December 3, 2015

DDC and SCA Host Meet the Builders Event with I.S. 392

On December 3rd, the Department of Design and Construction collaborated with the School Construction Authority (SCA) and NYS Assembly Member Rodneyse Bichotte to host students from I.S. 392 as part of their pilot STEM Lab Design Program.  I.S. 392 has been working with Teach to Excel, a non-profit organization that is implementing the program. As part of the pilot students are using Sketch Up in order to create and recommend a classroom redesign.

Guests were welcomed by Deputy Commissioner for STEAM Initiatives Lee Llambelis who spoke about the importance of listening, learning and taking advantage of enrichment opportunities like internships. Students heard from a panel of DDC and SCA built environment professionals who shared their experiences, educational backgrounds and explained the skills needed to become an engineer, architect or other built environment professional. The students participated in a gallery walk and examined DDC and SCA building models as professional staff discussed the process of how a design is transformed into a physical building.

Students also participated in a hands-on workshop where they practiced their design skills by incorporating construction aspects into the design process. The students designed a floorplan and decided on the different types of materials they would need for construction. They considered issues like what type of desk would maximize space and efficiency, as well as what materials would be best for flooring, taking into consideration the need for sound proofing and the ability to clean effectively.

Students left with packets of information to help them pursue STEAM-related middle school activities, as well as information for parents to help their children prepare and navigate the high school process.