armstrong World Industries, designer and manufacturer of interior and exterior architectural applications like ceilings, walls, and metal solutions, recently announced its acquisition of Canada-based Geometrik, according to a news release. The British Columbian Geometrik specializes in designing and manufacturing wood acoustical and wall systems.

  • textured paper collage shows a school building on fire as a fire truck sprays water into the flames

    Why a Fire Loss Is More than Flames

    We've all seen what fire damage can do to a property, but the types of damage building owners often encounter after a fire loss can exceed expectations. Having full awareness of the different forms of damage properties can sustain helps owners respond faster, reduce continued damage, and get back on the road to recovery in short order.

  • Texas State University Completes Stadium Renovations

    Texas State University in San Marcos, Texas, recently announced that it has completed a series of additions and renovations to its football stadium, according to a news release. Formerly known as the Bobcat Stadium End Zone Complex, the Johnny and Nathali Weisman Football Performance Center is an 85,000-square-foot expansion featuring hospitality spaces, banquet spaces, exterior concourses, and upgrades to the field house.

Digital Edition