This story is part of The Copper Cast, The CCISD's ongoing podcast featuring in-depth stories about important educational topics. The Podcast can be found on all major podcast platforms, or on YouTube.)
HANCOCK — There's a buzz of excitement at Barkell Elementary School in Hancock, where students are diving into hands-on science and technology projects in the newly launched Fab Lab. Spearheaded by veteran educator Genevieve Nordmark, this state-of-the-art facility is changing the way children engage with STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) from the earliest grades.
"STEM is all the best things about school and learning," said Nordmark, who has dedicated 23 years to teaching at Hancock Elementary. "I love math, I love science, I love building and exploring things—I always have since I was a kid."
Designed by Palmer Hamilton of Wisconsin, the Fab Lab is a vibrant space filled with cutting-edge equipment: six new 3D printers, laser engravers, CNC routers, vinyl cutters, and T-shirt heat presses. The school's hand-drawn Bulldog mascot proudly decorates the walls, giving the lab a personalized touch that resonates with students.
From the Young Fives program onward, children are introduced to concepts like coding and engineering through interactive tools and activities. The emphasis is on teamwork, creativity, and viewing mistakes as valuable learning opportunities.
"We start with our Young Fives and teach them that they are smart and they can do things," Nordmark explained. "If they're exposed when they're young, they know it's easy, they know they can do it, they know it's fun, and they don't develop those biases."
The impact has been profound. Students eagerly embrace STEM projects, often sharing their enthusiasm outside of school. The lab has become a haven for all learners, especially those who might struggle in traditional classrooms.
"One of the biggest surprises for a lot of people is that the kids who struggle tend to be the most creative thinkers in here," Nordmark noted. "They become the cool inventor."
Beyond the classroom, students apply their skills to real-world problems, improving school facilities with practical solutions. They've designed 3D-printed signs for classrooms and custom brackets for equipment, turning everyday challenges into learning experiences.
The program is now expanding into place-based learning initiatives, where students collaborate with local businesses to address community needs.
"We're working on doing 3P right now, which is place-based learning," Nordmark said. "We're trying to have the kids work on a local community project with a business partner that will help guide them through the process of how we can improve our community."
Adding another layer of excitement is the school's robotics program. Utilizing the VEX Robotics platform, students participate in an after-school club where they build and code robots, fostering teamwork and problem-solving skills. Hosting local competitions has made robotics accessible and thrilling, with some students earning the opportunity to compete at the state level.
Since the STEM program's inception, Hancock Elementary has seen a notable increase in science and math test scores, surpassing state and ISD averages on the M-STEP assessments. But for Nordmark, the ultimate goal extends beyond academics.
"Our changing world—the technologies in our country and the whole world have changed so drastically even in the last 10 years," she emphasized. "It's important for them to learn these things. I need to teach them that there are all these changes out there and how we can adapt to them."
