Here we are looking at a combination of Teacher’s support AI tools such MagicSchool AI, and Innovation Centre resources for teaching Innovation through STEAM + AI.
I’ve included the conversation with Copilot
We have now covered the design of different innovation centres and the design of a showcase for a larger community centre. We have also covered the use of tools to support teachers such as MagicSchool. Can we now incorporate the two elements by including a further room or activity where teachers and educators can practice the use of STEAM +AI and Innovation.
Absolutely, David. Let’s extend the Innovation Centre and Showcase design by incorporating a dedicated space for educators—a room that not only supports professional development but also models the very innovation practices they’ll be guiding students through.
🧭 Proposed Addition: Educator Innovation Lab
Purpose: A dedicated room within the Innovation Centre or Showcase where teachers, facilitators, and education leaders can explore, practice, and co-design STEAM + AI learning experiences. This space becomes a living lab for professional growth, experimentation, and collaboration.
🏗️ Room Features & Zones
| Zone | Function |
|---|---|
| AI Sandbox | Hands-on exploration of AI tools like MagicSchool, Teachable Machine, Scratch extensions, and generative platforms. Educators test lesson ideas, simulate student interactions, and explore ethical use cases. |
| STEAM Studio | A modular maker space with robotics kits (MicroBit, LEGO SPIKE, etc.), art-tech integration tools (e.g., digital drawing tablets, sensors), and rapid prototyping materials. |
| Curriculum Co-Design Wall | A writable wall or digital canvas where educators collaboratively map out STEAM + AI units, aligned to local standards and community themes (e.g., water, sustainability, storytelling). |
| Innovation Practice Pods | Small breakout areas for role-play, peer coaching, and iterative lesson design. These pods simulate classroom scenarios and allow educators to refine their facilitation techniques. |
| Global Collaboration Portal | A digital hub connecting educators to Kathmandu University, New Zealand exemplars, and other global partners. Includes access to shared resources, virtual exchanges, and co-authored projects. |
🧠 Activities & Programmes
- STEAM + AI Bootcamps: Short, immersive sessions where educators learn to integrate AI into storytelling, robotics, and inquiry-based science.
- Innovation Challenges for Educators: Monthly design prompts (e.g., “Create a lesson that uses AI to explore climate justice”) with peer feedback and showcase opportunities.
- Mentor Meetups: Invite experienced educators and technologists to share best practices and co-develop new tools.
- Open Lab Hours: Drop-in sessions where teachers can experiment with new tech, ask questions, and build confidence.
🌍 Strategic Impact
- Builds educator capacity in emerging technologies and pedagogies
- Models innovation as a habit, not a one-off event
- Creates a ripple effect—educators become innovation ambassadors in their schools and communities
- Strengthens ties between local practice and global expertise
Would you like to visualize this as a floorplan or storyboard? We could also draft a sample programme calendar or onboarding guide for educators entering the space. This addition makes the Innovation Centre not just a place for learners—but a launchpad for learning leaders.
Can you include this into our original Innovation Centre Executive Summary
Certainly, David. Here’s an updated version of your Innovation Centre Executive Summary, now incorporating the new Educator Innovation Lab as a core component. I’ve woven it in seamlessly to reflect your vision of inclusive, intergenerational innovation—where educators are empowered as co-creators and catalysts.
🌟 Innovation Centre Executive Summary (Updated)
The Innovation Centre is a modular, inclusive ecosystem designed to spark creativity, collaboration, and real-world problem-solving across all ages and backgrounds. Rooted in the principles of STEAM + AI, it serves as both a physical and philosophical hub—where curiosity becomes practice, and practice becomes transformation.
🧩 Core Components
- Maker Zones: Hands-on spaces for robotics, coding, art-tech fusion, and sustainable design. Equipped with modular kits and adaptable layouts to support learners from early years to advanced tinkering.
- Storytelling & Media Studio: A creative hub for digital storytelling, animation, podcasting, and visual narratives. Designed to reflect diverse voices and empower learners to share their ideas with the world.
- Community Showcase Gallery: A flexible exhibition space where local innovations, student projects, and global collaborations are celebrated. Includes interactive displays and rotating themes tied to community priorities.
- Global Collaboration Portal: A digital bridge connecting Southport, Hamilton, Kathmandu, and beyond. Facilitates resource sharing, virtual exchanges, and co-authored projects across cultures and disciplines.
- Risk & Resilience Hub: A strategic zone for exploring systems thinking, ethical AI, and real-world challenges. Includes simulation tools, decision-making games, and frameworks for operational excellence.
🧠 NEW: Educator Innovation Lab
A dedicated space for teachers, facilitators, and education leaders to explore, practice, and co-design STEAM + AI learning experiences. This lab models innovation as a living practice and empowers educators to become changemakers in their own communities.
Key Features:
- AI Sandbox: Hands-on exploration of tools like MagicSchool, Teachable Machine, and generative platforms.
- STEAM Studio: Modular maker space with robotics kits, art-tech integration, and rapid prototyping materials.
- Curriculum Co-Design Wall: Collaborative mapping of STEAM + AI units aligned to local and global themes.
- Innovation Practice Pods: Breakout areas for role-play, peer coaching, and iterative lesson design.
- Global Educator Portal: Connects teachers to international partners, shared resources, and virtual mentorship.
Programmes Include:
- STEAM + AI Bootcamps
- Innovation Challenges for Educators
- Mentor Meetups and Open Lab Hours
This addition ensures the Centre is not just a place for learners—but a launchpad for learning leaders.
🌍 Strategic Impact
- Fosters a culture of everyday innovation across generations
- Bridges global expertise with local relevance
- Equips educators and learners to navigate and shape the future
- Embeds creativity, ethics, and collaboration into community transformation
For educators new to Coding, STEAM, AI or Innovation check out our Scratch page.
Southport Innovation Centre 