Creative Learning Systems Blog - Page 2 of 42 - 21st Century STEM SmartLabs: Engage every learner, every day

How I Stopped Being a Teacher

June 3, 2020
Todd Dixon

When I became the facilitator of our high school SmartLab, I mourned the fact that I had to leave the classroom. I mean, I loved being a teacher—in fact, I’d been named teacher of the year on two different occasions during my tenure as a biology teacher.

The Big Ride: A ThinkerSpace Challenge for an Unprecedented Summer

June 1, 2020
Haley Huberty

This week’s challenge jumpstarts your students’ and children’s creativity by having them design the next biggest attraction for summer fun at an amusement park.

Learning Opportunities for the Summer

May 29, 2020
Haley Huberty

For most of you, this summer will be unlike any other you’ve experienced. Most educators begin their summer knowing their future teaching assignments, when school will start, and the general schedule for the school day.

Too Cool to Play? Resisting the Pressure to “Grow Up”

May 27, 2020
Philip Mayhoffer

Before joining Creative Learning Systems, I taught STEM at a private middle school. I know, popular media often portrays middle school as “the worst years of my life.” But in reality, the middle school years are filled with exciting opportunities for significant growth.

The Paper Airplane Challenge: A ThinkerSpace Challenge for Growth Mindset

May 26, 2020
Haley Huberty

Engineers use the Engineering Design Process to identify and create effective solutions to problems. You’ll notice similarities between the CU Boulder Engineering Design Process and the SmartLab Learning Project Cycle.