our impact
signature programs
BCS S.T.E.A.M.
As a S.T.E.A.M. school, we invest in creating experiential environments, like the North & South Campus Tk-5 Makerspaces and Middle School Fabrication Laboratory, where learners engage with science, technology, engineering, the arts, and mathematics through open-ended problem solving challenges designed to build deeper levels of understanding and engagement.
MAKERSPACE
NORTH & SOUTH
The BCS Makerspace plays a pivotal role in introducing design thinking processes to Tk-5th grade learners. This dynamic environment, tailored for elementary students, promotes creativity through design prototyping aimed at solving real-world problems. Here, even the youngest learners explore through hands-on projects, fostering their creativity and problem-solving skills from an early age. Our investment supports two full-time teaching specialists who offer regular grade-level specials classes in foundational building, making, design, and engineering skills while also supporting Project Based Learning Units throughout the school year. A special grant in 2023 expanded the Makerspace to include advanced tools such as 3D printers, laser cutters, and robotics kits, further enhancing its utility for younger students.
MIDDLE SCHOOL
FAB LAB
In the “Fab Lab,” or Fabrication Laboratory, BCS Middle schoolers access cutting-edge technologies that promote design thinking, scientific modeling, and computer programming. 6th-8th grade learners visit the Fab Lab weekly for skill-based classes in python coding, robotics, and 3-D modeling. Through elective classes, clubs and open studio hours BCS middle school learners more deeply explore their interests in technology and design thinking. Thanks to investment from the BCS Foundation, the Fab Lab is staffed by a full-time teaching specialist offering grade-level curriculum for 6th-8th grade learners, as well as electives, clubs and open studio hours. An annual grant supports materials refresh and allows BCS to invest in cutting edge technology and curriculum development.
2ND GRADE SEA TURTLE
DESIGN CHALLENGE
BCS students take a years-long journey learning about leatherback sea turtles through a series of exciting hands-on Project Based Learning Units beginning in 1st grade and culminating in 6th grade. In the Makerspace, our BCS 2nd graders deepened their understanding of environmental conservation by tackling the challenge, "How can I design a way to protect the Leatherback Sea Turtle from threats it faces throughout its life cycle?"
After researching the dangers juvenile turtles face from ocean pollutants, Preksha J’s group came up with the creative solution “to solve the problem, we are making a blaster that sucks up all the oil and trash from the ocean so that the turtles don’t die.”
Next, learners build prototypes using materials they find in our Makerspace. “Once we've got all the materials and we think we're ready to start building, we show our makerspace teacher. She helps us with our plan and tells us when we’re ready to build.”