The benefits of STEM and STEAM education are widely recognized for students, particularly given the rapid growth of green jobs. Makerspaces and other hands-on learning environments are proven to be highly engaging. They can also help drive enrollment growth, as seen at Onsted Community Schools, MI, as educational offerings could be a determining factor for new families who are considering where to settle or existing families who may be evaluating all their options.
Finding the right physical locations and classroom spaces for implementing STEAM curriculums can be a challenge for districts operating with legacy infrastructure. The good news is you likely don’t need to build new classrooms or schools to create a state-of-the-art space. Many school districts across the country are getting creative with repurposing outdated spaces and using sustainable funding tools to pay for their efforts without adding debt.
As educators continue to adapt their teaching strategies to prepare students for the future, a STEM/STEAM curriculum can help build the vital skills of experimentation and creativity, exploration and collaboration, dialogue, and critical thinking. Download the Superintendent’s Guide to School Revitalization for more insights on how schools can fund these critical improvements to learning environments.
What does a STEM/STEAM lab require?
STEM/STEAM lab requirements will vary based on the programming offered. It’s not unusual to find labs that incorporate makerspaces, mobile devices, VR/AR headsets, 3D printers, robotics and coding kits, building and modeling materials, digital design and engineering software, art supplies, drafting tables, and even sewing machines.
In general, however, the spaces should encompass the following characteristics:
- Flexible workspaces — Modularity is essential to enable students to work collaboratively or independently as needed.
- Adaptability — STEM/STEAM labs need to be adaptable to new technologies and programming.
- Infrastructure — Are there enough outlets to support new technology? Can your electrical, HVAC, and technology infrastructure handle increased demand? Will better lighting, dust extraction, or other supports be required? Planning an effective and efficient STEM/STEAM space requires a holistic view of your building and operations.
- Mobile carts and storage space — An engaging STEM/STEAM lab will have many components to appeal to students across grade levels and interests. Building efficiency and storage into your plan will be key.
Reimagining existing spaces
Building a STEM/STEAM program is the fun part. Finding space is likely more challenging, especially for schools that have already maximized every available square foot. Just as STEM/STEAM spaces invite experimentation and collaboration among students, reengineering space for your lab can inspire the same amongst your staff and community.
First, start by looking at rooms or areas that can be repurposed. An empty classroom or multipurpose storage space could find new life as a lab. Older facilities may offer prime spots for a combined STEM/STEAM lab. Auxiliary buildings could also become home to a lab or even an outdoor learning area.
Other potential locations include media centers and computer labs. As districts embrace digital learning and 1:1 devices, the square footage required for these activities is shrinking. That unused or underused space could be transformed into a more flexible learning lab.
Reinvesting cost savings into the future
Funding is always part of the equation. You may have your stakeholders on board and identified the perfect spot to house your lab, but the big question is: how do you pay for it all? Grants can provide seed funds, but programs only last when they are funded with stable budgets.
One funding method to consider is Energy Performance Contracting (EPC). This vehicle allows schools to pay for today’s facility upgrades with tomorrow’s energy and operational savings. In fact, by investing in strategies that improve energy efficiency and resiliency, you can cut operations and maintenance costs by up to 30%.
You can then channel those savings into classrooms and facility modernization — such as turning underused spaces into a state-of-the-art STEM/STEAM lab that serves as a magnet for new families and qualified staff. Programs like these provide a powerful connection between STEM principles, their application in the world, and the relevant career pathways that are available to students.
Better yet, EPCs can help you get on top of your deferred maintenance backlog. Upgrading aging or obsolete equipment with energy-efficient systems will allow your district to significantly reduce the risk of catastrophic system failures and unexpected hits to your budget. That is an added bonus for community stakeholders, who have a shared interest in schools that are efficient and effective in how they use their dollars. Also, don’t overlook the good press and promotional opportunities that can inspire more families and educators to call your school district home.
Ready to get started? Download the Superintendent’s Guide to School Revitalization for more insights on how you can power the future with innovative solutions that work within your budget.
