Immersive Learning Comes to Life at Fridia Elementary
On a typical Thursday at Otto M. Fridia Elementary School, learning looks a little different. Instead of desks and worksheets, a group of fourth graders steps into a bustling medical clinic—donning lab coats, examining anatomy models, and collaborating as orthopedic specialists and physical therapists.
Welcome to Fridia’s new Innovation Lab, a campus enhancement project brought to life by United to Learn in collaboration with STEMscapes Collab & Play Spaces. Designed as an immersive medical play clinic, the space invites students to explore careers in healthcare while strengthening academic skills they use every day.
Hands-On STEM Learning in Action
Known as the Fix-N-Flex Orthopedics & Physical Therapy Clinic, the Innovation Lab is far more than imaginative play. It’s a thoughtfully designed learning environment where reading, math, science, and technology come together in real-world ways. Students move beyond worksheets to research, design, problem-solve, and collaborate—skills that mirror how professionals work.
- Research and problem-solving through role-play and inquiry
- Applying math and science to design and real-world challenges
- Building confidence through collaboration and hands-on exploration
As Principal Christofor Stephens shared, the lab’s vision has been years in the making.
“We started on this journey to enhance our curriculum offerings and overall experience for our students a few years ago. Students are going to be able to apply the knowledge that they are gaining in the classroom—in reading, math, science, and technology—to real-world situations. Through the innovation lab, they see that reading is not just comprehension but it’s also research, math is not just numbers but it’s also design and engineering.”
A Pathway That Starts Early
For Principal Stephens—a Fridia alumnus—the Innovation Lab represents an important step in a longer educational journey. As students move on to South Oak Cliff High School, they can continue that momentum through the P-TECH program, earning a high school diploma alongside up to 60 hours of college credit toward an associate degree.
The Innovation Lab lays the foundation early, reinforcing confidence, curiosity, and the affirmation that students belong in advanced, professional spaces.
Powered by Community
United to Learn’s Community Campus Day program helps educators in its Dallas ISD network schools bring high-impact ideas to life. Schools choose a joyful, purposeful campus enhancement project or experience aligned with the school community’s goals. United to Learn handles logistics and funding, working with subject-matter experts, volunteers, and sponsors to make it all possible. Principal Stephens shared his gratitude.
“I want to say thank you to our partners at United to Learn. It’s been a wonderful journey. It means so much to the community and to our students. What you’ve done is help us do something that we could not have done on our own.”
At Fridia Elementary, the Innovation Lab is more than a room. It’s a bridge between classroom learning and future possibilities, powered by community and built with students’ potential in mind.
Want to be a part of a Community Campus Day project? Learn more about getting involved here.
Check out Dallas ISD’s coverage of the story in their News Hub.