East Hamilton Middle School
6-8
At East Hamilton Middle School VW eLab, creativity and collaboration drive the curriculum. Students use 3D printers, 3D pens, and engineering tools to create projects and learn real-life skills. Through the engineering design process, students learn failure is just a part of success.
Lab description
Grade Levels:
VW eLab Specialist
Andy Jackson
Andy Jackson believes that creativity, collaboration, and teamwork are important parts of the VW eLab. As a former scientist and current educator, Andy believes that students learn best through opportunities for mistakes and exposure to real-world problems. Andy fosters an environment that is productive, fun, and allows students to imagine their potential.
Impact
East Hamilton Middle’s VW eLab began in 2021 when the new school was built. Over the years, it has transformed from a STEM classroom with no tools, to a fully-functional VW eLab equipped with 3D printers, laser cutters, 3D pens, and other forms of technology. Students discover through the engineering design process that every idea can be reiterated or improved. Whether constructing catapults, roller coasters, or printing projects on a 3D printer, students learn grit, collaboration, and team work. Beyond classroom work, the eLab supports other classrooms with STEM projects, competitions, and PBLs. The VW eLab also hosts the Tech club, which reaches students across all grade levels and abilities. Rather than only a stand-alone classroom, the VW eLab supports and impacts the entire school.
Project Highlights
The annual VW eLab Showcase is one of our school's favorite events! Each year, we get to bring all the amazing things we're doing in our lab to the showcase at Volkswagen Chattanooga and share them with other students across our district and neighboring ones. Participating in this event allows our students to share their own work and draw inspiration from the work of others. We also host an annual Cane's Arcade after school event where we invite the community to see the awesome things our students at East Hamilton Middle are creating in the VW eLab.
