C.R. Hanna Elementary opens new SmartLab for hands-on STEM learning

C.R. Hanna Elementary School in Orion, Illinois, has opened a new SmartLab to expand project-based STEM learning for younger students in Orion Community Unit School District #223. The lab is designed to give students more opportunities to build, code, design and solve real-world problems as the district extends its STEM pathway across grade levels.

Why it matters: - The new SmartLab gives Orion elementary students a dedicated space for hands-on STEM learning. - The lab is meant to help students build critical thinking, creativity, communication and problem-solving skills through project-based work. - Orion CUSD #223 is extending SmartLab access to younger learners as part of a broader district effort to strengthen STEM education across grade levels.

What happened: - C.R. Hanna Elementary School and Orion Community Unit School District #223 marked the opening of a new SmartLab with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Sept. 24. - The new learning space opened at C.R. Hanna Elementary in Orion, Illinois. - The celebration included school community members, followed by tours of the lab and student demonstrations.

The details: - The SmartLab is designed for project-based learning across STEM, media arts, robotics and related disciplines. - Students use the space to explore challenges, test ideas, collaborate with classmates and learn through iteration. - The lab is intended to connect academic concepts with real-world applications. - Students are building, designing, coding and collaborating under the guidance of STEM teacher Alyce McConaghy. - The program encourages students to make decisions, troubleshoot problems, learn from setbacks and improve their ideas. - C.R. Hanna Principal R C Lowe said the new space is meant to open students’ creativity and help them imagine broader futures. - Superintendent Chad Bahnks said the district sees the SmartLab as a way to spark curiosity and confidence at an early age. - Students described their favorite activities as building with Connetix, 3D printing, building car ramps and working with robots. - Students also described STEM as hands-on, fun, learning, and as “Fun, hard, creative.” - Orion Middle School also offers SmartLab learning, giving students a STEM pathway as they move through the district.

Between the lines: - The district is using the SmartLab model to move beyond traditional classroom instruction and emphasize experimentation and iteration. - The focus on early elementary exposure suggests Orion CUSD #223 wants students to build interest and confidence in STEM before middle school. - Student comments indicate the approach is already resonating because it gives children visible, immediate results from their work.

What's next: - Orion CUSD #223 is expected to continue offering SmartLab experiences across grade levels as students advance through the district. - The district and SmartLab frame the partnership as part of a larger goal to connect schoolwork with future skills and career possibilities. - More information about SmartLab and its K-12 STEM programs is available at SmartLabLearning.com.

The bottom line: - C.R. Hanna Elementary’s new SmartLab adds a hands-on STEM option for Orion’s youngest students and expands the district’s broader effort to make STEM learning more practical, interactive and future-focused.