Muskegon Public Schools launched the first of three planned STEAM labs this week, as administrative officials say, the new interactive educational system will revolutionize the district within five years.
STEAM is an acronym for Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics, and the new lab at Muskegon’s Bunker Elementary is a “hands on” approach to learning; that allows students to access digital animation, 3D printing, robotic coding, use of data sensors, and many others.
Matthew Cortez is Muskegon Public Schools Superintendent.
“To picture it, $250,000 in equipment. All of the things’ kids in order to work on science, technology, engineering, the arts and mathematics,” Cortez said. “The possibilities are just limitless.”
In 2020, voters on the Lakeshore passed a two-part bond proposal that gives roughly $104 million to Muskegon Public Schools over the next 30 years—it also paid for the new STEAM lab.
Cortez said the payoff to voters will be transforming Muskegon Public Schools into “a modern and career focused educational leader that will be unparalleled in Michigan.”
“This is, what I would say, is the cornerstone of the beginning of this 21-Century education that our kids deserve in this district,” Cortez said.
Officials say the other two STEAM labs that will be installed by Fall of 2024 at MPS’ Oakview Elementary and Marquette Elementary schools.
