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Educating Colorado Students for Colorado Jobs
Lab-Based Learning
What is AeroLab?
Colorado AeroLab is a statewide network of blended education centers in partnership with Colorado school districts.
Each site is a unique laboratory-based learning environment that empowers students through
ultidisciplinary problem-solving design to create social impact and change in their local communities.
The Future of 21st Century Learning
Laboratory-based learning teaches resilient knowledge in an environment of acceptable risk-taking.
The AeroLab curriculum is a multidisciplinary course in problem-solving design principles, emotional intelligence, leadership development and essential success skills-building.
Context
Performance Basics
- Research and development
- Project Management
- Problem-solving design theory and principles
- Design of Experiments
- Team collaboration and professional practice
Framework
Guiding Principles
An expeditionary spirit fuels curiosity and discovery
that leads to lifelong learning.
Experimentation connects content knowledge to
real-world application for future success.
Success is the consistent practice of discovery
across the spectrum of life.
How AeroLab Works
Lab-based learning gives voice and choice to students.
Students earn valuable credentials demonstrating academic and personal readiness for the future.
Explore these basic guidelines and contact us with questions.
Students
- Capstone Project
- Essential Success Skills
- STEM and PWR High School Diploma Endorsements
- Social Impact Design Challenges
Parents
- Interdisciplinary Learning
- Experiential Hands-on Education
- Emotional Intelligence and Leadership Programs
- Community Engagement
Administrators
- 5th Day and Electives Curriculum
- Capstone Projects
- Essential Success (CTE) Skills Badges
- Design of Experiments and Problem-Solving Curriculum
“Never lose a holy curiosity.
You will go far.”
Albert Einstein
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the scoop?
- Our mantra is: Explore. Experiment. Discover. And we take it seriously for fun! The AeroLab curriculum is built on 4 key elements to teach essential skills and reinforce academic learning: EQ–Emotional Quotient; Brain Games; Genius Hour: and Design Challenge.
Each component contributes to the student’s portfolio toward earning the Capstone Project, High School Diploma Endorsements and Essential Skills badges. - Coming 2018: Bot Wars & PiQueLab!
Battle of the AeroLab robots begins in School Year 2018-19! Learn how to build and program a made-from-scratch robot and be the first challenger to complete the obstacle course! In PiQueLab, students choose from a variety of ideas to design and build their own unique Aero projects. Instructors will teach the skills. You supply the creativity! Explore your passion!
Is AeroLab like a regular school?
No… but a little bit Yes. AeroLab will call you to apply the knowledge and skills you learn in regular classes to new and exciting projects and design challenges. That means you need to be sharp on what you are studying in subjects like math, science, history and English as well as up-to-date on classroom assignments and projects.
What does AeroLab cost?
AeroLab is a tuition-free public charter learning center. This means there is typically no cost for students currently enrolled in a Colorado school district in a traditional, non-traditional or homeschool environment. Lab fees are used to purchase the supplies and tools for student projects, as well as cover some costs of field trips and activities. At the end of the school year, students take home their projects and personal tools.
What makes AeroLab unique?
AeroLab is a blended education center that integrates academic core content with lab-based learning. That means students will be challenged to focus on the practical application of knowledge through expeditionary projects. Research proves that experiential hands-on learning is the best educational strategy to ensure success in college and career pathways into adulthood. Best of all, AeroLab connects deeper learning with the energy and fun of playful exploration.
What about grades and credits?
AeroLab is a competency-based education program. That means students must master the skills and tasks required to complete their projects in order to earn credit for their work and advance to the next level. Students will receive personalized instruction and coaching to achieve their goals. So there are no bad grades at AeroLab, only benchmarks of success.