Beginning in the 2024-25 school year, all WCASD students in grades K – 5 will have the opportunity to explore the concepts of design thinking in a new special subject area class called Design Lab.  The student experience in Design Lab is grounded in the concepts of Design Thinking and integrates components of the Pennsylvania STEELS standards (Science, Technology & Engineering, Environmental Literacy & Sustainability) to encourage students to design solutions that will have a positive impact on their surrounding community.   

Students will further explore the 4 C’s of Creativity, Collaboration, Critical Thinking, and Communication and learn STEM-related skills such as Computer Science and the Engineering Design Process to “make stuff that matters.”  With a specific lens on empathy, Design Lab will ask students to consider possible solutions that will positively influence the community around them.

This new special area class becomes one of four offerings within the district’s 4-day cycle and complements Art, Music, and Physical Education to provide a well-rounded educational experience for students while addressing the state standards.  Each elementary building will have its own Design Lab teacher who will teach the special area class and also collaborate in-district and with other local districts to identify ways to support the continued evolution of the program.

For additional information, please watch a presentation given at the Educational Committee Meeting.

Questions? Email designlab@wcasd.net

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