Page 9 - TTWINov2025

STEM/Fab Labs
Teaching Today Wisconsin | Fall 2025 Page 9

Innovation in Action: Inside the STEAM Lab at Wayland Academy

STEAM Director, Daniel Donovan pults, and other designs that are often put
Wayland Academy through competitive stress tests.
At Wayland Academy, the STEAM Every course emphasizes problem-
program bridges the gap between classroom solving both individually and in teams.
theory and real-world application. The lab Students are encouraged to think critically,
is a creative hub where students take con- adapt creatively, and follow projects from
cepts from math, science, history, and other concept to completion. Project-based learn-
subjects and transform them into hands-on ing is at the core of our philosophy because
projects. They learn to ideate, design, pro- it fosters innovative thinking and practical
totype, and build in ways that connect their skills. We also strive to connect projects
academic work to tangible outcomes. to real-world examples and current events,
The curriculum includes 3D printing exploring topics such as the Australian solar
and CAD design, woodworking, architecture car races that draw university engineer-
and engineering, digital art, and soldering. ing students from across the globe and the
In woodworking, students begin with basic companies pioneering 3D-printed aluminum
joinery before moving on to laminated rockets designed for space travel.
projects, custom lighting, and functional The curriculum continues to grow each
pieces for their dorm rooms. The 3D print- year as we explore new ways to engage stu-
ing program teaches technical knowledge dents and prepare them to shape the world
of printers alongside CAD skills. Students around them. More than a makerspace, the
create everything from simple designs to STEAM lab at Wayland Academy is a place
multi-part rockets, which they launch during where ethics and problem solving come
end-of-year events. Soldering courses together to shape thoughtful creators who
introduce electrical engineering concepts are mindful of their impact. We take time not
and highlight historical innovators such as only to consider what and how we create, boarding and day students in grades 9-12.
Nikola Tesla. Students build Tesla coils and but also who benefits from our work and The school’s comprehensive, stimulating
other functional devices, then test and refine the lasting impact it may have on the world academic program features small classes,
their work. Architecture and engineering around us. annual capstone projects, active STEAM, www.wayland.org
courses cover structural principles and give Wayland Academy is an indepen- media studies, and environmental science
students the chance to build bridges, cata- dent, coed college preparatory school for programs, and an array of AP offerings.