“The students have more say in their own learning—they get to drive it. Here, collaboration has increased, and it‘s more of a social learning environment. The students have pride in what they‘re doing.”
STEM and Project-Based Learning in Alabama
Learning Objectives
Alabama Brings STEM to All Learners
The Alabama State Department of Education aims to prioritize science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education across all grade levels to improve learner outcomes and support career and college readiness.
Driven to address the challenges of a changing, technological, diverse, and global society, the state of Alabama seeks to support learners in developing their abilities to analyze, communicate, manage, and lead through developing their creative and innovative critical-thinking skills.
With project-based STEM engagements that strengthen learners’ academic and social-emotional skills, SmartLab Learning can help educators ignite curiosity and passion in learners while promoting the development of higher-order thinking, communication, management, and leadership skills.
SMARTLABS IN ALABAMA
Supporting STEM and PBL Learning Objectives
Both the Alabama STEM Council and the Alabama Math, Science, and Technology Initiative were formed to advise and support Alabama educators, students, and other stakeholders in achieving STEM success for the state of Alabama.
Committed to the idea of “learning by doing,” these initiatives support the integration of science, technology, engineering, and math in project-based learning experiences.
Through hands-on, minds-on instruction, SmartLab Learning Solutions contextualize these core concepts for Alabama learners of all abilities so they can become tomorrow’s scientific and engineering innovators.
- SmartLab learners of all ages connect core math, science, and engineering concepts to hands-on activities. | Learn More
- Career-bound students build familiarity with concepts they can apply to a wide range of professions. | Learn More
- Learners practice life skills like goal-setting, time management, autonomy, collaboration, and creative problem-solving. | Learn More
- Educators are supported at every step of the way with comprehensive training and troubleshooting, allowing them to focus on their students. | Learn More
- The SmartLab digital LearningHub keeps our curriculum in one easy-to-access place. | Learn More
SMARTLAB STANDARDS ALIGNMENT
Prepare Alabama Learners for Academic Success
SmartLab STEM Learning Solutions are in 70% or higher alignment with the following nationwide and state-specific standards:
- Alabama Academic Standards: SmartLab Learners apply core concepts in alignment with the Course of Study standards set for Mathematics, Science, Digital Literacy, and Career and Technical Education. | Learn More
- Next Generation Science Standards: Hands-on learning engagements bring core science concepts to three-dimensional life. | Learn More
- International Society for Technology in Education Standards: Empowered with access to innovative tools—and the agency to explore their applications—students grow into their roles as digital citizens. | Learn More
SmartLab Learning supports the increased implementation of these programs by providing:
Hands-On Learning:
Driven by project-based learning philosophy, SmartLab Learning connects the conceptual to the tangible in new and exciting ways.
Student-Led Engagements:
When students take charge of projects that matter to them, engagement and academic performance improves.
Cross-Curricular Connections:
Students who engage with SmartLab Learning begin to see how their education relates to their own lives, their career interests, and the world around them.
Holistic SEL Opportunities:
While connecting with core academic concepts, students engage their social-emotional abilities to work together, practice active listening, struggle productively, and make themselves understood.
Educator Support:
Every SmartLab facilitator receives comprehensive instruction on the course content and technology, plus access to resources and ongoing professional development.
SmartLab Learning in Alabama
These Alabama schools and districts have already implemented SmartLabs.
Discover Your Funding Options
The Creative Learning Systems team has helped public, private, rural, urban, large, and small schools secure funding. Your regional sales manager can:
- Clarify the alignment between SmartLab objectives and allowable use of Title I, II, and IV funds
- Help you navigate the ESSER, ESSA, and EANS allocation process
- Help you identify a wide variety of technology-friendly grant programs that best match your school or district’s needs and resources
- Conduct a free, personalized Research Report
- Provide you with free grant proposal editing services
eBook
Maximize ESSER Funding to Engage Students
Learn what to prioritize when applying for ESSER funding.
Learn More About ESSER for Public Schools
Connect
EANS Funding Can Support STEM Programs
Talk to a CLS Regional Sales Manager to learn how your private school can access the right funds.
Let’s Talk
Our Partners
Equitable STEM Programming Made Possible
Meet the private donors working to make SmartLab Learning accessible to all.
Grants
Explore Active Grant Opportunities
You don’t have to go it alone — the CLS team can help you with the grant search and application process.
Active Grants & Funding Partners
These organizations and donors are working to improve access to STEM learning opportunities across Mississippi.
Happy clients talk about SmartLab
Hear from our happy clients.
“SmartLab Learning has been instrumental in helping us grow equitable and sustainable STEM programming for all our learners, K–12. They continue to partner with us as we expand and increase opportunities for student learning, teacher support, and program improvements.”
“I think the most exciting thing that I’ve discovered about working with my students in the SmartLab is that it can help them to grow a love for school, for learning. There are students at our school who are just burnt out with worksheets and paperwork, and the opportunity to have something new and different—and to have the freedom to explore—has been phenomenal for them. I’ve really enjoyed watching their growth.”
“I have discovered that students in the SmartLab are way more open to things than they think that they are. Learning in the classroom is sometimes boring and it’s a lot of teacher talking and student listening. But they find that when they’re in the SmartLab that they enjoy it more. They’re excited to get there. They want to do the projects. They like being able to work and talk with their neighbor versus in classrooms where they don’t normally get to.”
Related Resources
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Who We Help
SmartLab Benefits
Everyone
Our Process
Why SmartLab Accelerates Learning
Ready to bring SmartLab learning
to your school?
We’re excited to hear from you. Let’s change the way your students engage with math and science—in and outside the classroom.
