“Our mission is to empower, to explore, to encourage, and to excel in education. This happens every day in the SmartLab.”

Patricia Dierberger
Principal, Rocky Heights Middle School

Welcome to the real world of 21st century learning

What is a SmartLab?

SmartLabs are 21st century learning labs designed for the exploration of STEM, digital media arts and other academic topics through applied technology. SmartLabs are fully-integrated classroom systems that include hardware, software, scientific and media equipment, hands-on construction kits and flexible furniture systems. SmartLabs are full turnkey programs including curriculum, ePortfolio documentation and assessment systems, professional development and ongoing technical and professional support.

SmartLabs are flexible and adaptable learning systems individually designed for each school. SmartLabs can be designed to meet a wide range of budgets, class-sizes and scheduling options. Curriculum can be tailored to meet academic objectives such as STEM, alternative energy exploration, digital media arts, and college and career pathway exploration.

In a SmartLab, learners apply leading-edge technology to academically-focused, standards-based projects. A student-centered curriculum adapts to learners of different abilities and learning styles. The result? Challenged and engaged students learning real-world skills in an academic context.

What Makes the SmartLab Approach So Effective?

It’s a simple strategy. Put technology in the hands of students. Challenge them with engaging hands-on, minds-on projects that are flexible and open-ended. Support them with an academically-linked curriculum that guides learning while offering opportunities to explore topics of personal relevance. Provide support systems that authentically assess real learning and the development of 21st century skills.

Schools with SmartLabs report challenged and engaged students — of all abilities and interests. Learners perform better in core academic classes thanks to the applied learning that’s part of every SmartLab experience. Many schools report that students in the SmartLab program improve their test scores, present fewer discipline problems and are at reduced risk of dropping-out. Those are the kinds of results that matter.

We don’t simply talk about integrating technology in education. We provide a system to make it a reality...every school day.

What happens in a SmartLab?

Students progress through a series of curriculum-guided and self-directed project engagements. As they tackle these projects, they learn essential technology skills and systems, including:

Mechanics and Structures Computer Graphics Science and Data Acquisition Publishing and Multimedia

Alternative and Renewable Energy Robotics and Control Technology Circuitry Computer Simulation

Our approach to technology is unique, practical, and remarkably effective. Students do not simply learn technology skills in a vacuum. They learn to apply technology to everyday workflow. They use it in a multitude of ways as they design projects, test their ideas, and create ePortfolios to document their learning.

An integrated approach to STEM education

SmartLabs approach STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) from a real-world perspective. Instead of placing each element in an artificial “silo”, we integrate these critical disciplines in a project-based context. We challenge learners to employ critical-thinking skills, to problem-solve, to collaborate and to communicate. And, in addition to STEM, we emphasize the role of language arts in the effective communication of ideas, the importance of social studies for context, and the relevance of the arts to creative expression.

SmartLabs are where it all comes together.

STEM for all students – Skills to Succeed in a Global Economy

All students need a solid foundation in STEM — not just our top math and science students. Now, more than ever, post-secondary and career readiness requires a new model of learning. Success in today’s world requires both core knowledge and 21st century skills — for everyone. The lines have blurred; both college and the workplace demand a solid foundation of academic content, technological competencies, information literacy, and collaboration and communication skills. They require adaptable learner/workers who can think critically and creatively, and who can who apply ever-changing technology to their everyday workflow.

In a SmartLab, we meet every learner where they are and take them as far as they are able to go. Every SmartLab includes multiple levels of curriculum and technology resources. Our flexible learning system adapts to individual learning styles. In a SmartLab, projects are open-ended and learners are empowered to bring personal relevance to every engagement.

Customized Solutions to Meet Your School’s Needs

Since creating the first technology lab in a U.S. school in 1987, we’ve designed and built many hundreds of SmartLabs across the country. Every one is a unique learning solution designed to meet the specific needs of each school partner and their learning community.

SmartLabs have been designed for classes of 18-120 students including elementary, secondary and adult learners. SmartLabs can be scheduled as core or elective classes, or provide a technology resource center to support the whole school. Curriculum can be tailored to a broad survey of applied technology or to focus on specific topics like STEM, alternative energy exploration or digital media arts.

Interested in Learning More?

We invite you to talk with one of our educational design consultants, to schedule a visit a SmartLab in your area, and to learn more about how a SmartLab can help your school meet its academic mission. Together, we’ll launch your students on a path of discovery, engagement, learning...and success.

Contact us by phone at 800-458-2880 or online to start the conversation!

Research and White Papers:

• SmartLabs Foster Diversity in STEM Education – Student Demographic Survey (pdf)
• STEM for All Students: Beyond the Silos – A White Paper on STEM Education (pdf)
• 21st Century Skills: Where Do We Start? – A White Paper on SmartLab Implementation Models (pdf)
• Bored? Not in a SmartLab: Research Report Comparing Student Attitudes in SmartLabs Compared to School Overall (pdf)
• Funding Options: SmartLab Alignment to ARRA Stimulus Guidelines (ppt)

©2013 Creative Learning Systems