Jam Lab Business Plan (Refined Draft)

Overview

Jam Lab is a new initiative developed under Scavenger Labs. It focuses on creating open educational resources (OER) for project-based STEAM learning and carrying out funded research and development (R&D) in collaboration with partners.

Led by Steve Summers (Noisy Toys) and Mick Chesterman (Manchester Met School of Education), Jam Lab is built on a collaborative ethos while retaining a lean financial and branding model. This approach allows flexibility for separating activities in the future if needed.

  • Collaborative R & D work is undertaken through Scavenger Labs C.I.C as a funding vehicle
  • Much delivery work is kept freelance between Mick and Steve for adaptability.
  • Steve leads Noisy Toys, which runs STEAM workshops and installations.
  • Mick is relaunching media production under Clearer Channel or Beyond TV.

Motivations (1–3 Years)

Steve’s Aims

  • Engage young people via:
    • Drop-in events
    • Creative workshops
    • Public installations
  • Enable paid R&D and experimentation
  • Bring in support to manage workshop delivery
  • Present as an artist and researcher
  • Diversify the range of offered workshops

Mick’s Aims

  • Support mental wellbeing of participants through project work
  • Work with children and families outside mainstream schooling
  • Continue leading experimental, participatory projects
  • Practice and refine learning design methods
  • Include family members (e.g., Gil) in project processes
  • Build an independent research partnership entity
  • Evolve as a media artist and event facilitator
  • Mentor younger practitioners with institutional support

Products and Delivery Models

Freelance

As freelancers

Noisy Toys (Steve)

  • STEAM workshops and subcontracted delivery
  • Formats:
    • One-off school sessions
    • Week-long themed programmes

Clearer Channel (Mick)

  • Media production services:
    • News and podcast content
    • Websites and digital publishing

Jam Lab Training

  • 6-week programmes (1 session/week over a half-term)
  • Educator support:
    • 1-day training sessions
    • Peer support networks
    • Weekly mentorship
    • Sales of activity kits

Funded / Partnership

Open Educational Resource (OER) Packages Production

Project-based learning kits, e.g.:

  • Build a robot buggy
  • Code a text-based game

Two levels:

  • Prototype: Fast, low-cost, working Google Docs
  • Professional: High-quality printable resources, co-designed with participants and suitable for funded rollout

Additional Future Activities for Jam Labs

  • Supporting After-school clubs (SEN focus, mentoring for young people)
  • provideing Technical support for partners delivering similar projects

Funding Strategy

Via Partnership

Approach partners with similar aims and pitch them the creation of OER packages and optional support via training and mentoring.

Via Funding

Smaller scale - 3,000-5,000

As with existing Scavenger Labs funded projects carried out through the Todmorden Makery project.

Focus would have to be young people and families of the local area.

Lottery - Reaching Communities

Working towards a £200,000 Lottery bid (2026–2027)

Requires strong community evidence and impact evaluation

Audience, Stakeholders, and Themes

Paying Participants

  • Home-educating and non-mainstream families
  • Research collaborators (universities, local government, funders)
  • Non-mainstream schools
  • GLAM organisations (Galleries, Libraries, Archives, Museums)

Other Partners

  • Freelance creatives and arts practitioners

Core Themes

  • Informal and participatory education
  • STEAM integration (STEM + Arts)
  • Music, digital media, and play
  • Experimental, family-inclusive learning

Marketing and Visual Identity

  • Distinctive, playful branding
  • Animal mascots using media/tech gear (foxes, raccoons, rats)
  • “YETI” youth contribution model
  • Strong emphasis on co-created content

Participant Motivations

  1. Mental wellbeing
  2. Skills for self-expression and employability
  3. Political and social literacy

Key People and Organisations

Scavenger Labs Board

  • Steve Summers
  • Mick Chesterman
  • Rebecca

Advisory Group

  • Alan D
  • Cathy Lewin
  • Louis and family
  • Jon Savage
  • Jenny & Rachel (Home Ed)
  • Z-arts
  • Media Museum
  • Cath Bann

Development Timeline

  • By Sept 2025: Launch website outlining Jam Lab vision and activities
  • By Dec 2025:
    • Form advisory group
    • Develop and price a professional OER package (e.g. game-making)
    • Develop and price a prototype OER package
  • By Apr 2026: Run pilot with Home Ed participants
  • Apr 2026–2027: Explore feasibility of £200K Lottery bid
  • Ongoing: Build adaptable resource library; review suitable delivery locations