In 2012, as we were transforming the Unkefer Computer Lab into the Unkefer Spark Studio, we took these words of Mother Janet Erskine Stuart to heart. The idea of rough beginnings and students being “half-taught” inspired us to think of the new space and the program as a “spark” to ignite experimentation and innovation. We started with the trappings of a traditional school makerspace: 3D printers, laser cutters, robotic components and lots of cardboard and masking tape. We ran classes for students and provided professional development opportunities for faculty. The Spark Studio was established as a place where students and adults were invited to explore their curiosities and take creative risks. Ten years in, the Spark Studio is a singular space at Convent & Stuart Hall — a truly coed space used by all students in Grades
In the Spark Studio, we challenge ourselves to make things that are out of this world. I am a sneakerhead and also love 3D printing using Tinkercad for designing. I have to use math and measurements to design, and I also get to be super creative.” - QAIS | STUART HALL GRADE 5
K–12. There are many opportunities for planned and unplanned coed and cross-age collaborations. This is where second grade boys and girls work together to build games for their annual cardboard arcade and where you can find Middle Form students advising a high school student on the best approach to a 3D design. High school Digital Design classes take place here every week, while elementary students drop in to work on curricular projects. During lunches and recesses, students can come in for Open Studio, a time when students work on their own projects, such as 3D-printed shoes, musical instruments from bamboo and other found objects, robots, original video games, hand-sewn fashions and even a hovercraft. Significantly, these projects are usually self-motivated — true innovations from the minds and hearts of our students. LEFT: An inspiration board hangs outside the Unkefer Spark Studio, welcoming reflections on this year’s theme, curiosity. ABOVE: Krista Inchausti in front of a rack of 3D printers, one of the most popular tools in the Unkefer Spark Studio. RIGHT: Qais, a Stuart Hall fifth grader, holding one of his initial 3D-printed shoe prototypes.
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