Morongo Unified School District is excited to announce the grand opening of five new flagship STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics) labs, marking a major milestone in our commitment to providing cutting-edge educational opportunities for students.
The grand opening, held Oct. 23, was attended by District officials, teachers, students and community members. The new labs are equipped with state-of-the-art technology designed to foster creativity, critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Each lab features advanced tools, including individual stations for virtual reality experiences, 3D printing, 2D art creation, robotics, programming, drone simulation, videography and more.
In addition to the flagship labs, all schools in the District are equipped with maker space equipment and Ozobots, fostering a culture of creativity and hands-on learning.
Maker spaces provide students with opportunities to design, build and innovate, while Ozobots introduce them to coding and robotics in an engaging way.
These labs and maker spaces will give students hands-on learning experiences that equip them with the interdisciplinary skills needed to enter the workforce. STEAM education is critical for preparing students for the rapidly evolving job market. By integrating arts with the core sciences, STEAM also encourages innovative thinking and enhances students’ ability to approach problems creatively and collaboratively.
“Students are incredibly excited about the new STEAM lab,” said Celeste Wahlberg, director of innovation and technology. “It’s amazing to see their enthusiasm and curiosity come to life as they explore new technologies and engage in collaborative projects.”
The District hopes to expand the STEAM labs over the next few years to every site across the District. These spaces will also serve as hubs for after-school programs and workshops, extending learning opportunities beyond the classroom and encouraging a deeper engagement with STEAMdisciplines.
“The opening of these new STEAM labs represents our ongoing commitment to providing our students with the tools and experiences they need to thrive in a complex world,” said
Superintendent Dr. Patricio Vargas. “We believe that fostering creativity and critical thinking today will empower our students to become the leaders of tomorrow.”