Design LAB is tailored to broaden and deepen student awareness, appreciation, and active participation in our natural and built environments.  Local professionals team with educators to guide students through a real-world, themed design problem, emphasizing the development of: research, critical thinking, financial literacy, problem-solving, verbal and visual communication, creative expression, collaborative team-building, STEM, and presentation skills.

Starting at the beginning of January, volunteers will be available to help with the building process of the program. Each classroom will be matched with a volunteer, and students who sign up as individuals will sign up for a day/time where they can meet with a volunteer and other students via a virtual platform. Each classroom session is approximately 45-60 minutes, and is assisted in partnership with the lead educator. Essential materials, including the Educator & Volunteer Resource Guide, PowerPoint kick-off presentation, and tri-folds, are provided by Design LAB.

Students will be challenged to research, design, and build models of themed spaces. As in previous years, students will have the opportunity to create a 24″x 24″ three-dimensional model and tri-fold panels for students to describe and document their creative process, including concept images, sketches/drawings, vocabulary, budgeting, written data, planning, etc. At the end of the work period, submitted projects will be displayed during Design LAB Exhibit Week, where students may present their ideas, methodology, and solutions.