FabLab Stoughton Celebrates a Decade of Innovation and Inspiration with Open House
FabLab Stoughton, a pioneer in digital fabrication and education, is thrilled to announce its upcoming 10th Anniversary Celebration. Over the past ten years, FabLab Stoughton has been a trailblazer in the world of education, providing cutting-edge learning opportunities and serving as an inspiration for FabLabs across the
nation. This milestone event is a testament to the lab's dedication to fostering innovation and creativity, and everyone is invited to join in the festivities.
FabLab Stoughton Celebrates a Decade of Innovation and Inspiration
Stoughton, WI — FabLab Stoughton, a pioneer in digital fabrication and education, is
thrilled to announce its upcoming 10th Anniversary Celebration. Over the past ten
years, FabLab Stoughton has been a trailblazer in the world of education, providing
cutting-edge learning opportunities and serving as an inspiration for FabLabs across the
nation. This milestone event is a testament to the lab's dedication to fostering innovation
and creativity, and everyone is invited to join in the festivities.
Event Details
What: FabLab Stoughton 10th Anniversary Celebration
When: 3:50 PM (sharp), Wednesday, November 29th
Where: Stoughton High School FabLab – 600 Lincoln Avenue, Stoughton, WI 53589
(Enter through Door #1)
A Decade of Digital Discovery
FabLab Stoughton's journey began during the 2012-2013 school year when it was built
and assembled. In the fall of 2013, it opened its doors to students, becoming the first
public high school in Wisconsin and the second in the nation to establish a FabLab. The
lab has since offered courses to 9-12 grade students, hosted workshops for community
members, and provided summer school classes for middle-level students, transforming
itself into a vibrant hub of learning and creation.
Setting the Stage for National Recognition
In 2022, FabLab Stoughton served as the backdrop for an episode of "Make48", a
national DIY show broadcast on This Old House and Roku Networks. Stoughton proudly
became the first small city to host the show, the first to host it in a public high school,
and the first to employ an all-student Tool Tech team. This achievement is a testament
to FabLab Stoughton's commitment to fostering a culture of innovation and hands-on
learning.
A Beacon of Inspiration
FabLab Stoughton has inspired and facilitated knowledge sharing among 36 school
districts in and around the state. As a testament to its success, other FabLabs, such as
Waunakee, East Troy, Three Lakes, Turtle Lake, Mt Horeb, and Mosinee, have looked
up to FabLab Stoughton as a role model for their endeavors.
A Global Network of Innovation
At the heart of FabLab Stoughton's success is its connection to MIT's Center for Bits
and Atoms, as it serves as an educational outreach component. This connection has led
to the creation of a global network, a distributed laboratory for research and invention,
connecting learners, educators, technologists, researchers, makers, and innovators
across the world.
A Vision Realized
FabLab Stoughton was originally conceived as a three-year experiment to provide
experiential learning opportunities for high school students using digital technology,
including 3D printers, laser cutter/engravers, and computer numerically controlled
(CNC) machinery. Co-founder Mike Connor expressed his astonishment, saying, "This
has gone way above and beyond my wildest dreams."
Unlocking Imagination
Math teacher Chris Wiemer explains that having access to this "prototyping facility" has
made imagination the only limiting factor. He emphasizes that kids excel at imagining,
making the lab's work all the more exciting.
Join the Celebration
FabLab Stoughton's 10th Anniversary Celebration is a free event open to the public,
complete with food and beverages. Student-led tours will be available until 6PM,
providing a glimpse into the incredible world of digital innovation and creativity.
Contact:
Mike Connor
Email: mike.connor@stoughton.k12.wi.us
Website: fablabstoughton.org
Join us in celebrating a decade of innovation, inspiration, and imagination at FabLab
Stoughton's 10th Anniversary event. We look forward to seeing you there and sharing
our remarkable journey of learning, creating, and pushing the boundaries of what's
possible. Don't miss this opportunity to experience the future of education and
innovation!