About
BACKGROUND
Creator's Studio is an elective course for 7th and 8th grade students at St. Matthew's Parish School. The design of the course was born out of the desire to offer students a challenging, creative, open-ended curriculum with projects being the ultimate driver of both process and outcome.
The course itself, and the room in which it is taught, is made possible by a very generous donation to the school. Creator's Studio is just phase 1 (a prototype if you will) of a much larger campus project called PIRL, the Project & Idea Realization Lab.
PIRL has two main components, an indoor space (PIRL) and an outdoor space (PIRL Terrace), both of which are described below. Creator's Studio is an opportunity to implement many of the elements of the indoor space now, but on a smaller scale.
Both PIRL and PIRL Terrace are now in full operation.
Creator's Studio is an elective course for 7th and 8th grade students at St. Matthew's Parish School. The design of the course was born out of the desire to offer students a challenging, creative, open-ended curriculum with projects being the ultimate driver of both process and outcome.
The course itself, and the room in which it is taught, is made possible by a very generous donation to the school. Creator's Studio is just phase 1 (a prototype if you will) of a much larger campus project called PIRL, the Project & Idea Realization Lab.
PIRL has two main components, an indoor space (PIRL) and an outdoor space (PIRL Terrace), both of which are described below. Creator's Studio is an opportunity to implement many of the elements of the indoor space now, but on a smaller scale.
Both PIRL and PIRL Terrace are now in full operation.
ROOM DESIGN
The design of the room is critical for the kind of work done in Creator's Studio, supporting an active, flexible learning environment. Students need places to brainstorm ideas, so IdeaPaint covers one entire wall in the room, turning it into a large dry-erase board. Tables are on wheels and fold up when not needed, so space can be altered to fit the needs for any specific activity. Chairs are tall and upright, encouraging a forward, focused learning position. Cubbies are open so that materials and tools are readily accessible. Design ideas are inspired by visits to schools with innovation labs in the Bay Area, and by the book Make Space: How to Set the Stage for Creative Collaboration based on the work at the D School at Stanford University.
The design of the room is critical for the kind of work done in Creator's Studio, supporting an active, flexible learning environment. Students need places to brainstorm ideas, so IdeaPaint covers one entire wall in the room, turning it into a large dry-erase board. Tables are on wheels and fold up when not needed, so space can be altered to fit the needs for any specific activity. Chairs are tall and upright, encouraging a forward, focused learning position. Cubbies are open so that materials and tools are readily accessible. Design ideas are inspired by visits to schools with innovation labs in the Bay Area, and by the book Make Space: How to Set the Stage for Creative Collaboration based on the work at the D School at Stanford University.
TOOLS
While students will use their iPads as resources in project development, the classroom will have laptops when specific software is required. As part of the design process, students will have access to at least one 3D printer and a laser cutter. Handheld tools such as screwdrivers, pliers, soldering irons, glue guns, wire cutters, multimeters, and sewing needles are also available for use.
While students will use their iPads as resources in project development, the classroom will have laptops when specific software is required. As part of the design process, students will have access to at least one 3D printer and a laser cutter. Handheld tools such as screwdrivers, pliers, soldering irons, glue guns, wire cutters, multimeters, and sewing needles are also available for use.
MATERIALS
The classroom is supplied with a number of both consumable and re-usable materials. Consumables can be anything from cardboard, construction paper, glue, plastic tubing, yarn, playdough and more. Re-usable materials include microprocessors, LEDs, switches, resistors, capacitors, sensors and other electronic & mechanical parts and devices.
The classroom is supplied with a number of both consumable and re-usable materials. Consumables can be anything from cardboard, construction paper, glue, plastic tubing, yarn, playdough and more. Re-usable materials include microprocessors, LEDs, switches, resistors, capacitors, sensors and other electronic & mechanical parts and devices.
LOOKING AHEAD
As mentioned above, Creator's Studio serves as a prototype for PIRL. We hope to learn from our experiences in this smaller environment and take the best elements into the new space. Stay tuned for more news in the coming months. Here are some photos of construction (fall 2014).
As mentioned above, Creator's Studio serves as a prototype for PIRL. We hope to learn from our experiences in this smaller environment and take the best elements into the new space. Stay tuned for more news in the coming months. Here are some photos of construction (fall 2014).
Here are interior and exterior renders from our architect. In the first photo, at the left, is the roll-up garage-style door that will bridge the indoor and outdoor spaces. The bottom photos illustrate the awning that will be deployed during outdoor class sessions.
IN FULL SWING
As we progress through the 2014-15 school year, PIRL has been in heavy use by our students and teachers. The tools, materials, wall units and furniture are in place and the SMART wall is in action daily. Additional planned features are gradually coming together. While installation of the outdoor shade sail is still a few weeks off, we have implemented our green screen with lighting equipment and the garage door is in place. Still to come, work on the recording studios and the soft seating furniture.
As we progress through the 2014-15 school year, PIRL has been in heavy use by our students and teachers. The tools, materials, wall units and furniture are in place and the SMART wall is in action daily. Additional planned features are gradually coming together. While installation of the outdoor shade sail is still a few weeks off, we have implemented our green screen with lighting equipment and the garage door is in place. Still to come, work on the recording studios and the soft seating furniture.
