WILMINGTON, N.C. (WECT) – New Hanover High School has opened the Spark Lab, a new learning space giving students hands-on access to high-tech fields including cybersecurity, robotics, graphic design and digital media.
George Knips, who oversees the lab, said the space is designed to give students direct exposure to technology rather than traditional instruction.
“It’s an opportunity for kids to have mass exposure to high-tech fields in a very, very short time,” Knips said.
Knips said the Spark Lab places students in control of their educational experience.
“They really have a chance to advocate for what they want, how they want to learn it, and they really have the opportunity to really dive deep into subjects that are meaningful for them,” Knips said.
Senior Ellen Velempini, who plans to pursue a career in medicine, used the lab to assemble and program a Neuromaker arm. She now serves as a Spark ambassador, encouraging fellow students to engage with the space.
“We probably wouldn’t be able to access technology like this until probably three years into college or something,” Velempini said. “And for us to do that now, I feel like it’s so important, especially at our age.”
Sophomore Hailey Bushy said the Spark Lab introduced her to social media marketing. She also helped design signage for the grand opening event.
“It is like a life changer,” Bushy said. “The Spark Lab is nothing like a regular class is. You get to really explore instead of just sitting in a classroom and taking notes.”
The lab also includes a sound studio where students can compose original music. Knips said access and opportunity drive student performance.
“I think if we allow students the chance to have access and opportunity, I would argue they’re always going to rise to the expectations we set as the adult,” Knips said.
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