Technology, Making, & Design In order to fulfill our mission to “prepare each individual for college and a useful life,” we must include a thoughtful vision of the role of technology. It is clear that technology is becoming ever more central to our lives, and as such, it is vital that we seek to understand it. As we strive to develop Wooster students who value curiosity, kindness, and the search for truth, we prepare them to do this as technologically capable and educated people, as well. Courses in Technology, Design, and Making allow our students to express themselves in new ways, to see connections between disciplines that were not possible a few years ago, and to learn with their hands as well as their minds. Makerspace 5: Creativity 0.75 credits AY 5 The Makerspace 5 experience combines collaboration, design, engineering, and fabrication. Students will have the opportunity to gather to create, invent, and learn through the use of various technologies and tools. The overall focus is on introducing students to the vast possibilities that exist within the makerspace environment while fostering imagination, invention, and creativity. When possible, coursework and experiences within Makerspace 5 will connect to project-based learning experiences happening within other content areas. This course meets once a week. Makerspace 6: Design Thinking 0.75 credits AY 6 Through a blend of play and design, Makerspace 6 teaches strategies for innovative problem-solving via the design thinking process. Design thinking is a human-centered approach to creative thinking and problem solving. In this foundational makerspace course, students will identify problems, brainstorm, and prototype solutions while engaging in real-world, project-based, hands-on learning experiences. When possible, coursework and experiences within Makerspace 6 will connect to project-based learning experiences happening within other content areas. This course meets once a week. Makerspace 7: Digital Media 1.5 credits AY 7 Makerspace 7 offers students hands-on experiences with a variety of digital tools while leveraging problem solving skills and the design thinking process introduced in earlier coursework. Following a student-centered approach, the possibilities are vast, ranging from graphic design, animation, audio production, video production, and web design. When possible, coursework and experiences within Makerspace 7 will connect to project-based learning experiences happening within other content areas. This course meets twice a week. Makerspace 8: Introduction to Programming 1.5 credits AY 8 The culminating makerspace experience in the middle school program, Makerspace 8 will introduce students to the engineering concepts behind electrical circuits, electronics, and the robots that are increasingly a part of our lives. Topics of study will include programming, sensors, hydraulics, mechanics, and the design engineering process whereby “failure” is a normal stepping stone on the road to success. When possible, coursework and experiences within Makerspace 8 will connect to project-based learning experiences happening within other content areas. This course meets twice a week.
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