DA Celebrates Grand Opening of Middle School Campos EPC SmartLab

DA recently celebrated the grand opening of the second SmartLab (Science, Math, Art, Robotics, and Technology) at the school provided through a donation from the Campos EPC Foundation. 

The DA Middle School Campos EPC SmartLab was completed in the fall of 2020 and serves students in grades 7-8. It utilizes learning materials and a curriculum developed by Creative Learning Systems (CLS) that includes hands-on exploration of mechanics and structures, computer graphics, photo editing, 3D modeling, sound engineering, scientific data and analysis, digital communications, alternative and renewable energy, robotics and control technology, circuitry, film creation and editing, and software engineering.

While the lab opened for DA Middle School students a year ago, the official grand opening of the space was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic and took place on Sept. 9, 2021. Representatives from Campos EPC were in attendance, including Founder and Managing Principal of Campos EPC Marco Campos. Attendees were able to view and test some of the projects students have been working on in the lab.   

Denver Academy Head of School Mark Twarogowski attended and spoke about the importance of the Campos EPC SmartLab for the school’s students. 

“We are so grateful to Campos EPC for their continued generous support, providing more than $300,000 for our two Denver Academy Campos EPC SmartLabs,” he said. “Together, in partnership with Creative Learning Systems, the labs provide the opportunity to immerse our younger students into the world of scientific exploration and discovery in a whole new way.”   

With the support of Campos EPC Foundation, the first SmartLab at Denver Academy opened in the Elementary/6th Grade Building for students in grades 1-6 in 2019. The school’s youngest students continue to benefit from instruction in the lab through which they’ve learned computer coding, problem-solving, and project management. Watch a video about Denver Academy’s Elementary/6th Grade SmartLab and the school’s partnership with Campos EPC here.

Based on the lab’s success, DA and Campos EPC again partnered with Creative Learning Systems to bring an additional lab to the DA Middle School.

“To be able to continue our partnership with Denver Academy to provide a SmartLab for middle schoolers is so exciting! I can’t wait to see what these bright minds continue to discover,” said Marco Campos, the founder and managing principal of Campos EPC. “Campos EPC is about more than just energy infrastructure; we want to build a better future for our communities and our kids.”

“With STEM occupations growing twice as fast as all others in the US¹, it’s critical that educators provide learners with hands-on, student-led, project-based learning opportunities,” said Creative Learning Systems CEO Ashley Mathis. “For 50 years, Denver Academy has had an exemplary record of providing students with a holistic academic experience. Creative Learning Systems is excited to support its mission of transforming lives and empowering young people by providing customized learning spaces that facilitate experiential, personalized, and collaborative experiences.”

¹ Cite: US BUREAU OF LABOR STATISTICS

 

Creative Learning Systems, education pioneer and developer of SmartLab® Learning, has transformed traditional learning environments into project-based learning experiences since 1987. Innovative school leaders nationwide have empowered learners with SmartLab Learning’s state-of-the-art STEM-focused solutions that include problem-solving; authentic, student-led experiences; standards-aligned supplemental curriculum; and rigorous professional development. Their mission is to ensure that today's students will be tomorrow's leaders, prepared and ready to solve the complex challenges in our ever-changing world.