A STEM lab in a school setting provides a space where students can explore past the regular classroom and an environment to ask questions, try different ways to solve a problem, and start discussions with one another about what they are doing. STEM is a broad term that groups together the academic disciplines of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics.
Hamilton County Jr/Sr High Schools got one step closer to the reality of providing their students with a STEM lab as they were awarded a $5,000 grant from State Farm. McLeansboro State Farm agent Lynn Braden recently presented the check to Hamilton County School Librarian Amanda Woodrow (see attached photo).
The creation of this STEM Lab can show students there is a bigger world available to them and inspire them to broaden their horizons and step outside their comfort zones. It will be a student-centered, student-driven space that allows hands-on projects to help differentiate learning and encourage creative and critical thinking. The Hamilton County Jr/Sr High School STEM Lab will be accessible to more than 500 students in both junior and senior high.
“This STEM lab is a great fit with State Farm’s focus on education,” said Braden. “We have a commitment to support our local schools and provide students with experiences and training to ready them for college and/or their future occupations.”
This grant will assist the school in purchasing necessary STEM kits, technology, tools, storage, and maker materials to assemble and utilize the STEM Lab successfully.
