VALPARAISO: Immanuel Lutheran School students can now implement project-based learning more efficiently, thanks to a new STEM Lab.
At 8:15 a.m. Friday, October 21, 2021, a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math Lab was held at Immanuel. We welcomed a number of community leaders to the event including: Pastor Andrew Fields, Valparaiso Chamber of Commerce, Mayor Matt Murphy, Dr. Mohamed Farhat, Dr. Lauren Cerullo, Robin Witte (Architect from Larson-Danielson), and Tera Lewandowski (Immanuel Preschool Director). Immanuel students also attended both in person and via livestream in classrooms. Everyone was excited to be a part of an event that celebrates giving children the tools they need to grow up and be successful adults.
Principal Joshua Bachman thanked those involved with the STEM Lab and explained how the initial vision was ultimately realized. “Things have changed a lot in my twenty years at Immanuel. Students used to move to technology, but now the technology moves with the students.”
The idea for the STEM Lab began about a year ago. Bachman said the Farhat Family Foundation came to him with an idea for a donation. After discussing Farhat's vision, the STEM Lab quickly took off! Larson-Danielson Construction was hired as the architect and construction company.
“As we looked at the challenge, we started brainstorming ideas.” Bachman said. “We contacted Robin Witte, an architect from Larson-Danielson Construction, as well as members of the Immanuel staff to assess what it would take to bring the STEM Lab together. We are blessed that the Farhat Family Foundation generously donated $150,000 to fund this project.”
After the ceremony, Bachman discussed how the STEM Lab fulfills part of Immanuel's mission statement, saying “Forming children in Christ, who love to learn.” The STEM Lab was made possible thanks to the help of the Farhat Family Foundation and many members of both Immanuel Lutheran Church and the Valparaiso community at-large. We are thankful that so many were able to participate in this very special day with our students. This Lab will help prepare our students for the future as careers in science, technology, engineering, and math are in demand. "We need to make sure all of our students are prepared and learning about the importance of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math,” Bachman said.
This undertaking included renovating the current Science and Computer Lab. Construction was completed in time for students to utilize the facility when classes began in August 2021. The new STEM Lab is state-of-the-art for Chemistry and Science classes along with technology for lower grades and robotics. Renovations to the existing space included the addition of new LED lighting, reading cubicles with color-changing LED lights, new ceilings, flooring, and all new computer equipment.
For more information on this project or Immanuel Lutheran School, visit www.immanuelvalpo-school.org and follow us on Instagram (immanuelvalpo) and Facebook (immanuelvalpo).