Learning Launchers Projects

STEM For Learners to Build Skills, Collaborate, and Question

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Learning Launchers guide SmartLab learning with a wide selection of projects in STEM/STEAM and applied technology. Project activities link technology concepts to core academic content in a way that’s engaging, relevant and student-centered. Vertical alignment of the curriculum fosters differentiated learning. SmartLabs meet learners where they are and empower them to go further.

Learning Launcher Topics

SmartLab Circuitry

Arduino - Snapino

Design, build, and test programmable circuits that interact with the environment.

Circuit Maze

Explore circuits as you work to solve challenges to complete the circuit.

Pneumatics

Study the compressibility of gasses and how to harness the power of air to make it work.

Makey Makey

Makey Makey gives you creative ways to control the keys and mouse of your computer. With Makey Makey, you can turn almost any object into a keyboard or mouse. Turn bananas into piano keys or make a computer game on the floor of your classroom. The possibilities are endless!

Snap Circuits

Explore electricity and electromagnets as you build real working circuits.

Squishy Circuits

Explore electricity and how it flows using conductive dough.

SmartLab Computer Graphics

Photoshop Elements

Use photo editing software to enhance photos, create pop art or digital composite images, and more.

Tinkercad

Design three-dimensional objects and scale models using computer software, and print designs on a 3-D printer.

Nomad

Transfer 3-D designs to a 3-D mill machine capable of carving creations out of wood, metal, and plastic.

SmartLab Digital Communications

Animation-ish:

Use animation software to bring original stories and ideas to life.

Comic Life 3:

Use comics to tell a story or bring a Super Hero to life.

InDesign:

Learn to use the publishing and typesetting software InDesign to create works for business and personal purposes.

WordPress:

Design, create, and edit web content for their own websites and blogs.

SmartLab Mechanics and Structure

Fischertechnik Mechanic + Static:

Explore simple and compound machines and create machines with great mechanical advantage by using different gears and gear systems.

K’Nex:

Use K’nex building tools to create machines that can complete tasks, and explore the relationship between machines and art.

IQ Key:

Explore the concept of mechanical advantage and experiment with gear ratios to design and test various machines.

Lux Blox:

Lux Blox have two main pieces: a square-shaped piece called Lux Squares and a triangle-shaped piece called a Trigon. These pieces can be connected to create many different shapes and designs.

Technological Advances

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Robotic Control

Ozobot: Discover how structures, mechanics, and programming interact with this fun, easy-to-use beginning robotics system.

VEX Robotics Design System: Learn more complex robotic controls using a remote and joystick, and learn to program and control “smart” robots.

Lego Mindstorms EV3 Robotics: Program advanced robot behaviors in order to conduct scientific explorations through repetitive testing, and modify programming for more precise data collection.

Scientific Data and Analysis

Google Earth: Experience virtual maps of historic places, learn to geotag images, create your own map, and collect and analyze GPS information.

Stellarium: Learn the basics about astronomical objects, track astronomical motion, and predict the best time to view future astronomical events.

Vernier Scientific Sensors: Use sensors to collect and analyze data ranging from the reflectivity of light to heart rates, and even conduct a comprehensive environmental survey of the community. A variety of activities are designed to support the learning of K-12 students.

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Sustainability

Energy Efficiency: Explore the consequences of recycling and urban heat islands, calculate your carbon footprint, and even conduct your own home energy audit with the help of sensors such as the watt meter and infrared camera.

Hydrogen Fuel Cells: Learn how hydrogen fuel cells electrolyze water to produce hydrogen fuel, and experiment with real Horizon hydrogen fuel cells.

Solar Energy: Explore solar energy and its uses, including solar water pasteurization, solar home design, and solar cooking.

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Software Engineering

Code Combat: Design and create your own computer game, and learn how to control objects and scenarios with block code.

Scratch: Use your creativity and work collaboratively to program interactive stories, games, and animations.

App Inventor: Learn how to develop and troubleshoot applications for Android smartphones.

Stencyl: Stencyl is a great way for students to design and build computer games of their own! Students get to explore the world of game design as they learn to use Stencyl and make their first of many games.