b'THECLASSROOMOF THEFUTUREWHERE KIDS ARE LEARNING NOWBy Alicia WanekWe all know that careers in STEM (Science, Technology, Engi- more with technology than just staring at a screen.The students neering, and Mathematics) fields are growing at amazing rates,are engaged, interacting, focused, and most importantly, excited but how do schools prepare students for jobs that have yet to bewhile theyre learning.created? What is striking in speaking to the students and Mr. Knotts, is Prince of Peace Christian School (POPCS) in Carrollton, Texashow much of a focus there is on allowing the kids to figure things is doing just that in their new SmartLab. The instruction goingout on their own.They are encouraged to try new solutions with-on here, though, looks nothing like how we learned science. Atout any fear of failure.We can learn so much through failure, the multiple stations in the room, students work on learning proj- Mr. Knotts believes.He tries to ask questions to help direct the ects focused on circuitry, computer graphics, digital communi- kids to try new solutions and to see how to learn from what didnt cations, and robotics, among others.Students in the lower andwork before. I put the onus on the kids to say when theyve fig-middle schools have the opportunity to go to the lab four daysured it out and show me.Says one student named Colton, You a week.Lessons are de- getbetterandbetterat signed to build on eachit.In an age where there other over 30 days beforeI believe we best prepare our children for theissomuchpressureto tackling a new challenge.succeed, it is a welcome RickKnotts,theSmart- future by equipping them to access, analyze,change.Labfacilitator,says,ItPOPCSHeadmaster is amazing to watch whatand apply accurate information today. ChrisHahnsays,Ibe-the kids do.- POPCS Headmaster Chris Hahn lieve we best prepare our Howmanyofushavechildren for the future by turned to our kids to askequippingthemtoac-them how to use our newest piece of technology?They seemcess, analyze, and apply accurate information today.Those are wired for it, and wewell, sometimes it scares us.At the recentall skills that are being taught in the lab through a very innova-grand opening, kids were observed to be working hands-on withtive approach.In this classroom where kids are learning skills to multiple grade-level tasks.These kids arent afraid to dive right inprepare for those jobs of tomorrow, in an environment of collab-to experimenting with their Ozobot, trying out circuits, or takingoration where they are rewarded for effort, these students futures measurements with light sensors. Its refreshing to see kids doingare very bright indeed.64GoodLifeFamilyMag.comNOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2019'