A school in suburban Park Forest is encouraging students to take risks and push creative boundaries in a new space known as a “Fab Lab.”
A “Fab Lab,” an abbreviation of “Fabrication Laboratory,” is a tool the Michelle Obama School of Technology and the Arts is using to help encourage students to explore their skills in STEM fields.
The lab features a number of different stations for students to use, and encourages a host of different disciplines, according to officials.
“What do you do in a lab? You do experiments, fabrication means making things, so we are doing experiments and making things,” said Keerie Prasopoulos. “We have eight different topics spanning from laser cutting, 3- D printing to origami…The students work their way in a belt grid. Starting at white belt – novice – to expert black belt.”
Launched last year through a partnership with the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry and supported by grant funding, the Fab Lab has become a hub of innovation at the school, giving students the chance to be inventors, creators, and designers.
“I made a puzzle piece with my favorite Bible quote on it,” said Kyleei Bryant.
“I am making a decal with three colors,” added Kenzie Reid.
The idea of creating things using brand new technology has appeal to students and faculty alike, and is encouraging students to think differently about their learning.
“Every school should have a Fab Lab,” Prasopoulos said. “No phones needed, and they are not missed at all here. This is the cure.”