AlphaBEST is proud to highlight our official partnership with SAM Labs, an organization dedicated to making STEM learning accessible and engaging for all students. Following successful pilots, we are officially bringing SAM Labs’ world-class curriculum to our programs to help students scale their future-ready skills.
Continue reading for our conversation with Emily Deffenbaugh, Director of Strategic Projects & Implementation at SAM Labs, and learn some of the unique ways that SAM Labs engages students in scientific learning.
SAM Labs provides an adaptable curriculum for grades K-8, targeting students aged 5 to 14+. The program is built on three essential pillars: hands-on hardware blocks, interactive software, and aligned content. This combination ensures that students have a tactile, physical computing experience that bridges the gap between digital coding and the real world.
Many schools purchase SAM Labs for their school-day curriculum. At AlphaBEST, SAM Labs is one of our curated content partners, delivering their exceptional content for the after-school hours.
Our collaboration focuses on more than just academics. By engaging with SAM Labs, AlphaBEST students develop core competencies such as:
One of our favorite activities involves students designing a sonar system for a submarine. Using sensors, lights, and sound, students simulate how a submarine detects approaching objects. This project takes an abstract scientific concept and converts it into a tangible, functional prototype, demonstrating the power of hands-on learning.
We are excited to continue this journey with SAM Labs, providing our students with the tools they need to think critically and communicate effectively in an ever-changing world.
Want to learn more about SAM Labs and all of the curated content in AlphaBEST programs? Click here to contact us.