St. Athanasius Launches STEM Lab And Learning Center In Evanston

EVANSTON, IL - From St. Athanasius School: St. Athanasius School, known for its vibrant community and innovative approach to elementary education, announces the launch of its STEM lab and learning center. The creation of the lab grew from a desire to bring an exploratory project-based experience to students in the rapidly expanding STEM fields.

“We are fortunate to provide a dedicated space and curriculum for our students to build and practice skills they need in school and in life: collaboration, creativity, critical thinking, and communication,” said Principal Carol McClay.

Available in grades four to eight, the learning environment particularly encourages teamwork. “I really
like the interactive and hands-on part of [the lab],” said St. Athanasius student Lulu Ward, an eighth
grader. “I enjoy working with a partner, instead of independently, because you get to learn the other
person’s ideas and see their view.”

Students will work together from a variety of areas including: alternative energy, circuitry, computer
graphics, digital communications, mechanics and structure, robotics, scientific data and analysis, and
software engineering.

“Noted educational reformer John Dewey once said, 'If we teach today’s students as we taught yesterday’s, we rob them of tomorrow,’” said Mary Quish, St. Athanasius Vice Principal and Technology Administrator. “Our new STEM lab at St. Athanasius will provide National Educational Technology Standards for Students (NETS-S) and Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) aligned curriculum and activities to help us ensure that our students will be equipped with the 21st century skills they will need to be successful in the future."

Students will also create electronic portfolios of their work and document their projects with digital
photography and video.

The school established the laboratory in partnership with Colorado-based Creative Learning Systems, a STEM and digital communications specialist for elementary and middle schools.

About Saint Athanasius School: Through an innovative curriculum, a vibrant community and school — including the arts, athletics, religion, service, STEM lab, technology and two foreign languages — St. Athanasius graduates life-long learners prepared for the adventures and rigors of high school and beyond. At St. Athanasius, the goal is to educate and nurture the whole child. Learn more at www.saintas.net.

Image via Saint Athanasius School