Groton Jr/Sr High School STEAM Learning Center

May 25

Full STEAM ahead for the transformation of the High School’s dingy high school basement space into a high-tech science, technology, and math lab.

The District stakeholders’ vision was to remake a dingy high school basement space into a high-tech science, technology and math lab. Our common goal was to improve Groton students’ sagging attendance and academic performance. The resulting Groton STEAM Learning Center has been transformative for the district’s students and staff but also enticing to the region’s citizens, local businesses and colleges.

The multi-purpose space—complete with a photo, video, and music-editing studio—will be used for a variety of educational programs that are industry-aligned, including: building trades, computer science, engineering & electronics, agriculture technology, and communications & media arts. A former dreary lower level is now a colorful, sun-lit, biophilia-influenced lounge fitted with high-tech accoutrements of learning: enhanced video screens, work stations, adaptable furniture, and flexible spaces

Nearly every surface is a writing surface, including the glass walls that surround enclose the space, to encourage spontaneous creativity and ideation. The STEAM Learning Center’s floor plan features transparent and flexible spaces of varying sizes. This mirrors the design of contemporary higher-education and corporate office environments which encourage independent work as well as spontaneous collaboration, skills that students need to develop to be successful in the 21st-century.

“This STEAM lab is poised to become a regenerative project for us. And by that, we mean that we expect the center will work toward helping students develop new skills and also help restore the fabric of the surrounding community on environmental, social, and economic levels”, explains Catherine Wolfe, Senior Interior Designer. Community organizations in the small town of 5,950 residents have rallied around the redesigned space as they recognize it has the possibility to become an economic engine.

Post-Occupancy Student Survey:

Overall Satisfaction with Education Program: Increased from 19% to 71%

Students noted significant increases in the following skill sets:
Collaboration, Critical Thinking, Verbal Communication, Work Ethic, and Time Management

“With STEAM we get a hands-on approach...as well as the creative freedom to do our projects as we like.” - Groton CSD Student