DESIGN LABS
WHY DESIGN LABS?
Creativity, critical thinking, and innovation develop best when students are challenged with rich, open-ended tasks. Students need to be comfortable working and creating in an environment where the answers are not always straight-forward and outcomes may be unknown. This ability requires students to employ their creativity, work in teams, learn to fail safely, be self-motivated, synthesize knowledge, and create new knowledge. A well-designed curriculum supported by a well-designed space can create and foster these opportunities for learning.
Watch the video above to see why our teachers were excited about the Design Labs.
Listen to our podcast featuring Dr. Gordon, Head of School, talking with our faculty about the Design Labs:
INTERESTED IN SUPPORTING STEM AND THE ARTS?
To ensure we are able to offer lab spaces and a high-quality program situated at the intersection of the arts and sciences for years to come, we are seeking to raise endowment funds for faculty support, programming, future maintenance costs, and equipment replenishment.
#READYSETCREATE
Our Little Design Lab is OPEN and in use! Our 5th and 7th grades have been meeting in there regularly this week and...
Posted by Congressional School on Wednesday, October 23, 2019
OUR JOURNEY
Several years ago, Congressional School began to increase STEM offerings beyond the traditional science and mathematical curriculum.
The design cycle and engineering were introduced into the curriculum in 2016. Faculty completed an intensive week-long training at NuVu Studios in Cambridge, Massachusetts to better understand the needs for the emerging curriculum. Coding and robotics were added for students in kindergarten through 8th grade. The visual arts continued to focus on creativity. Additional faculty attended a NAEYC design program while others attended programs at St. Andrews School in Potomac, MD and The Nueva School in California. For the 2018-2019 school year, a new faculty position of STEM educator was created.
Creativity and critical thinking are cornerstones in all subjects, not just the domain of science, math, and engineering. Our Design Labs will be the place where subject areas can collaborate to provide meaningful experiences for our students. We are excited to imagine the possibilities for all our students in the Design Labs.
DESIGN LAB DEVELOPMENT
MISSION
To enhance the integration of STEM and the Arts into the educational experience throughout the campus through strategic leadership, coordination, and alignment across the grade levels. The Council will make recommendations to the Head of School and Director of Innovation and Learning for strategic alignment of practices and investments in STEM and the Arts.
PRIMARY OBJECTIVES
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Increasing the visibility of STEM and the Arts at Congressional School
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Seeding creative projects that add richness and meaning to the educational experience
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Serving as an advisory body for the creation of cross-disciplinary initiatives and curriculum related to STEM and the Arts that pool the resources and talents of all the academic departments at Congressional
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Coordinating STEM and the Arts-related programming across campus
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Building a network of educators, industry professionals and other partners to provide practical experiences and opportunities for students, and professional development for faculty and staff
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
Lower and Middle School science and school-wide design classes are scheduled for the labs. Open time is available to all. It is our expectation that all grades and classes use the labs for project-based learning.
The Design Labs are located in the repurposed Middle School science labs on the first floor of the Big School.
Initial funding for the increased STEM program and professional development was supported by generous donations and the school’s operating budget. All proceeds from the 2018 gala were earmarked for the construction, furniture, and equipment for the new labs. Additional capital expenditure funds have been approved by the Board of Trustees to round out the funding.
For information about supporting STEM, please contact the Advancement Office at advancement@congressionalschool.org.
Plans include a design and engineering elective for grades 6 through 8; green screen use by French, Global Perspectives, and others; Computer-aided design and 3D printing as part of science and engineering projects, windmill fabrication, Rube Goldberg contraptions, building electrified machines, and more. The limit is only the imagination of the faculty and students.
The big lab equipment includes a smart board and projector, surround sound, a laser cutter, 3D printers, small tools including drills, hammers, saws, a drill press, increased electric outlets throughout the lab, easily movable furniture and storage, a smooth floor for a robot arena, a selection of fabrication materials, components for circuits. The small lab will have all but the laser cutter, 3D printers, and a green screen.
Questions about supporting STEM and the Arts? Please contact:
Advancement Office