“The world is changing, more rapidly than we really understand. The SmartLab gives our students the opportunity to be prepared for whatever the Lord has for them next….to one day succeed in life and pour back into the generation that follows them.”
STEM & Project-Based Learning in Kentucky
Learning Objectives
Preparing Learners for the Future with STEM and Project-Based Learning
The Kentucky State Department of Education has adopted several programs and initiatives to improve learner outcomes and support career and college readiness. Based off of the Common Core standards, Kentucky’s state academic standards aims to prioritize science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education across all grade levels
At the same time, Kentucky has partnered with PBLWorks to implement the Scaling Gold Standard PBL Kentucky initiative in order to scale high-quality project-based learning to one-third of Kentucky’s public schools.
These initiatives make SmartLab Learning a powerful resource to support project-based STEM engagements for Kentucky learners of all ages.
SMARTLAB Learning in KENTUCKY
Supporting STEM and PBL Learning Objectives
Through its United We Learn initiative and Portrait of a Learner aspirations, the state of Kentucky has identified the skills and competencies that learners need for success in their academic, personal, and professional lives.
In addition to mastering academic content, learners in Kentucky need to be engaged citizens, productive collaborators, critical thinkers, creative contributors, effective communicators, and empowered learners.
Through hands-on, minds-on instruction, SmartLab Learning Solutions contextualize these core concepts for learners of all abilities so they can achieve real-world competencies and job readiness.
- SmartLab learners of all ages connect core math, science, and engineering concepts to hands-on activities. | Learn More
- Career-bound students build familiarity with concepts they can apply to a wide range of professions. | Learn More
- Learners practice life skills such as goal-setting, time management, autonomy, collaboration, and creative problem-solving. | Learn More
- Educators are supported every step of the way with comprehensive training and troubleshooting, allowing them to focus on their students. | Learn More
- The SmartLab digital LearningHub keeps our curriculum in one easy-to-access place. | Learn More
SmartLab Learning supports the increased implementation of these programs by providing:
Through hands-on, minds-on instruction, SmartLab Learning Solutions contextualize core concepts for learners of all abilities while aligning with core education principles.
Hands-On Learning:
Driven by project-based learning philosophy, SmartLab Learning connects the conceptual to the tangible in new and exciting ways.
Student-Led Engagements:
When students take charge of projects that matter to them, engagement and academic performance improves.
Cross-Curricular Connections:
Students who engage with SmartLab Learning begin to see how their education relates to their own lives, their career interests, and the world around them.
Holistic SEL Opportunities:
While connecting with core academic concepts, students engage their social-emotional abilities to work together, practice active listening, struggle productively, and make themselves understood.
Educator Support:
Every SmartLab facilitator receives comprehensive instruction on the course content and technology, plus access to resources and ongoing professional development.
SMARTLAB STANDARDS ALIGNMENT
Prepare Kentucky Learners for Academic Success
SmartLab STEM Learning Solutions are in 70% or higher alignment with the following nationwide and state-specific standards:
- Kentucky Academic Standards: SmartLab Learners apply core concepts in alignment with all KY Academic Standards, including Mathematics, Science, Computer Science, and Technology. | Learn More
- Next Generation Science Standards: Hands-on learning engagements bring core science concepts to three-dimensional life. | Learn More
International Society for Technology in Education Standards: Empowered with access to innovative tools—and the agency to explore their applications—students grow into their roles as digital citizens. | Learn More
SmartLab Learning in Kentucky
See which Kentucky schools and districts have implemented SmartLab solutions.
Discover Your Funding Options
The Creative Learning Systems team has helped public, private, rural, urban, large, and small schools secure funding.
- Help you navigate the ESSER and EANS allocation process
- Help you identify a wide variety of technology-friendly grant programs that best match your school or district’s needs and resources
- Conduct a free, personalized Research Report
eBook
Maximize ESSER Funding to Engage Students
Learn what to prioritize when applying for ESSER funding.
Learn More About ESSER for Public Schools
Connect
EANS Funding Can Support STEM Programs
Talk to a CLS Regional Sales Manager to learn how your private school can access the right funds.
Let’s Talk
Our Partners
Equitable STEM Programming Made Possible
Meet the private donors working to make SmartLab Learning accessible to all.
Grants
Explore Active Grant Opportunities
You don’t have to go it alone — the CLS team can help you with the grant search and application process.
Active Grants & Funding Partners
These organizations and donors are working to improve access to STEM and STEAM learning opportunities in the state of Kentucky.
A Virtual SmartLab Ribbon Cutting
Bobby Clue of the Somerset-Pulaski Chamber of Commerce talks to Facilitator Megan Connor,
Pastor Brown, and Principal Ron Gleaves about the positive impact of SmartLab on their community
Hear from our happy clients.
“We are the first SmartLab in the State of Kentucky. There’s many in our community that really have a vision for this. There’s going to be a lot of collaboration as we continue to grow, especially in a community that has so many opportunities in industry. We can get kids excited that there’s a future right here in town they can build a future with.”
Related Resources
Case Study
eBook
Ready to bring SmartLab learning
to your school?
We’re excited to hear from you. Let’s change the way your students engage with math and science—in and outside the classroom.
