Issue link: https://trevordayschool.uberflip.com/i/1315612
One of the most exciting developments in the Lower School is the addition of our STREAM Lab. What, exactly, is a STREAM Lab? It functions as a collaborative makerspace for making, learning, exploring, and sharing—using everything from high-tech tools to craft and woodworking tools. STREAM Labs help to prepare students in critical skills in the fields of science, technology, research, engineering, art, and math—such as electronics, 3-D modeling, printing, coding, robotics, and woodworking. ey provide a setting for hands- on learning, helping students develop critical thinking skills, and even boost self-confidence and independence. Working with Pixel Academy—a leading provider of hands-on technical education in New York City— the Lower School created a purpose-built space for students to extend their learning via making. Last fall, we began designing the new space to be an inviting place for Lower School students to create and explore. Students have access to advanced tools, such as 3-D printers and laser cutters. We also utilize "old fashioned" elements—such as cardboard and board games—in order to develop and apply students' computational thinking skills. It has been a pleasure to coordinate the use of the STREAM Lab for grade-specific projects—with the ultimate objective of tying the maker experience to Trevor's curriculum. Within a few months, nearly every grade level made use of the STREAM Lab for at least one project. ese are highlights of some of the STREAM Lab activities during the 2018–2019 academic year: Kindergarteners worked on creating life-sized penguins for their study of the Arctic. T R E V O R T R A N S L AT E S : lower school stream lab by Chris Kavanaugh ird graders participated in a pilot program using Nintendo Switch gaming devices to operate physical (cardboard- based) objects that they created. ey also learned about urban planning and worked in small groups to create detailed maps of cities that they designed.