Innovation in Upper School

Robotics and Engineering: Focused on making, creating, designing, and inventing. While there are some assigned projects, the focus is mostly on student choice. Students in the class will learn how to use 3D design software and how to make their designs a reality by using either the laser cutter, 3D printers, or CNC equipment. This along with an assortment of hand tools will help the students prototype, test, and build their projects. Students will also be introduced to the basic programming of microcontrollers and often use them in the design of their personal projects.

Design Thinking: Students create and collaborate to build whatever large-scale, meaningful projects they can dream up. Focused on the philosophies behind human-centered design, students will engage in iterative empathizing, ideating, prototyping, and executing their designs complete with access to state-of-the-art equipment and machinery.

Coding: An introductory course designed to demystify coding for students. Students start by working in block based coding programs like Scratch and move up to texted based languages through Java and Arduino. Students have the ability to apply coding to their projects in a way that they want and can explore its applications through media, robotics, and other unique ideas.

Wolfpack Robotics: Kyle DiTieri works directly with students as they repair and calibrate a robotic car for competitions with other schools. AIM's robotics teams have a long history of competition and have achieved prestigious awards In 2017-2018 the team received the Engineering Award at each of its three regional competitions. Developing skills through teamwork and the chance to pilot a robotic car at a competitive level gives AIM students an invaluable and unique experience.

Kyle DiTieri, Upper School STEAM & FRC Robotics Coach

Kyle is an educator and tech enthusiast who has been teaching STEM for over 10 years. He works with AIM Upper School students on design thinking, robotics and STEM in the Innovation Hub and is serves as the robotics coach. Outside of the classroom, he enjoys getting involved with the local maker and FIRST community and the fencing scene.

Innovation

Students at AIM have access to a wide collection of technology tools including speech-to-text (dictation), text-to-speech, as well as audio books. Additionally, our students use a variety of web-based programs such as Google Applications (Earth, Docs, Forms, Sites, SketchUp, Scribe), Haiku, CAST, Storybird, Glogster, Edmodo, Many Eyes, iFlash, Geometer’s Sketchpad, Timeliner, Prezi, Scratch, and GarageBand just to name a few. These resources are used to leverage technology to enhance instruction for our students in ways that were never before possible with just a pen and paper.

All classrooms at AIM are equipped with SMART boards, LCD projectors, and HoverCams which foster interactive, meaningful learning experiences across the curricular areas of reading, writing, math, science and history. SMART boards enable students to work collaboratively on projects ranging from shared notes, to videos, to prezis, which hone their interactive and digital skills. Middle and Upper School students have access to iPads, Kindles, LiveScribe Pens, Learning Ally, and more.

We also have a fully equipped graphics space in the Global Resource Center complete with new 27-inch iMacs, Canon digital SLR cameras, Canon digital video cameras, large format printers, large format scanners, and a Mediascape (a six-person dual screen collaborative digital workstation). The iMacs are loaded with full animation/graphics capabilities enabling students to create and edit video in Final Cut, develop animations, study architectural design in 3D virtual spaces, and edit digital photography using Adobe’s Creative Suite.

Interaction

Invention

All Middle and Upper School students have technology tools at their fingertips and the support to learn how to maximize their uses. Our 1:1 Apple laptop program places a laptop in the hands of every student in grades 5-12. Each computer is fully loaded with research-based assistive software.

Robotics and engineering courses are offered as part of the core program beginning in 6th grade. As with our entire technology program, we identify access points for robotics and engineering concepts where they align with our curriculum. Because creativity, innovation, critical thinking, flexibility, and problem solving are among the most important 21st century skills, AIM believes that exposure to this coursework is critical for future success. Courses range from introductory programs in 6th grade to competitive VEX electives in Upper School.

Middle School students work with Vex IQ Robotics and continue with LEGO Mindstorms. Through these programs students learn the design and programming skills required to enable robots to perform novel and advanced directives. Upper School students work with VEX Robots in electives offered at varying levels of expertise. Students in these courses may follow generic design patterns or go entirely off the grid and develop unique robots with advanced mobility skills. Our competitive VEX program meets both inside and outside of the school day and is available to students with an interest and commitment to pursuing advanced Robotics.

Our Science, Technology, Engineering, Art & Design and Math (STEAM) Wing is home to the 3D Printer and the Middle/Upper School Makerspace. The 3D printer was assembled by students who are currently printing iPhone cases, chess sets, small figurines, and parts for our next 3D printer. The Makerspace is a room designated specifically for tinkering with a wide variety of technologies, robots, and tools. This space gives our students the opportunity to explore and expand their digital and creative skills without the constraints of an assignment.