iLab at Oak

The Oak iLab comprises a variety of programs and tools that allow students to explore the areas of Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics (STEAM) with engaging projects and open tinkering time. The iLab is centered in the school library but has mobile components that allow students and teachers to work on STEAM concepts across the school grounds.

During the school day, teachers incorporate STEAM projects and concepts into different areas of the curriculum.

Check this page for photos of the iLab in action and for information about all things Oak iLab.

First Grade Coding

First graders created town maps and coded BeeBot robots to drive from place to place around town. They also programmed Beebots to spell first grade sight words using a letter map.

Fourth Grade Science

Oak fourth graders studied different sources of renewable energy in science class. They then built working models using K'Nex demonstrating how hydro-, solar, and wind energy can generat electricity.

Fifth Grade Engineering

In their Science classes with Mrs. Moore and Mrs. Rigazio, fifth graders reviewed the Engineering Process and then used it to research, imagine, plan, create, test, and consider improvements to a pencil holder. Each student used Tinkercad and our 3D printers to create a desktop pencil holder that met certain design criteria. They learned that there is more than one "right" way to solve a problem, and they amazed each other with their creative solutions.

Kindergarten Science

Mrs. Calhoun's classes learned that scientists often use models to study natural phenomenon. They build sun shelters for Lego habitats and measured the habitat temperature before and after being sheltered. Using a shelter lowered the temperature around all of our Lego people!

Third Grade Science

Third graders also study force and motion. Students worked in groups to build the pulling robot shown on the left. Then they programmed the robot to pull various objects under different conditions. They experimented with friction by changing the types of wheels on the robots and the mass of the load pulled by the robots.

First Grade STEAM

First graders have been building with different types of materials . They built letters using the wood rigamajig set, used Legos to imagine if they built a school, and Keva planks buildings.

Third Grade Social Studies

During their unit on the City of Chicago, third graders learned about Chicago's famous bascule bridges and how they work. They went on to build bascule bridges using K'Nex.

Fifth Grade Coding

Fifth graders made mechanical computers using Turing Tumbles and modeled the components of a microprocessor on a large, mechanical scale.

First Grade Coding

First graders used OSMO Coding Awbie to learn about sequences and loops. They also read the book How to Code a Sandcastle by Josh Funk.

GotSTEM, D181?

Oak classrooms participate GotSTEM D181? challenges sponsored by the D181 Foundation.

2021-2022

Student teams designed and constructed amusement park rides for paper clip "riders" and shared their work in a virtual meeting with a classroom at another D181 school.

2020-2021

Students engineered with paper to design and build tilting mazes, working catapults, and animal habitats.

2019-2020

Students worked together to build the tallest towers and the longest marble runs.

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