Outside the Ordinary — Innovation Hub at SLC

By Tia Howlett

When I think back to high school and the school trips I took during that time, I think of the Ontario Science Centre, the ROM, the Outdoor Education Centre, and plays at our local theatre. These were mostly educational and usually chosen based on what trips have previously been done before. School trips were more of a fun day away from the classroom instead of an engaging and interactive learning opportunity.

This is something we wanted to change, to create a fun and engaging field trip. On November 19th, we hosted a High School Innovation Workshop, designed and facilitated by Innovation Hub Associates for grade 9’s from Sydenham High School. The workshop was designed to empower students and prime their minds for innovative thinking by applying concepts learnt in school to the real world.

In the morning, students brainstormed problems that faced their school, some of which included quiet study spaces, physical activity opportunities, and time management programs. They then created clubs or departments with missions aimed at helping students manage these problems within the school environment.

The students then explored St. Lawrence College while completing the Innovation Hub’s Escape Game. Having free time to explore was my favourite part of school trips; making the most out of what I wanted to see and learn about and having fun with classmates.

In the afternoon, students returned to their clubs and departments created in the morning and designed an app interface to assist students with accessing their services. By designing the home page of the app, students were able to showcase what was important to them at school and how they would best appreciate and utilize assistance if provided.

The ideas students presented through this workshop are an inside look at how they see the school environment, the support provided, and what they really get out of their education.