Design & Technology
In all three divisions—Primary, Middle, Upper—students have the opportunity to create, design, access academic content, and demonstrate deep understanding through hands-on making and computer-based activities.
PRIMARY SCHOOL
Grades 1–5 students have ample opportunities to create during their Design Technology and STEAM classes. The Lasseron Design Lab was renovated in summer 2022, providing a flexible learning space for students to exercise their imagination. Studio equipment includes robots (Dash and Dots, BeeBots), construction materials (Kapla blocks), a 3-D printer, Little Bits (circuits), and numerous other tools and making supplies.
MIDDLE SCHOOL
Grades 6-8 electives include Design Technology and Digital Media. Faculty make extensive use of The Alan Reese Design Lab, a space that extends the WIS curriculum through maker-centered and design-based learning practices. Through differentiation, students are empowered to demonstrate their understanding in novel ways. Maker Mondays and Take Apart Tuesdays clubs offer opportunities for additional investigation.
Upper School
Students interested in pursuing degrees in architecture or engineering can gain hands-on experience prior to college by taking IB Diploma Design Technology or Computer Science classes, or through other projects completed in the computer lab or Alan Reese Design Lab. Grades 9-10 electives include Digital Design, Narrative Film, Design Technology, Programming and Physical Computing, and Advanced Robotics.
