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Spark Lab

SparkNC Logo with tagline

 

 

Welcome to Cabarrus County Schools SparkLab!!  

SparkNC is a new way to do school. Each learner is in a lead role, following their interests, building the skills they want to learn, and charting their own path toward high-tech careers of their choice, all while earning high-school credit. Through SparkNC, every learner has access to an inter-district network of teachers and tech industry partners to guide and shape their learning. To earn credit, learners will first complete the SparkNC Orientation Unit, then choose and complete eight high-tech Units, and pull it all together with a final capstone project. Learners have the opportunity to complete SparkNC Units in three different ways: live, on-demand, and experiential.

Topic areas of study are: 

  • Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning 
  • Computer Systems Engineering 
  • Cybersecurity 
  • Data Analytics 
  • Design UX/UI 
  • Game Development & Esports 
  • Software Development 
  • Exploring Tech Fields 

The SparkLab is located in Cabarrus Virtual Academy and we are open to all students in the Cabarrus County School District!  

SparkLab Leader: Ms. Darnell | nina.darnell@cabarrus.k12.nc.us | 704.260.6820 | 4511 Weddington Rd., Concord NC 28027 

Like & Follow Us Here: SparkLab (Cabarrus County Schools) Facebook Page

SparkNC x BetaBox Onsite Field Trip

  • Central Cabarrus High School – Tuesday March 26, 2024
  • West Cabarrus High School – Wednesday March 27, 2024
  • Concord High School – Tuesday April 16, 2024 
  • JM Robinson High School – Wednesday April 17, 2024

 

 

SparkNC Lunch & Learn

  • Cox Mill High School – Thursday April 18, 2024 
    • Start Time 10:30 AM 

InventXYZ Experimental Unit Information

Projects are due Friday April 26, 2024

Students please be sure to do the following:

  • Reminder to refer to the pacin guide to keep on track for the project.
  • Log on to Kumospace during the office hours to receive help in real time
  • Office Hours for Kumospace are: 
    • 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM (Monday-Friday)
    • 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM (Monday-Friday)
    • 3:30 PM – 4:30 PM (Monday-Friday)
    • 4:45 PM – 5:45 PM (Tuesday & Thursday Only) 

First Place Goes to SparkNC

SparkNC won FIRST PRIZE in the Impact category at ASG+GSV Education Innovation Showcase!!  We are excited to continue our journey in education with a new way to do school!!  

ASG+GSV Education Innovation Showcase - Impact Award First Prize Winners 

 

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Meet Your SparkLab Leader: 

I am a Michigan native and who relocated to North Carolina with my family in 2022.  I graduated from the University of Michigan with a masters degree in Education Technology.  I became the SparkLab Leader for Cabarrus County Schools because I see the value in the opportunity for our students!  This program brings high-tech units/modules to our students free of charge that would cost hundreds of dollars for a 2 week course, as well as the opportunity to apply for Teamship and Live/Experimental SparkNC units.  

I also love that students do not have to choose CTE or Spark, STEM or Spark, IB or Spark…… because SparkNC compliments everything so perfectly they do not have to choose one or the other.  

I always say, “it’s SparkNC and...” !

Nina Darnell (SparkLab Leader)

Contact Ms. Darnell at:  nina.darnell@cabarrus.k12.nc.us 

Click HERE to schedule a 1 on 1 meeting with Ms. Darnell

 

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Click the link beow to listen to and/or our article done by WFAE Reporter Ann Doss Helms

SparkNC North Carolina Tech Program

 

Check out the SparkNC feature in Ecosystems for The Future of Learning we are highlighted on page 64-66!

Ecosystem For The Future of Learning

 

Click the link below to fill out the SparkNC Interest Form for Cabarrus County Schools: 

SparkNC Interest Form