As students shape projects of their own imagining, they focus on problem-solving through the IB’s design cycle, which includes inquiry and analysis, idea development, creation and prototyping, and evaluation.

Design thinking begins with empathy, asking students to inquire about the needs, experiences, and challenges of others. At Dwight, students tap into the design thinking process as they devise innovative solutions to practical problems across disciplines, ranging from digital game development and product design to robotics, programming, and architecture.

Students who want to take their projects beyond our Makerspaces — or launch new ones — can dive into Spark Tank, our incubator. This signature Dwight program draws heavily on the IB design cycle, teaching students entrepreneurial, innovation, and leadership skills beyond the classroom. To find out more, watch the videos below.

MAKERSPACES FOR ALL

Wonder Lab
Students in grades 1–5 have access to the Wonder Lab — a dynamic creative space where they design, invent, and engineer using both digital and hands-on tools. From 3D laser-cut postcards and hybrid animal sculptures in wood, to 3D modeling, ancient architecture builds, bookbinding, and stop-motion animation, the Wonder Lab brings imagination to life through meaningful, project-based learning.

Invention Studio
The Invention Studio is where grade 6-8 students will engage in the design cycle and engineering process using 3D printers, sewing and embroidery machines, woodworking tools, a vinyl cutter, large format laser cutters, and a 1:1 robotics library. The Studio will also provide an environment for the introduction to Design as students work on projects such as creative coding and game design, sound engineering, assistive technologies, IoT (Internet of Things), machine learning, and engineering.

Spark Lab
Spark Lab is our makerspace designed for students in grades 9-12. Students have access to 3D printing and additive manufacturing machines, vinyl and laser cutters, a robotics library, woodworking tools, and consumables that allow students to produce both low - and high-fidelity prototypes. Students will have the chance to explore their passions in a creative and innovative way. The Spark Lab will support learning in our Middle Years Program (Grade 6 to 10) when students learn how to analyze design problems, develop feasible solutions, and test models and prototypes. The Spark Lab will also support learning in our Upper Years Program (Grade 11-12) when students are guided through topics like these:

• • Human factors and ergonomics
  • Resource management and sustainable production
  • Modeling
  • Raw material to final product
  • Innovation and design
  • Classic design
  • User-centered design (UCD)
  • Sustainability
  • Innovation and markets
  • Commercial production