Our Head of School has a little chat with David, our Digital Fabrication and Computational Thinking Teacher.
Lorenzo: I love watching you work with our students. Your passion for craftsmanship really comes through. Where does your love of making things come from?
David: Thanks, Lorenzo. Well, I come from a progressive school where they were constantly making things, and it had a profound effect on me. So, I want to share it as much as possible. I find that making is a way to connect disciplines, build connections, and inspire students.
Also, my great-grandfather and my grandfather were both optical scientists, so there is a tradition in my family of being able to make anything. My grandfather worked for Kodak, and he invented one of the first pacemakers. He and I spent many afternoons building things together!
Lorenzo: What do you enjoy most about working with kids?
David: I like working with kids because they’re open, and they naturally think in an interdisciplinary way. They’re open to new experiences and want to engage in these activities. Kids can connect making and thinking really well.
Lorenzo: I like the way you’ve infused design and engineering into the projects we have each group working on. Can you tell our readers what you have planned this month for each of our learning groups?
David: With the “Mighty Maker Stars” group [grades K-1] we’re doing a unit now on simple machines and vehicles that will evolve into building vehicles that exist in New York City. We’re working on creating simple machines, like pulley and axles. We will then develop our skills so we can build more complex machines and vehicles.
With the “Lighting Maker Crew” group [grades 2-3] we’re making bridges. We started with a challenge to build bridges that are really strong by testing different materials. We also built our own valleys for the bridges, using saws, screws, and drills. We will build up to making elaborate bridges that connect New York City.
And with the “Super Thinkers” group [grades 4-6] we are learning about scale, ratio and proportion by building a scale model of the ST classroom. We will create construction blueprints; first using “old school” tools – so that the math is more relevant to the work. Then, we will build the model.
Lorenzo: What do you like to do outside of school?
My background is in sculpture, and I’ve been making a lot of sculptural furniture. I’m working on a steel table that is supported by non-traditional (noodle-like) shapes. I’ve also been playing lots of Dungeons and Dragons lately!
Lorenzo: Thank you, David! Can’t wait to see what the kids make!
David: Neither can I! Thanks, Lorenzo.
Other Work by David (sculpture, painting, photography, furniture)
