STEM School Chattanooga-GCDI
9-12
The Global Center for Digital Innovation (GCDI) is committed to facilitating ideation and creation through maker-centered learning. The GCDI is a collaborative space where students EXPLORE digital and traditional fabrication that ENGAGES them in critical thinking and problem solving thereby EMPOWERING them to be creative innovators and turn their ideas into reality.
Lab description
Grade Levels:
VW eLab Specialist
Kristin Burrus and Meg Peoples
Kristin Burrus draws on 26 years of experience and now focuses on integrating digital fabrication into content classes, technical skill acquisition for students, and facilitates PD for teachers . Meg Peoples brings 15 years of experience from the science classroom to the library. In between interlibrary loan systems, STEM kits, and PDs; she will still ask you "what book are you reading?"
Impact
One way the GCDI impacts students is through our Intern Program. Juniors and Seniors who have demonstrated proficiency in digital fabrication by earning specific micro-credentials in FabFolio are invited to apply for an internship. Interns are required to work for 3 hours a week in the GCDI helping with classes, maintaining equipment, and pursuing personal projects. Interns have reported that in addition to learning more deeply about digital fabrication skills, the most important “lessons” have led to them being better prepared for college and life. Fixing machines is all about trouble shooting and critical thinking. Interns have to be resilient as they try multiple methods to resolve the problem they encounter and have said that they feel more confident and self-sufficient to fix things at home. Students also mentioned that the dig fab technical skills they learned in our 9th and 10th grade classes come back and help them as Juniors and Seniors during STEM III and STEM IV PBL projects. After graduation, interns have been hired by their college to work in a Fab Lab for their work study. One STEM student has started a “side gig” using the technical skills she learned in the lab designing stained glass.
Project Highlights
Tech Time is taught in the GCDI to all 9th and 10th graders at STEM. We introduce students to basic digital fabrication and how to use FabFolio to document their skills. Each student will complete 4 rotations in the GCDI each year which last about 3.5 weeks. Here are some of the rotations: 9th Graders - Light it Up This project introduces students to the basics of digital fabrication in a fun—and somewhat shocking—way! Students explore vector design and use CAD software to create a simple box, producing SVG files for laser cutting. They then learn to solder lights and add an acrylic panel that lets their creations shine. The best part? Watching ninth graders build confidence as they learn to solder and bring their designs to life! 10th Grade-Hang Ten! This project challenges students to take their vector design skills further while exploring new fabrication tools. Building on their experience with laser and vinyl cutting, students design and create a balanced hanging structure with five or more individual elements. The twist? They must incorporate the Wazer waterjet cutter, expanding their design possibilities while learning to work with a new machine! 10th Graders - CNC Carved Stool The goal of this project is for students to learn to safely use what we call Level 3 power tools like the table saw, mitersaw, and bandsaw. Students design and carve the top of the stool with the CNC router. Each student has the opportunity to take home a unique personalized mini-stool. 10th Grade - Toy Design with OnShape The goal of this project is to learn the fundamentals of parametric 3D modeling using OnShape software. After completing several tutorials and making fun objects along the way, students then design and print a new toy.
