Nueva iLab

Nueva iLab (Innovation Lab K-8)

Make everyone feel comfortable in the space. Break down perceptions of the environment. Build warmth with colour and wooden finishing. Students don't want to spend time in cold, medical places.

Nothing is scarier than a place filled with stuff no one knows how to use and no one is hired to maintain. Build resources based on teacher and student interest and plan skill development. Great value in a teacher growing into the role of Lab Facilitator.

Laser cutter is the most used piece of equipment. No better way to teach someone to use one than an upcoming wedding and Etsy. Spend money on a good machine. Hot wire cutter.

Down power. Spend money on good retractable with 3 connections per cord.

3D printers. Good to encourage students into the space to play with, not as fast as they need to be to fulfil the ideal 2-3 prototypes per student.

Purchase cheaper consumables. Add sharpies and safety glasses to this list as they go missing.

Storage. Finished and working progress projects need space. Open wall storage of tools to encourage use. Use life size pictures of tools to show students where to return on rack. Rolling carts with universal storage (eg. electronics components, screws).

Essential agreements about the use of space: cleanliness and safety. Clear guidelines about equipment that students can use with/without assistance from teacher. Tool storage that is easy to pack away.