Technology Focus Program Receives Major Upgrade

Nareh Agazarayan ‘20 admires an armadillo that was printed using one of the new 3D printers.

Technology Focus Program Receives a Major Upgrade

For many years, the bottom floor of the “A” building was referred to as “the dungeon” and for good reason as it was dark and dreary and felt isolated from the rest of campus. Over the years, that connotation disappeared as the Learning Commons was constructed there a few years ago. Now, the Technology Focus Program has found its new home in what used to be old chemistry and physics classrooms.

During the past summer months, construction began on the new “makerspace” where Technology Focus Program students would be able to have all of their equipment in one place, while at the same time allowing for the space to create larger projects.

“The new space has impacted and improved our program in a number of ways,” reflected Technology Focus Program Assistant Juan Lopez. “First, it streamlined how students utilize tools. A student no longer has to move between two classrooms to build a robot in one and learn to program in another. Second, the surface hubs allow for students and teachers to present with ease, maximizing classroom time. Third, all of the machines allow students to explore their interests, and gives them the opportunity to go beyond what is taught in the classroom.”

“One of the coolest things we’ve worked on is the 3D printers,” said Zachery Harji ‘21. “Designing in three dimensional software has been very interesting and goes hand in hand with Geometry.”

The four new 3D printers, which are used frequently for engineering projects such as robot parts, 3D modeling, and product building are among other new high-tech tools. There is also a CNC machine which is used for cutting wood and designing products, and a laser cutter which is used for engraving and cutting small

Construction of the new space included combining two previous classrooms, and creating a new “garage” door. Technology Focus Program Director Susan Beckenham and Assistant Juan Lopez

Rebecca Cox ‘20 and Jehu Picherack ‘20 work on a one-pound Battle Bot. Ethan Morgan ‘20 and Angel Villarreal ‘20 explore robotic movement utilizing sensors in their Boe-Bot.

materials precisely for robot parts.

Among the other upgrades to the new space are 32 new student computers which are the main tool for learning and teaching students how to code, create, and collaborate, and two surface hubs which are advanced electronic whiteboards used for presentations, lectures, and collaboration.

The machines are also available for projects and endeavors the students may have, whether assigned as classwork, or personal. The Drone Club builds drones using a mixture of 3D printed and electronic parts, whereas the Gamification Club builds video games using the computers.

“Tech Focus has really inspired me to get more creative in my work,” said Sam Daniels ‘21. “I actually feel motivated to make games on my own and to write down my ideas for stories. Gamification has also made me more comfortable when working with people to tell a story through a videogame. When I grow up, I want to write stories for videogames and I think that Tech Focus is helping me achieve that.” Additionally, a garage door was installed in order to better accommodate larger projects such as golf carts and solar boats.

“The golf cart project is a collective effort to make the most efficient and least costly form of transportation,” explained Nasim Karawia ‘19.

“The Technology Focus Program is growing and coming to be known as an innovative leader in educational technology,” said Technology Focus Program Director Susan Beckenham. “The addition of the new space singles us out as one of the most advanced learning spaces available and highlights our exciting and engaging technology program.”

“I truly believe I belong here because of Tech Focus,” added Karawia.