SCH Embraces Joyful Science with Innovative 3D Learning

What began as one teacher’s quest to infuse joy and foster deeper learning in science recently became a tangible reality. Lower School science teacher Carie Szalay’s Innovation Grant enabled her to acquire FabMaker Studio software, a digital tool that allows Lower School students to transform 2D designs into 3D models using paper and a digital fabricator.

Szalay learned about the software while at a conference at the Franklin Institute and quickly saw the potential for connecting this technology to the Lower School’s Wit & Wisdom curriculum. “I just felt like the possibilities were endless," said Szalay.

While integrating the new software presented a "steep learning curve” for her, she says she recognized the valuable parallel to her students' experiences. "It was good for me to think about what students go through when things don’t go their way," she reflected. 

A key goal for this new approach is to foster creativity, problem-solving, and independent work. Students are excited to bring their ideas to life. This was powerfully demonstrated by third graders who tackled the issue of bird strikes. Feeling empowered to make a difference, they designed and produced vinyl decals of birds to place on windows, promoting bird-friendly practices.

Even the youngest learners are embracing complex concepts using the new software. Kindergarteners designed 3D objects like pyramids, tetrahedra, and cubes, connecting directly to early concepts in quantum computing and STEM. Meredith, a kindergartener, said that she liked being able to “play and explore” with the shapes, which connects to what she’s learning in math and also helps with her fine motor skills. 

Listen to the full FutureCast episode about this grant here!