The floor was specifically left unfinished with painted plywood so it would encourage happy messes while kids create. The flooring can also be directly drilled into in the case that we build something large that needs anchoring. It can easily be repainted or repaired each summer.
One full wall of mobile wire shelves is generously stocked with art supplies, recyclables for building, all types of paper, modeling clay, air-dry clay, model magic, popsicles sticks, stamps, pastels and fun design embellishments.
Although most of the higher tech equipment is kept in the Fabrication Studio or the Media/Computing Studio, this room has two vinyl cutters and a full LittleBits electronics library for prototyping and inventing. Our Pre-K students used electronics earlier this year for their rockets and wearable cars. Fourth and fifth graders had full access to the LittleBits during their State Fair Projects and If the World Were a Village Projects.
The Design Studio provides a perfect spot for large-format art; when the tables are folded and moved to the side, the vast open floor space allows classes to make scenery for a play or life-size models without taking precious classroom area. Clothing lines give teachers the opportunity to hang projects that need time to dry, like paper mache globes from KB or Native American clothes made by 3B.
Ms. B has used the space frequently in Science this year for an impressive range of creative projects which demonstrate deep scientific learning.
Second graders designed animal or plant cell models with clay and used those models to animate the function of several organelles. After importing the animations into iMovie, pairs recorded narration of what was happening.
Third grade scientists used their unit on human body systems as an opportunity to make life-size models of their own bodies complete with a skeletal, muscular, and respiratory system added in separate layers.
On most days, students are using the art supplies in this space to embellish and beautify their creations. Paint supplies may travel from this space to any of the other studios depending on what other building materials or tools they may need.
The balcony gives us the perfect space and height to conduct some scientific experiments. Fourth grade had an epic egg drop earlier this year. Paper Engineering Club laughed and cheered when sending their parachutes and airplanes over the edge.
Currently, Ms. Parris is helping fifth graders explore Shibori dyeing techniques with the use of custom designed laser cut wooden shapes. The shapes will be folded inside silk scarves and dipped in indigo dye.
Ms. Parris even used the outdoor space behind the Light Lab, hanging drying lines between the tall trees. We are all excited to see the beautiful results of this fun project!
