Mo. (KCTV) – Paseo Academy of Fine and Performing Arts is one of only 200 schools nationwide picked for a Verizon Innovative Learning Lab, bringing virtual reality, 3D printing and artificial intelligence to students
Principal Kaleb Patterson said the partnership with Verizon started with one conversation between district leaders and grew into the space now used by seventh and eighth graders.
“So this partnership actually started with Dr. [Derald] Davis. He is our deputy superintendent for the district. He created this partnership with Verizon, and it kind of just started from a conversation and an idea, and then it just built down from there,” Patterson said.
Students design and code using tools including virtual reality headsets, 3D printers and programmable rovers.
Patterson said the lab includes virtual reality goggles students use with joysticks to work through course challenges, 3D printers for student designs, coding tools including cars that run a student-programmed obstacle course, and a circuit system where students can build things like propellers and lights.
“We’ve got all kinds of things going on,” Patterson said.
The lab is part of the school’s Project Lead the Way program, which teaches problem-solving skills using modern technology.
“Basically what that’s challenging students to do is use problem-solving and critical thinking using modern technologies,” Patterson said. “I think it’s all about real-world connection. So we want students to be prepared for success in the workforce, whatever that looks like. So that could be college, that could be career. But basically we just want them to have the skills in the 21st century to be successful once they graduate from Paseo Academy.”
Mary Holland, an eighth grader, described her first reaction to the lab.
“My first reaction was I didn’t expect there to be so many 3D printers, and I didn’t know that we were going to have virtual reality. And I just thought it was really cool when I stepped in,” Holland said.
Darian Rogers, a seventh grader, said the lab seemed difficult at first.
“At first, I thought this lab was going to be a really hard project to do. But then once I got to know all the programming and all the things that are near my station, I realized that it was going to be a lot easier than I expected,” Rogers said.
“At first, I thought this was just a STEM class. But then when I started walking around, I noticed all the extra technology and stuff. And then when I walked in today, I sure didn’t expect I was going to see the superintendent,” Seventh grader Jaxon Green said.
Holland said the new technology stood out.
“My favorite part is probably just seeing all of the new technology, because at most schools, you don’t usually see this, so it’s kind of like a privilege to be in this type of room,” Holland said.
Dr. Stephanie Kimbrough, a teacher at Paseo Academy, said the lab gives students access to re
“Here, they have access to different people, different things, different ideas, and different uses for technology in one space. So that barrier of traveling, they don’t have to experience,” Kimbrough said.
Patterson said watching students adapt to the space has stood out to him.
“Oh my gosh, they’re so excited. I just watched a student literally being the teacher and teaching somebody else how to code. So they’re so excited for the space. A lot of our seventh graders are new to Paseo Academy. So watching their face whenever they walk into this space on the first day has been absolutely incredible,” Patterson said.
The lab makes Patterson proud.
“I mean, it makes me proud as the principal of Paseo Academy. You know, collaboration is at the forefront of all of the things that we do here. We are a fine arts school, but we are also, you know, integrating these technologies. So no matter what students are choosing after high school, we are preparing them for success. And I could not be more proud of that process,” Patterson said.
Paseo Academy is one of three Kansas City Public Schools chosen for a new lab this year, along with Central Middle School and the Foreign Language Academy.
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