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SmartLab Learning | STEM Education & Project-Based Learning
Through project-based learning that’s grounded in research, we inspire the next generation of leaders, change-makers, and engaged citizens.
What is SmartLab Learning?
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Discover SmartLab Learning Solutions Powered by LearningHub
Imagine learners who are so engaged that they don’t want to leave class. Powered by LearningHub, a digital platform with standards-aligned project starters designed by educators like you.
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Our flagship learning program with fully stocked environments for K–12.
Robust video production and broadcasting systems that rival the pros.
468DE892-C7A2-4759-89DC-E0EEB6AF79ECEngage students with a whole classroom STEAM lab program.
Offering academic, SEL, and whole-child support, our unique project-based model keeps students engaged in hands-on, experiential learning that’s grounded in research.
Learn More About SmartLab HQ
468DE892-C7A2-4759-89DC-E0EEB6AF79ECSpark creative storytelling in a broadcast studio.
Boost your students’ writing, leadership, and project management skills while they interact with the broader community and discover career pathways.
Learn More About SmartLab Studio
SEE THE DIFFERENCE
Our Lady of Perpetual Help
We can take any space you have and turn it into a place for kids to grow.
Who is SmartLab Learning for?
We accelerate your students’ learning while preparing them to face our ever-evolving world. That’s our promise to educators, administrators, parents, and students.
Learn More About Who We Help
Public Schools
For public elementary, middle, and high schools that want to inspire all learners through innovative, accessible programming.
Private Schools
For private schools looking to stand out by integrating engaging, project-based learning programs seamlessly into their unique offerings.
District Administrators
For the district decision-makers who aim to propel all students to bright futures
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School Administrators
For school leaders who seek to engage their learners with student-led, supplemental math and science curriculum
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Curriculum Directors
For education strategists who work to spark curiosity and possibility through research-based, standards-aligned, future-forward programming
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Students & Parents
For learners who crave exciting, hands-on experiences, regardless of grade, ability, or interest
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Take a Closer Look at What’s Inside a SmartLab
Peninsula Tables for Workspaces
Peninsula tables provide plenty of workspace for projects.
Island Tables for Collaboration
Island tables serve as collaborative workstations for teams of students, providing opportunities for peer support from other teams working nearby. Integrated power poles deliver data and electricity to the computers at each station.
3D Printer
Every SmartLab includes a 3D printer to allow students to dive into digital fabrication. Optional Laser Engraving and CNC Milling systems are available.
Large Display
Each SmartLab includes a large classroom display or smartboard for facilitator demonstrations and group presentations.
Kit and Equipment Organization
Custom shelving makes it easy for students to gather and store project supplies. Open shelves provide storage for work in progress or space to display completed projects.
Facilitator Workspace
A dedicated workspace gives the SmartLab facilitator resources and tools to manage the technology in the lab.
Our research-based solutions support educators and keep learners engaged.
We work with your school to integrate our research-based learning seamlessly into your classroom, while opening up new worlds for students and educators alike.
About Our Process
We are an education innovator.
Our SmartLab Learning Process prepares learners to solve complex problems, make hard decisions, and be equipped to face the world and its evolving complexities.
We are more than tech stuff in a room.
We turn classrooms into rooms of possibility. Learning becomes discovering, and STEAM skills become life skills as students engage with core academic concepts.
We accelerate learning.
Paired with hands-on experiences, our standards-aligned, supplemental math and science curriculum helps learners make deep connections to core content.
We’re your long-term partner.
With comprehensive, long-term professional development, we set your team up for success so your SmartLab Learning solution remains vibrant for years.
What makes SmartLab Learning better?
We engage every learner.
Engaged students make more meaningful connections with academic concepts.
We empower learners.
When your students own their learning and approach challenges with creativity, they walk into their future with confidence.
We infuse experiences into all learning.
When learners solve real-world problems with age-appropriate, pre- and professional tools, they’re preparing for college and career success.
We meet every learner where they are.
Our searchable database of experiences ensures that learners are set up to reach their goals.
We design solutions that encourage collaboration.
Collaborative learners gain essential communication and critical thinking skills as they creatively solve problems and gain deeper cultural insights.
About Us
468DE892-C7A2-4759-89DC-E0EEB6AF79ECHear from our happy clients.
“One of the most powerful words is equity. Not everyone starts in the same place, but the SmartLab HQ gives all of our students a level playing field and a fair shot at opportunity.”
Michael Hancock
Mayor of Denver, Speaking about Montebello High School | Denver, CO
“The SmartLab HQ is helping us develop students who are critical thinkers, communicators, and collaborators. We hope this type of project-based learning will empower our students to make meaningful contributions to the world and be true trailblazers.”
Dr. Tracy Bonday
Head of High School, Ursuline Academy of New Orleans | Private | New Orleans, LA
“Student growth and engagement is at an all-time high, and students are learning a wide variety of skills and techniques that are unique to the STEM program. They’re also collaborating daily and solving problems in a variety of ways to accomplish their goals.
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Dr. Fred Laudadio
Executive Director of Learning and Technology, McHenry School District 15 | Public | McHenry, IL
Success Story
“The Elementary SmartLab HQs have been game-changers by allowing our district to fully integrate and align STEAM programming for our K–12 students. The unique methods of engaging students in meaningful, inquiry-based learning experiences are quickly helping our learners develop a stronger STEAM identity, and they now see themselves and their futures differently. They believe they can change the future!”
Clint Allison
Executive Director of Student Achievement, Fountain-Ft. Carson School District 8 | Public | Fountain, CO
Ready to start planning your own SmartLab?We’re excited to hear from you. Let’s change the way your learners engage with math and science–in and outside the classroom.
Let’s Talk
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Learning Programs | Creative Learning Systems
Keep your students engaged with hands-on, minds-on activities that reinforce math and science concepts.
what is smartlab learning?
Ignite your students’ love of learning with our comprehensive solutions.
With our unique student-led approach to project-based learning, every SmartLab Learning solution becomes a hub of excitement.
Our learning solutions have four essential components:
SmartLab Learning Process
The SmartLab Learning Process empowers learners with a repeatable process they can use to solve problems or make decisions.
Environments & Experiences
Our environments and experiences —including furniture, learning kits, hardware, and software—are designed for maximum student engagement while supplementing math and science concepts.
Digital Curriculum
Our standards-aligned supplemental curriculum housed in LearningHub helps learners make concrete connections to complex math and science concepts.
Professional Development
With rigorous long-term professional development, educators are equipped to create transformative experiences for their students.
Who are SmartLab Learning programs for?
Spark curiosity, accelerate your students’ learning, and achieve your school’s objectives.
Our comprehensive, research-based learning solutions keep learners engaged in hands-on, minds-on learning that helps them make connections between what they’re doing and what they’re learning in class. Plus, with our standards-aligned supplemental curriculum, we can help your students meet their math and science milestones.
Who We Help
SmartLab Learning programs are for:
District Administrators
With our engaging experiences and innovative, standards-aligned, supplemental math and science curriculum, a SmartLab solution can help accelerate learning while keeping students excited to come to school.
School Administrators
Our personalized learning approach ensures that every student—regardless of interest or ability—can succeed. Plus, our engaging hands-on, minds-on experiences help learners make concrete connections to math and science.
Curriculum Directors
We can supplement your math and science curriculum while helping students connect core concepts to hands-on projects.
Students & Parents
Your children’s curiosity, fulfillment, and success are at the core of what we do. Let’s work together to prepare your children for tomorrow.
Public Schools
Empower all K–12 learners with our innovative, accessible SmartLab Learning programs. We can help you meet math and science standards while preparing every student for engaged adulthood.
Private Schools
Stand out by integrating our engaging, project-based SmartLab Learning programs seamlessly into your school. What happens in your classroom will not only engage your learners, but impress their parents too.
79%
STEM job growth
The percentage of STEM job growth in the U.S. since 1990
Pew Research Center
2 in 3
Women not encouraged
Number of U.
S. women who say they were not encouraged to pursue careers in STEM
Emerson
$87k
Median annual salary
The median annual salary for STEM jobs in the U.S. is $86,980
Bureau of Labor Statistics
How do our SmartLab programs compare?
| SmartLab Learning Programs Engage your learners with experiential, personalized, and collaborative learning | ||
|---|---|---|
| Standards Aligned | CCSS: 90% NGSS: 70% ISTE: 90% | TEKS: Visual Media, Public Speaking, Communication Applications |
| Research Based | Yes | Yes |
| Project Based | Introductory to Advanced | Moderate to Advanced |
| STEAM Focus | Heavy | Heavy |
| Student Led | High | High |
| Level of Engagement | High | High |
| Level of Personalization | High | High |
| Level of Collaboration | High | High |
| Experiential | High | High |
| Grade-Banded and Developmentally Appropriate | Yes | Yes |
| Available for | K–12 | 6–12 |
| Customized | Yes | Yes |
| PD and Ongoing Support | Yes | Yes |
| Required Space | Dedicated Space | Dedicated Space |
Our flagship learning program is a customized space that’s stocked with everything you need: from the furniture and technology, to standards-aligned curriculum and training.
We transform any space in your school into a hands-on, minds-on discovery hub. SmartLab HQ provides students K–12 with a breadth and depth of STEAM experiences, supports core math and science learning, and builds strong foundational skills for life beyond school.
SmartLab HQ Program Overview
SmartLab HQ for
Elementary School
SmartLab HQ for
Middle School
SmartLab HQ for
High School
SmartLab Studio brings video broadcasting technology into any school, and provides the tools and equipment for students who want to enter a career in media. Designed for students in grades 6–12, the Studio program boosts students’ writing, communication, creativity, and organizational skills while connecting your school to the wider community. Each SmartLab Studio is custom-designed to fit your space.
SmartLab Studio Program Overview
SmartLab Studio:
Studio
Whether you want to start small or go big, we’re here to help.
Mix and match our student-led, STEAM-focused solutions or learn how you can enhance them with additional layers of learning.
You can start small with just one of our SmartLab Learning solutions or fill your school with our all of our solutions–we offer a variety of customizations.
Learn About Our Customized Solutions
468DE892-C7A2-4759-89DC-E0EEB6AF79EC 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.
Let’s Talk
Visit a Lab
Creative learning
| The principle of the conceptual unity of education, education, personal growth, the awakening of creativity and self-development of students, the unity of content, methods and forms of education. | |
| The principle of creativity priority. Presentation of creativity as the highest value and evaluation criterion. Deepening the understanding of the nature and value of creative thinking and creative achievements; awakening students to the value of their own ideas; rewarding creative ideas and products; encouragement of unusual views, questions and ideas, courage, originality and flexibility of thinking, independence and critical thinking, disagreement on the merits; emphasizing and rewarding the most insignificant successes and merits. | |
| Integer | Interaction |
| The principle of integrity, consistency and sequence of learning. | The principle of dialogic learning, the use of a powerful cognitive and developmental potential of dialogue. Implementation of the principle of dialogism as an essential characteristic of the very process of educational interaction. |
| Idealization | Problematization |
| Realization of the principle of ideality and the meaningfulness of learning. | Implementation of the problem principle. "Dramatic" form of presentation of knowledge, giving the learning process a polemical character, filling it with paradoxes, cognitive contradictions and direct questions to students. |
| Decentration | Simplization |
| R Implementation of the principle of learning variability. | Implementation of the principle of accessibility and simplicity. |
| Identification | Suspension |
| The principle of pedagogical resonance. | The principle of objectivity and scientific teaching is based on reliable provisions corresponding to facts, universal patterns and true phenomena of reality. |
| Self-actualization | Personalization |
| The principle of an individual approach to the communication of knowledge. Vision, search and encouragement of the manifestation in each student of his originality and uniqueness, the desire to identify and develop his unique creative abilities, assert individuality and originality. | Implementation of the principle of consciousness and independent activity students. |
| Implementation of the principle of priority of methodological knowledge. | |
Teaching students critical, creative thinking, problem solving skills and readiness to change and master various professions. 
Creation of a common internally dialogic semantic reality in which a constant increase in information is carried out. 
Increasing the diversity and novelty of the reported material, communication of various, including conflicting approaches, concepts and points of view on the object. Stimulation in students of the desire for meaningful manipulation of objects and phenomena, the formation of the ability to consider them from different points of view, the ability to raise questions and discover hidden connections between objects. 
The choice of adequate pedagogical influences, causing emotional and spiritual and semantic resonances, cognitive resonance, optimizing the educational process, awakening and deploying its unique abilities, facilitating the assimilation of knowledge. 
Emotionality, brightness, expressiveness, figurativeness, concreteness of the reported material. Conscious activation of right hemispheric processes, directed development of intuition, imagination, flexibility and integrity of perception. 
Concentration of attention on the basic foundations, deep and unified principles of various sciences, on fundamental matrices, universal mechanisms and the structure of the world that underlie the universal method of cognition and development of reality.
Developmental education systems aimed at developing the creative qualities of the student's personality
- Ivakina Nellya Pavlovna, mathematics teacher
Sections: General pedagogical technologies
Keywords: developmental education, creative thinking development technology
“All our dignity lies in thought,” wrote B.
Pascal, a French mathematician and philosopher of the 17th century. - Not space and not time, which we cannot fill, elevate us, namely, it is our thought. Let us learn to think well…” This appeal can only be supported, especially if it is addressed to the younger generation, whose thinking is in the process of active formation.
Pedagogical tasks are multifunctional, but the main content of pedagogical activity is the development of students' thinking. “Learn conveniently not to think, but to think,” - these words of the German philosopher and scientist of the 18th century I. Kant are a priority principle in learning and personal development. The main goal of the educational process is the development of certain ways of thinking that provide understanding and production of new knowledge.
Special studies of scientists show that one of the reasons for the inability to think is the lack of formation of skills and abilities of educational activities, and this leads to overload of students, poor progress, unwillingness to learn.
The development of students largely depends on the activities that they perform in the learning process - reproductive or productive. Only when the educational activity aimed at mastering the basics of science and developing personal qualities is formed at a higher level, its creative side begins to appear. And here it should be said that the potential of schoolchildren is high and the main thing is to find the “lever” that will set in motion the mechanism for the development of creative activity, and at the same time the personality of students. Under this "lever" should be understood the rational organization of the educational process. This includes both the logical and meaningful construction of courses, and the creation of problem situations, and partially search or research methods.
But whatever method of teaching one chooses, success ultimately depends on the successful flow of the thought process. To make this process creative, you need a little: create a situation of success, stimulate with entertaining content, create emotional situations, and most importantly, recognize the right of each child to self-worth, individuality, the desire to independently acquire knowledge and apply them in a variety of interesting activities for him.
To do this, the center of the educational process should be the student, his cognitive and creative activity.
His creative activity should involve theoretical understanding of knowledge, independent search for solutions to problems, and intensive manifestation of cognitive interests. The main standard formulations of activity - solve, write off, compare in the learning process should be replaced by analyze, prove, express with a symbol, create a diagram. The form of learning activity should not be frontal, but mainly group and individual, and learning outcomes should be recorded not by assessment, but by creating a portfolio and focusing on the student's self-assessment.
The content of the educational process should be subordinated to the tasks of developing the basic qualities of the student's thinking. These include three components of thinking:
- elementary mental operations: analysis and synthesis, comparison, analogy, classification;
- the ability to put forward many hypotheses, solutions, non-standard ideas;
- the ability to single out the essential in phenomena, the awareness of one's own ways of thinking.
The formation of these qualities of thinking will lead to the development of the student's creative personality. The effective development of general educational skills requires the availability of appropriate methodological support for the educational process. Modern programs and educational methodological complexes should differ from all previous ones in their content, logic, structure, and support; should contain tasks that encourage independent creative activity, creative application of knowledge and skills in practice. The goal of creative development can be achieved with the effective application of all learning technologies that have been developed in the process of developing psychology and didactics. These include:
- P. Ya. Galperin's theory of gradual formation of mental actions;
- M.I. Makhmutova's theory of problem-based learning;
- the theory of meaningful generalization in the educational process by VV Davydov;
- theory of educational activity by D.
B. Elkonin - V. V. Davydov; - theory of developmental learning by L.V. Zankova and others
The didactic system aimed at the development of creative abilities is constantly in development and contains new ideas for the development of creative thinking in educational activities. Modern didactic searches have led to the need to create an innovative type of thinking, which would harmoniously combine the logical and creative components of education.
To operate effectively in a rapidly changing world, it is necessary to form just such a new type of culture of thinking. One of the most effective learning technologies has been created in our country, which allows a person to adequately perceive the constantly changing world, understand the true nature of ongoing events, and acquire the skills to solve problematic problems. This technology is the Technology for the development of creative thinking.
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