One of the most exciting features of our new Upper School building is the Innovation Lab, an 1100-square foot, two-story design center where students will be engaged in all manner of experimentation and creativity. Physics, technology, CAD, robotics, circuits, woodworking, sculpture, welding, and engineering are just some of the many subject areas that this incredible space will foster. Right now the plans call for a 3D printer, laser cutter, SmartBoard, a garage-door entrance, a second-floor “drop” area for experiments, an outside patio work area, and lots of counter-height work stations. The emphasis of course will be on hands-on, project-based, experiential learning. But what else should happen in this room and how?

Thus, fifteen students, five faculty members, three administrators and one trustee met with our Design Thinking consultant, Co Berry. After a brief tour of the space, led by Director of Operations Jesse Schumacher, who has overseen the building construction, we adjourned to a meeting room on campus to consider the myriad of possibilities. Among the big questions we considered were: How do we inspire an innovators mindset in this room and throughout campus? How might we create a space where everyone feels welcome? What is the role of technology in this space? How do we create a space that is both structured and unstructured?

We broke into small groups and began lively discussions of these and other questions. I was impressed with the fact that the students wanted to be sure to establish a Culture of Respect in this space whereby everyone would feel welcome and would respect everyone else’s creativity and project-building. We also agreed it would be important to keep the space somewhat orderly but at the same time there should be clear evidence of works in progress. “Controlled chaos” will be a governing principle. There were also many cool suggestions of what we might include in this space; many of these suggestions can be put into the plans immediately, others will be more long-term goals. In all, enthusiastic students and energetic faculty will continue to help shape the future directions of this space; the lab itself will evolve with the needs of the students.

Students asked to participate in this group came from all four grades. They were invited by teachers and me based on their expressed interest in innovation in various areas (including arts and humanities). We plan to get this same group together again in late November when the Innovation Lab is more fully built. We will also have opportunities for other students to be involved in some of the planning process.

When asked about what he thought of the lab, freshman Nick Bain noted, “It’s not just another classroom… What kinds of things do I see myself doing in there? I don’t know… everything!” Sophomore Ellecia Tovar is excited about “not just what the builders are creating but what the students will come up with, how we’ll invent our own space.” And George Younger, also a freshman, said “There’s so much room for creativity to be put into action. What I’ve liked most about my time at CA is the sense of community. The Innovation Lab will also bring people together. Just working on a project in there with someone – you’ll know that you’re creating something big.” Those and many other wonderful observations made by the students underscore why we are so excited about what will happen in this amazing laboratory of ideas.