PAST Innovation Lab Expands Learning Opportunities for Students & Teachers
PAST Innovation Lab, a nationally recognized leader in transforming STEM education, is expanding its headquarters in Columbus, Ohio. In 2014-2015, PAST created new learning opportunities, and broadened its reach to bring transdisciplinary problem-based learning to more schools and districts throughout the U.S. In order to support this growth and planned future expansion, PAST has purchased the building where it had rented offices.
“Our growth has been a result of 15 years of successful work with K – 16 educators. We have purchased our 32,000 square foot building to provide innovative learning opportunities for students, teachers and administrators,” said Annalies Corbin, Ph.D., PAST Foundation CEO.
The building will be completely redesigned to create learning labs, an expanded FabLab, office space for the PAST staff, and meeting spaces the community can use. Construction will begin August 10 with Phase 1 completion expected in Fall 2015
PAST and Metro Early College High School, a partner in redesigning education, are working together to create experiential learning labs. The labs will allow students, teachers and industry partners to explore problem-based learning that focuses on key STEM areas: health, energy, environment, and robotics / engineering.
“We are working with additional community and industry partners to design and develop amplified STEM learning environments that fully engage students,” said Corbin.
In 2014, PAST partnered with COSI to bring an Underwater Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) Design Challenge to Columbus, the only program of its kind in the region. Partnerships with other community and industry leaders in Central Ohio will enhance STEM education for students.
Filling The Employment Gap
Industry partners are anxious to address the employment gap – they need highly skilled, well-educated, creative problem solvers to fill 21st century jobs. PAST and its partners work together to bring hands-on, problem-based learning to students through projects that challenge them to identify real-world problems, and design and build real-world solutions.
“We have also brought in additional professional staff to join our team of anthropologists, scientists, engineers and educators who are developing programs that bring STEM focused problem-solving challenges to students and educators,” said Corbin.
“PAST is unique in its approach to transforming the way we teach and how students learn. We value all our community and business partners who work with us every day to bring exceptional learning opportunities to children.”