Innovation

List of 5 items.

• Computer Science

  At Norfolk Collegiate, it's our mission to provide students the opportunity to pursue robust coursework that combines design, production and critical communication skills. We provide our students courses within a collaborative, creative, interdisciplinary framework that prepare them to communicate their ideas and opinions in an increasingly complex technological society.
  
  During their formative lower school years, they learn computer skills such as how to keyboard, how to hold a mouse and beginning coding. 
  
  During their middle school years, all students take Computer Science Discovery which introduces them to computer science through programming graphics, where students learn to draw and animate shapes in the programming language Python, use the design thinking process to create scenes, animations and games, and program a pocket-sized computer. Clubs such as our award-winning LEGO Robotics and Girls Who Code are offered for students to engage their creativity.
  
  

  As they advance into their upper school careers, students have the opportunity to engage in a catalog of Design Thinking and Computing classes, such as AP Computer Science Principles, which introduces students to the central ideas of computer science, instills the ideas and practices of computational thinking, and invites students to understand how computing changes the world. The course is organized around seven “Big Ideas”: creativity, abstraction, data and information, algorithms, programming, the Internet, and global impact.
  
  Advanced Placement Computer Science A is a college-level course focusing more on coding than AP Computer Science Principles and uses the Java programming language. Students learn how to design, implement and analyze programs to solve problems and explore foundational computer science concepts such as abstraction, programming paradigms, and data structures. Throughout the course, students work on a variety of programming projects and assignments, including hands-on coding exercises and problem-solving activities. In addition to learning the technical aspects of computer science, students also gain important skills in critical thinking, problem
  solving, and collaboration. 

• Design Thinking & Engineering

  Using Purdue University's service learning design program EPICS (Engineerings Projects in Community Service), upper school design thinking and engineering students focus on the principles and applications of engineering through an immersive hands-on class designed around the principles of the design thinking methodology, rapid prototyping, community engagement and creative problem-solving. Through both individual and collaborative team activities, projects and problems, students apply systems thinking and consider various aspects of engineering design including material selection, human-centered design, manufacturability, assemblability and sustainability.
  
  The course focuses on, but is not limited to, computer-aided design, 3D printing, woodworking tools, molding and casting, electronics production and design, CNC milling, robotics, microcontrollers and more.

• Robotics

  First LEGO League Robotics
  Middle school students can participate in the First LEGO League (FLL) Robotics team that meets after school in the robotics room. FLL presents teams with a universal theme which varies each year that they must meet through robot design and a project. They compete at a regional level and if they win, advance to state level and then the national level. 
  
  First Tech Challenge Robotics
  Upper school students can participate in the FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) Robotics team that meets after school in the upper school MakerLab. Teams are challenged to design, build and operate robots to compete in a head-to-head challenge in an alliance format. Teams are paired with mentors to help them experience engineering problem-solving first-hand using a robot that performs Java-based programming. The mentors and students work for months leading up to the competition on building their robot and programming it to complete the challenge.

• MakerLabs

  Another way Norfolk Collegiate creates doers, thinkers and explores is through our MakerLabs. These dedicated community innovation hubs provide hands-on, innovative learning. The dedicated STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) spaces are located in the lower school, middle school and upper school. Each lab is equipped with age-appropriate items to encourage students to explore their passions while also providing an opportunity for them to work with emerging technologies.
  
  

  Technology tools include Osmo, a unique gaming accessory for the iPad that includes coding and tangram; Ozobot, a small, smart toy robot that empowers students to code and connect the physical and digital worlds; and Makey Makey®, an invention kit that allows them to combine art and engineering with the Internet.
  
  

  The three MakerLabs, one at each division, were made possible by the generous donors who contributed to the Fund-An-Item at our auction. As the spaces continue to evolve, students and teachers are finding ways to make the classroom more engaging for today’s dynamic students. The MakerLabs are open to Collegiate families, too.
  
  The following is some of the equipment found in the MakerLabs.
  

  • 3D Printers & Scanner
  • Band Saw
  • Compound Miter Saw 
  • Computers
  • CNC Router
  • Craft supplies
  • Hand Tools
  • Heat Press
  • Laser cutter
  • Lego® Robotics
  • littleBits Electronics
  • Power hand tools
  • Programmable DMX controllers
  • Osmo
  • Ozobot
  • Makey Makey®
  • Router table
  • Scroll Saw
  • Sewing machine
  • Soldering Equipment
  • Table saw
  • Vinyl Cutter 

  
  
  
  

• Innovation Hub

  The purpose of the space is to foster collaboration and entrepreneurial spirit for students. It's equipped with:
  

  • 3D printers
  • Laser cutters
  • Advanced touchscreen computers
  • Cutting-edge sound and lighting
  • Dry-erase panels
  • Flexible furniture

  The Innovation Hub pairs perfectly with our power-tool-centric MakerLabs, where students build and create. Norfolk Collegiate leads in innovative learning and creativity. 
  
  The Innovation Hub was made possible by the generous donors to the Fund-An-Item at our Annual Auction.