As students walk through the doors of Woodhaven Upper Elementary, they are welcomed not only by the district's mission to "Engage, Enlighten, and Empower," but also by the promise of creativity and innovation. This commitment has been brought to life with the district’s latest investment - SMARTLabs, an exciting and hands-on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) program designed to equip students with 21st-century skills.
On September 3, 2024, Woodhaven Upper Elementary proudly opened the doors to its new STEM Lab, a state-of-the-art facility that serves as a dynamic learning space for students and the surrounding community. This lab represents a significant stride in the district's ongoing efforts to enhance educational experiences that bridge traditional learning with future-ready skills.
A Hub for Exploration and Innovation
The STEM Lab’s introduction underscores Woodhaven-Brownstown School District’s dedication to fostering curiosity, exploration, and innovation within its students. The lab is equipped with cutting-edge resources, including new computers, 3D printers, laser engravers, drones, robotics kits, programming software, and digital design tools. These tools are not only designed to inspire creativity but also to enable students to gain practical, real-world experience in fields ranging from engineering to digital content creation.
Guided by the expertise of STEM Lab Facilitator teacher, Adrianne Clements, students are encouraged to explore their unique interests while engaging in hands-on projects. Whether they are delving into the intricacies of electrical systems or mastering animation software, the opportunities are vast, making the lab an inclusive space for all learners.
“Students walk through the door excited to work in partnerships,” Clements said. “A collaborative approach allows for authentic engagement as they work through the process together and own their learning. This learning style fosters creativity and allows the students to have an impact in how and what they learn. It is and will continue to be an exciting journey for us.”
A Transformative Learning Experience
Woodhaven Upper Elementary's STEM Lab is more than just a room filled with gadgets. It embodies a transformative shift in the district’s approach to education - one that prioritizes personalized, student-centered learning. The SMARTLab environment is built around Project-Based Learning (PBL), where students take ownership of their projects, solve real-world problems, work together in groups and develop critical life skills such as collaboration, communication, and leadership.
The lab’s customized design allows for purposeful collaboration and movement, and fostering a space where students can experiment and innovate freely. From elementary-level explorations to advanced technical projects, the standards-aligned curriculum and LearningHub’s digital platform guide students through a rich, self-directed learning journey. Over 500 projects are available, ensuring that each student can pursue their passions while building essential skills for college and careers in the evolving job market.
Benefits Beyond the Classroom
The impact of the STEM Lab extends beyond academics. Research shows that students who are engaged in hands-on, project-based learning environments like SMARTLabs are more focused in class, demonstrate stronger critical thinking skills, and experience fewer behavioral issues. These experiences also support the development of social-emotional skills, such as resilience and perseverance, which are critical for success in both school and life.
Moreover, the STEM Lab is part of Woodhaven-Brownstown School District’s broader vision to provide equitable access to STEM education for all students. By offering personalized learning experiences that meet students at their level of interest and ability, the district ensures that every child has the opportunity to succeed.
Students in the SMARTLab have learned to think of practical applications, most recently when a need arose for a new hall pass for the classroom.
“One of my students took it upon himself to design me a new Hall Pass since mine was broken,” Clements said.
The SMARTLab at Woodhaven Upper Elementary represents a bold step toward preparing students for a future driven by technology, creativity, and innovation. Through this investment, Woodhaven-Brownstown School District continues to empower the next generation of thinkers, problem-solvers, and leaders - ensuring that they are ready to take on the challenges and opportunities of tomorrow.
The SMART Lab is clearly a game-changer in the WBSD - and it isn't just limited to Woodhaven Upper Elementary.
Our commitment to hands-on STEM learning is growing across the district. Over the next two years, SMART Labs will be added to other schools across the district. In the summer of 2025, Bates Elementary, Brownstown Middle School, and Gudith Elementary will receive their labs. Erving, Wegienka, and Yake Elementary are scheduled for construction in the summer of 2026. Each SMART Lab will be integrated into the student specials schedule in kindergarten through sixth grade and then be available as an elective at Brownstown Middle School. This expansion ensures all K-8 students in WBSD have access to high-quality STEM learning opportunities.
If you'd like to learn more about the SMART Lab at Woodhaven Upper Elementary, you can also listen to the Warrior Way Podcast Episode here.