A once-empty basement in the Chula Vista Library is now a colorful space filled with beanbag chairs, craft supplies and a 3-D printer. Throughout the year, local sixth-graders will visit the space — called the Innovation Station — to learn about engineering.
Wednesday was Rice Elementary School's turn.
"Right now, we're working with Servos, which are, like, tiny little motors that help something spin," student Pete Estrada said.
He and his team were wiring the electronics to send a stuffed panda spinning.
The students had to come up with a story for their creation, which they would later present to their peers. Estrada's panda was spinning to defend his crown, made of a pipe cleaner, from other stuffed animals.
Teacher Michael Bruder, who was hired by Chula Vista Elementary School District to teach in the lab, said it's more than play and tinkering.
"We want them to start looking into a career, and the education that goes behind it, based on what they're interested in," Bruder said. "Something they'd be happy to wake up to and go to their job each day."
To develop the curriculum, Bruder worked with Qualcomm, whose Thinkabit Lab in Sorrento Valley has gained national attention for introducing youth to the engineering pipeline.
Such labs, often called maker spaces, are gaining popularity in K-12 education because they push students to troubleshoot and blend vocational and academic education, as well as different disciplines.
The Chula Vista district previously had one engineering lab at Mae L. Feaster Charter School. When administrators saw its popularity, it partnered with the city of Chula Vista, the Chula Vista Library, Qualcomm and California's state librarian to create a space that more students could access.
Students from the other 45 schools will cycle through Innovation Station Monday through Thursday. On Fridays, it will be open to veterans, other adults and older teens who want to develop skills for jobs in science, technology, engineering and math.
The lab cost $86,500 and was funded by the city, Friends of the Chula Vista Library and a federal grant.
