New STEAM lab opens at DMS
Its name had some people scratching their heads, but that didn’t stop the crowd from voicing their overwhelming approval of Lab 212.
In the works for almost a year and costing some $400,000, the new educational facility dedicated to science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (STEAM) officially opened Friday with educators, city and business leaders and politicians on hand to celebrate the event.
Lab 212, located in the former shop at Demopolis Middle School, is available to all students, said Demopolis City Schools Supt. Kyle Kallhoff. Funds have been budgeted for transportation to ferry children from other campuses when their teachers reserve the space.
Once the ribbon was cut, Lab 212 was opened for those on hand to get an idea of what teachers will have for their students to use to enhance classroom studies.
Looking around the newly completed rooms, DMS principal Brandon Kiser said, “I’m sure (teachers) will come up with things I never thought of.”
In his opening remarks, Kallhoff recognized welding students who not only constructed several of the tables and shelving units in Lab 212 but created the lettering on the building’s exterior.
The 3-D printers, demonstrated by Chance McVay, slowly generated a vase and a replica of the Eiffel Tower. Brittan Hansard handed out Virtual Reality goggles that allowed users to examine sharks under the sea or the Earth and Milky Way from orbit.
Alan Alsahqani demonstrated a drone, delighting spectators by making it do flips in the air. At the Makey Makey center Richard Bryant showed how ordinary items such as bananas and Play-Doh can be used as conductors to play the bongos or a piano. Blayton Taylor explained the long shelving unit that held dozens of bins with all sorts of supplies for the Maker Space.
The mission of Demopolis schools, explained Kallhoff, is to prepare students for life after high school, whether they go on to college, into the workforce or join the military. Industries in the area were consulted as Lab 212 was designed to understand more of what skills the workforce of the future will need as Baby Boomers retire.
As part of preparation for what graduates will encounter, the STEAM lab also has a state-of-the-art computer center designed on the lines of the one used at Two Rivers Lumber Company. Each of the computers in the center is programmed to the company’s specifications, and Ryan Reynolds showed how he uses the software to write his own programs.
Down a short hall from the main Lab 212 facility is the art room. DMS Principal Brandon Kiser said his teachers use the room for two classes in the morning. It is then open for other teachers to reserve the space.
Kallhoff said the interior renovations cost $240,000; technology and equipment at least another $100,000, and $30,000 was used for the furnishings.
Alabama State Rep. A.J. McCampbell and Sen. Bobby Singleton secured $7,000 to help pay for furnishings and technology.
“I’m excited about this opportunity,” said McCampbell, because we’re living in a changing world.”
Oh, yes, and the name of Lab 212 comes from the temperature (in degrees Fahrenheit) at which water boils and becomes steam.