trevordayschool

1 1 T R E V O R D AY S C H O O L n W I N T E R 2 0 2 1 – 2 0 2 2 Makerspace Now, more than ever, technology is moving to the forefront of our educational system and is becoming a go-to means of enhancing student ingenuity and experience. Trevor offers many opportunities for students to express and nurture their creativity—and as we continue to develop and adapt our computer science curriculum, the intersection of technology and creativity is a key consideration. e Makerspace is a workshop environment where Lower School students combine arts- and-crafts know-how, technological skills, familiar materials, and state-of-the-art tools to expand their creative foundations. Our 4th and 5th graders learn 3-D modeling, coding, electrical circuitry, and other skills in the Makerspace that they apply to interdisciplinary work. is is best exemplified in the Lower School's recent collaborative exhibition, Glow Show. Students explored paper sculpture-making in their art classes and concurrently split into small groups to visit the Makerspace to learn how to design an electrical LED circuit on a breadboard, a rectangular board with tiny holes in it. ey chose their own combination of colors to best suit their sculptures and combined the two projects into a phenomenal art installation. Trevor's 4th and 5th graders have also used the Makerspace with its ample materials and cutting-edge 3-D printing technology for various science projects, including the 4th grade's biome study, during which they create dioramas, and the 5th grade's investigation of biomimicry product design. e students visit the Makerspace to work independently—calling upon Mr. Rios, Educational Technology Integrator & Support Associate and Lower School Technology Curriculum Coordinator for guidance on tools or ideas to improve their prototypes. e Makerspace is a key feature of Trevor's computer science progression. Starting in Kindergarten, students learn the fundamentals of computational thinking through fun, hands-on games, programmable robots, and exciting activities in and out of the classroom. By 3rd grade, they tackle the crucial skills of typing and mouse control through homework and online practice. Such work allows students to demystify the deeper workings of the internet, coding, and computers, all of which prepare them to succeed as they grapple with game coding and other programming skills in the 4th and 5th grades. Once students move to Middle and Upper School, they apply these fundamentals in more advanced computer science electives. e Lower School Makerspace reflects our school and faculty's dedication to inquiry- based learning that fosters students' curiosity and passions while developing crucial skills to help drive their futures. It is a nexus of imagination and innovation, with ever more exciting projects and prototypes emerging from its creative, collaborative depths. n Trevor students, parents, faculty, and staff were awed by a trail of more than 250 dazzling light sculptures created by Nursery through 5th- grade students. Combining LED technology with translucent and opaque sculpting materials, these artists created a light installation that celebrates the Trevor community and the opulent effects of illumination. (See next page for more images.) Every Lower School student created a light sculpture in this exhibit. In addition, 4th- and 5th-grade students designed, wired, and created their own LED circuit board for their sculptures, working in both the art studios and Makerspace. Contemporary artists who embrace the merging of art, design, and technology inspired their journey in this study of light and sculpture. Yayoi Kusama's Infinity Rooms and James Turrell's Skyspaces are some of the works viewed in the art studio as part of the study. Congratulations to the Makerspace and Visual Arts teams on leading this innovative experience.

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