Building a Makerspace: Ryan Park Elementary’s Story
February 3, 2016
After attending a number of conferences and observing the creative learning opportunities offered by Makerspace education, Ryan Park Elementary School Principal Amy Heavin decided to put together a team to create her own Makerspace called “The Learning Lab” at her school. Here is their story.
Active Sitting: Creating Comfort and Concentration for Fidgety Students
January 22, 2016
Many schools around the country are radically changing their approach to classroom design to include active seating, which encourages movement and allows fidgety students to focus on the lesson, rather than the challenge of sitting still.
STEM VS. STEAM: Why Some Schools Are Adding the Arts
January 22, 2016
While they differ in philosophy, both STEAM and STEM programs have the same basic goal—to improve an education system and for the better. So then, why are some STEM supporters critical of the acronym “STEAM”?
Learning Commons: How Technology is Changing 21st-Century Library Design
January 6, 2016
The rise of digital technology and innovative new approaches to education have given rise to a new sort of library: the learning commons.
How Classroom Furnishings Can Delineate Learning Zones
December 17, 2015
The “Impacting Student Outcomes through Architecture & Design” was presented at the Florida Educational Facilities Planners’ Association conference. The Q&A with Sean and Steve that follows includes key highlights from that valuable presentation.
Computer Labs: Dead or Just Dying for Modern Makeover?
September 15, 2015
Most schools have two choices when it comes to computer labs. Denounce them as dead (or dying) or turn a drab lab into an engaging dream lab that inspires active learning for 21st Century learners.
5 Pieces of Classroom Furniture
July 16, 2015
In education, a top priority is creating the “perfect storm” for optimum learning. It’s no surprise then that design experts list classroom furniture as the first ingredient in the mix. This blog explains how just five pieces of K-12 furniture can transform a classroom into an inspired learning spa
How to Hatch the Perfect Classroom Chair
May 14, 2015
With so much at stake, where does designing a new classroom chair begin? How does a team effectively blend the ergonomics, aesthetics, engineering and economics of today – not to mention, academics! – with tomorrow’s influences?
5 Activity Tables To Enhance Your Learning Environment
March 21, 2015
In any classroom, learning scenarios and circumstances constantly change, so versatility in furnishings is key. One of the most versatile furnishings is the activity table, which come in a variety of different shapes, sizes and heights.
STEM’s Influence On Classroom Design
March 11, 2015
Next, get a sense of the type of STEM (or STEAM) program your school will implement initially. Or, if you already have a STEM program, how do you want it to grow? Let the method and scope of STEM teaching drive classroom layout. STEM can be taught in only one classroom or one subject, such as math or science, or it can be taught closely integrated, with teachers
How to Launch a Charter School – SCHOOL IS CLOSING
February 19, 2015
Two of us teachers started doing Genius Hour in our classrooms. Genius Hour is inspired by Google’s 20% projects where their employees have the freedom to work on their own creative projects 20% of the time, as long as the projects benefit the company. We wanted to give our students an opportunity to own their learning and research and create their own projects. We would always say, “What if we had our own school? We would do this or do that differently or better.”
Kids Are Crazy for Coding
December 8, 2014
Whoever thought coding – and the people who do it – would be, well, cool? Educators are scrambling to catch-up. That means training teachers, finding resources, and building coding into classroom plans.
