Otto Fridia’s Innovation Space Lets Fourth Grade Students Try Their Hand At Real Medical Skill-Building

In the innovation lab at Otto M. Fridia Elementary School, fourth graders engage in hands-on medical simulations, diagnosing patients, applying casts, and exploring healthcare careers. Principal Christofor Stephens emphasizes the lab's role in fostering a curiosity-driven environment where students enter with enthusiasm and leave eager to share their experiences. Thanks to a collaboration with United to Learn and STEMscapes Collab & Play Spaces, the lab immerses students in various professional roles, including surgeon and clinic staff. The facility is equipped with medical supplies, anatomy models, and examination tools, allowing for interactive learning.Moreover, the innovation lab acts as a crucial foundational step toward the district's Pathways in Technology program, which enables students to achieve a high school diploma and college credits at no cost. This initiative empowers students to envision their future in health and STEM fields while honing essential skills. For Stephens, a proud alumnus of both Fridia and South Oak Cliff High School, this initiative is a meaningful legacy.