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

  • California School District Starts Construction on Public Safety Center

    The San Bernardino City Unified School District (SBCUSD) recently announced that construction has begun on a new public safety center that will house the district’s safety and security programs. According to a news release, the James Ramos Center for Public Safety will measure in at 17,140 square feet and contain the district’s Police Department, Office of Emergency Management, and cadet program.

  • modern college building with circuit and brain motifs

    Anthropic Introduces Claude for Education

    Anthropic has launched a version of its Claude AI assistant tailored for higher education institutions. Claude for Education "gives academic institutions secure, reliable AI access for their entire community," the company said, to enable colleges and universities to develop and implement AI-enabled approaches across teaching, learning, and administration.

  • Boosting Student Wellness and Safety Through Indoor-Outdoor School Spaces

    Engaging students through facilities designed for indoor and outdoor learning and activities reflects a growing awareness of how children learn and thrive, with educators recognizing the importance of getting outside and disconnecting from technology. And, as today’s youth grapple with the urgent mental health crisis of increased anxiety and loneliness fueled by both the pandemic and technology, along with a related crisis in youth physical health, the wellness benefits of getting outside have never been so palpable.

  • Clemson to Launch North America’s Largest College Campus Smart Parking Program

    Clemson University in Clemson, S.C., recently announced a partnership with smart parking and curbside management solutions provider eleven-x to launch a smart parking initiative for its population of 29,000 students and faculty, according to a news release.

Digital Edition