The Studios

Cyborg

Enhancements

Evolving human capabilities through creative uses of  cybernetic technology

Rocket Car

Racers

Engineering pinewood derby race cars with compressed gas CO2 rocket propulsion

Holiday

Float

Creating a unique holiday float for the three Polk County Christmas parades

Seed to

Table

Learning the growing process of plants to build sustainable systems to produce healthy natural meals

Cyborg Enhancements

In this studio, students will create beyond-human body extensions and enhancements that range from practical to provocative. Through brainstorming, rapid prototyping, ideation, and ongoing feedback, students will design, build, and activate these enhancements while uncovering what makes us human. 

Rocket Car Racers

In Rocket Car Racers, we will design and build competitive CO2 powered drag racers. We will study the physics that influence the speed of a car including aerodynamics, rolling resistance, and inertia. We will research inspiring car designs, sketch our profiles, carve our wooden bodies, and finish with sanding, paint, and decals. We will master the technique of creating free body diagrams to understand the forces acting on our vehicles. On the final day, we will race our design to determine the champion. 

Seed to Table

In Seed to Table, we will learn how to grow our own food by mastering the basics of seed germination, plant nutrients and growing conditions. We will discuss the many benefits of growing local fruits and vegetables that range from global environmental factors to personal health and wellbeing. The studio will technically outline a variety of growing techniques including the Kratky Method of hydroponics, the Nutrient Film Technique (NFT), as well as the traditional planting of raised garden beds. We will organized our planting strategy, monitor light and nutrients, harvest when ready, and prepare our studio-grown, all-natural meals. 

Student Voted Winner

The Polar Express

Holiday Float

Design / Build

The Skills

Hand Sketching

Sewing

Power Tools

Diagramming

Electric Circuits

Cardboard Prototyping