New BLMS “Hub” Expands Collaborative Hands-On Learning

Earlier this fall, Big Lake Middle School introduced the "Hub,” a new future-forward collaboration-centric learning space that replaces the old media center. The new space is already expanding opportunities to enrich student learning.

“The Hub is much better suited for our evolving world,” said Mark Ernst, BLMS principal. “It’s built for hands-on learning while supporting creativity, tech integration, and teamwork.”

As the name suggests, the Hub is a central, flexible, and multifunctional space where students, staff, and sometimes the community can come to collaborate, learn, socialize, and access resources. The completion of the Hub marks the final phase of the 2021 referendum-funded media center remodel project, in which each of the four buildings received new spaces to better serve contemporary learning needs. 

Key features include:

• Gadget Garage: Staffed by the technology department, students can come here to get their broken tech fixed.
• Video Production Area: Equipped with green screens and other audio-visual equipment, this space supports yearbook, podcasting, morning shows, and other multi-media projects. 
• Collaboration Spaces: With glass walls, collaboration booths, genius bars, variable seating, and loads of technology, these inviting spaces are built for working together.
• U-Design Lab: This space is well-equipped for hands-on engagement, perfect for project-based learning, robotics, and simulations. 
• The Book Nook: A book lover's dream, this space offers more book storage than ever before while making finding books more efficient and practical. 

"It’s no longer called a media center, but that doesn’t mean it’s not media-rich, Ernst said. “It’s just so much more than that now.” 

The runways and ample floorspace in the U-design lab give Project Lead the Way career-based STEM classes more room to build and create. The video production space creates unique career exploration opportunities. Classes can use the collaboration areas for small group work, or rearrange the furniture to hold a large socratic seminar. Students can come play games in the morning, find a new favorite book, or practice math on the glass walls. Thanks to big windows surrounding the space, those passing by in the hall can always look in and see all of the learning going on.

Ernst noted the space has already been well-used but knows that this is just the beginning. 

“We built it with the future in mind,” he said. "There are many opportunities on where it can go."