“The SmartLab HQs have given us a scope and sequence that has provided our students the opportunity to think and learn in a much different way. We consistently hear that students are eager to get back into the SmartLab because they can showcase learning outcomes that are much different than in the traditional classroom.”
SmartLab HQ for Middle Schools
Re-engage students in the classroom through hands-on, minds-on learning that helps build strong math and science skills.
program overview
SmartLab HQ puts pre-professional tools in your middle schoolers’ hands.
Designed to support math and science curriculum, a SmartLab HQ challenges middle school students to solve problems with real-world applications while emphasizing discovery, autonomy, and exploration.
Meet Your Academic Goals
With our research-based, student-led approach to project-based learning, students engage in authentic skill-building while connecting to the core math and science concepts they’re learning in class.
Enjoy a Comprehensive Solution
We can design a SmartLab HQ that fits your academic objectives, class, and room size. Use our readiness checklist to prepare your space, then let our installers fill your room with everything you need to keep your learners engaged in hands-on, minds-on learning.
Prepare Your Educators with PD
Educators receive high-quality, research-based professional development to help them manage every aspect of the SmartLab HQ. Plus, with long-term training, educators hone their facilitation skills to improve student academic achievement.
Curriculum & SmartLab Learning Hub
Our supplemental curriculum helps your students meet milestones.
The SmartLab Learning Hub—our online platform—comes stocked with our standards-aligned, project-based curriculum. Students can document their learning and growth via their portfolio, while educators can monitor and assess their learners’ progress.
“We’re reminded and understand that there are no wrong answers and no mistakes. It is a safe place to explore and learn.”
Program Features
What do learners experience in a SmartLab HQ?
In a middle school SmartLab HQ, learners are re-engaged in classroom learning as they use pre-professional technology to solve problems that are relevant to them. Through our unique, project-based learning approach, students gain essential next-gen skills while reinforcing core math and science concepts through hands-on learning.
Circuitry
The Circuitry Area of Exploration introduces learners to electricity concepts that power the world around them. Students design and build circuits using different electrical components, including programmable microcontrollers like micro:bit and Arduino.
Communication
and Media Arts
Communication and Media Arts is all about harnessing the power of technology to create and deliver impactful messages. Learners develop the technical skills necessary to tell meaningful stories, explain complex concepts clearly, document and share their work effectively, and express themselves through a wide range of media.
Manufacturing Technology
Manufacturing Technology is all about developing the skills required to design and make original products. Students gain experience with human-centered design principles while developing technical skills that open the way for them to create and produce physical products that solve a problem.
Mechanics
and Structures
The Mechanics and Structures area provides learners with opportunities to explore the work of mechanical and civil engineers as they design and build machines, bridges, towers, and other objects. Students progress from simple machines and basic construction to more advanced mechanisms and complex structures, while learning the importance of planning, measuring and collecting data, and iterating to achieve the desired result.
Robotics and Control Technology
The Robotics and Control Technology Area of Exploration provides students with opportunities to explore the intersection between mechanical engineering and computer science to design, build, and program robotic creations. Learners progress from simple navigation tasks to more complex challenges that involve designing, building, and programming original robotic creations.
Scientific Data
and Analysis
Scientific Data and Analysis focuses on collecting and interpreting data through intentional experimentation. Students develop experiments for testing hypotheses that involve gathering data using various methods, including computer-connected sensors. This area also provides opportunities for learners to explore vast data sources to organize and present relevant information about their community.
Software Engineering
Software Engineering focuses on providing learners with the opportunity to develop computational thinking and other skills that are relevant regardless of future career decisions. As students complete projects in this Area of Exploration, they gain valuable tools for approaching complex problems in a wide range of contexts.
Environmental Technology
Environmental Technology provides opportunities to explore the human impact on the environment and ways of managing environmental resources more effectively. Students explore concepts like sustainability, renewable energy, efficiency, and recycling as they learn about and propose solutions to environmental challenges.
What does SmartLab Learning look like?
eBook
Self-Direction is an Essential Skill
How can educators prepare students, not only with content knowledge, but with the skills to be independent, lifelong learners? This white paper discusses:
- How do students learn?
- What challenges do educators face today?
- How can you support student-directed learning?
why smartlab Learning?
Our programs prepare today’s students to become tomorrow’s leaders.
In addition to helping learners turn complex math and science concepts into real-world activities, SmartLab Learning prepares students for future success. In a SmartLab, students learn to make decisions, solve problems, and manage complex tasks. We equip learners with our SmartLab Learning Process that can be used in life, college, and career. By pairing this framework with engaging STEM-focused learning kits, students are able to experience learning in a safe and supportive space where they practice persevering without fear of failure.
63%
Gain in student achievement
Gain in student achievement seen through a project-based approach to learning.
Lucas Education Research
22%
Growth through 2029
Growth of software development now through 2029.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Hear From Our Happy Clients
“Our Elementary and Middle School SmartLab HQs are a perfect fit for Denver Academy. Our mission is to serve diverse learners, providing a student-centered, differentiated, and transformative education. In keeping with DA’s mission, this program provides us with the ability to individualize learning for each student, support them in areas in which they struggle, and provide challenges in areas where they excel.”
“In its first year, the SmartLab HQ has become the focal point of student-driven inquiry on campus. I am constantly impressed by the level of discussion and problem solving I see among the teams of students as they explore their own interests and develop skills that will allow them to succeed in jobs that may not even exist yet.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of room or space do we need for a SmartLab HQ?
Once we gather information on your existing space(s), our design team will help create a lab that works for your needs.
Is your curriculum standards-aligned?
Our curriculum is aligned to CCSS math, NGSS, ISTE, and more.
Where can I see an existing SmartLab Learning Solution?
Our representatives can help you find a SmartLab near you and plan a site visit.
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Ready to start planning your own SmartLab?
We’re excited to hear from you. Let’s change the way your students engage with math and science–in and outside the classroom.
