SD#5 Design Lab #9
This week, I will highlight my experience in the SD#5 Design Lab while also covering Innovation in Education.
The SD#5 Design Lab
Photo by Jakub Żerdzicki on Unsplash.
The SD#5 Design lab is a creative, hands-on maker-space filled with exciting tools and gadgets. The gadgets inside the design lab are designed to support exploration, design thinking, and project-based learning. The lab includes tools such as 3D printers and pens, VR headsets, Circuits, drones, LEGO sets. This space is designed to encourage experimentation and curiosity rather than step-by-step instruction. Students are free to explore their ideas, make mistakes and dive deeper into their creative minds.
How Does it Fit with “Innovation in Education”?
Photo by Diego PH on Unsplash.
The SD#5 Design Lab aligns perfectly with the idea of Innovation in Education, because it moves away from traditional teacher-led instruction and instead, it promotes:
- Hands-on, experimental learning
- Creativity and problem solving
- Collaboration among students
- Flexible, student-driven exploration
- Real world applications and design challenges
The Design Lab is adaptable to meet the needs of the users and provide more control to students over their own learning.
What Stood Out to You?
Photo by A Chosen Soul on Unsplash.
What stood out for me was how open and flexible the space felt; every table invited experimentation. The space offered multiple options and promoted creativity. The 3D printer allows the user to create anything and allows students to lean into creativity while fostering energetic and student-centred learning.
What Activities Did You Choose to Do?
Photo by Virginia Marinova on Unsplash.
Due to time constraints, I was only able to work with the Circut machine. The Circut is a computer-controlled cutting plotter, and I have used one before. I feel that having one of these would support creativity and customization, and personalization in the classroom. The button-making machine was available, and I was able to design and print a customized button with my name on it as well.
How Do You Envision Using This Space With a Class?
Photo by Jakub Żerdzicki on Unsplash.
As a future teacher, I can see the SD#5 Design Lab being an incredible resource for creative projects, providing a unique, fun and interactive learning environment. I would also incorporate cross-curricular activities in my lesson plans, allow for student group work, and design challenges connected to real-world issues such as the Solar System. This lab supports student engagement and deeper learning by encouraging students to take ownership of their ideas.
What Sort of Project Would You Choose to Do?
Photo by Mohamed Nohassi on Unsplash.
One project I would love to do with my students is to create a model of the solar system by adding gears or gadgets to make each planet move at the correct relative speed. I think this would be a fun and engaging project for students, and it would be a fun way to learn about the planets and orbits.
Overall, the SD#5 Design Lab demonstrated how creativity and hands-on learning can make education more engaging. I am excited to use this space in the future and bring these innovative ideas into my own classroom.