SD5 Design Lab: Actually Really Cool?
I’ll be honest, I had no idea the SD5 Design Lab even existed before visiting it. But the minute I walked in, I understood why students (and teachers!) must love it. This wasn’t just another tech room or computer lab. It felt like stepping into a place where ideas grow legs, students pick up the tools, and creativity becomes real.
And yes, I’ll admit it: by the end of the visit, I wanted to take half the equipment home with me… starting with the button maker.
A Space Built for Imagination
The Design Lab doesn’t overwhelm you with flashing screens or rows of computers. Instead, it invites you to imagine, experiment, and build. I really liked the painted ceiling tiles, it reminded me of my high school art classroom, which was also in a basement, but it set the tone right away for FUN It almost felt like a mini version of High Tech High, right here in our district!
Ryan’s Approach: Technology as a Tool, Not a Driver
One of the best parts of the visit was seeing how Ryan frames technology. He doesn’t present tech as a replacement for creativity but shows how it can support creativity.
Instead of relying on computer systems to generate ideas for students (although it sounds like that’s an option too) the Design Lab encourages students to come up with ideas themselves, then use the lab tools to bring those ideas to life. It’s innovation on their terms, not technology’s.
Hands-On Tools: My Favorites
This space is stocked with resources I didn’t even know schools could have, and they’re all usable by students with varying levels of explanation. Some of my personal highlights:
The CHOMP Saws
These are epic! It’s like a mini table or jig saw for kids. I feel like this is an avenue to get students interested in wood working one day, because they can make precision cuts without any fear of losing any fingers. Surprisingly safe and ridiculously satisfying. Cutting cardboard never felt so legit.
Cricuts Everywhere
Even though we didn’t have time to finish our Cricut prints, I totally see the value. These machines open up endless opportunities for design and personalization, and crisp clear cuts.
The Button Maker
I need one. Immediately. Possibly for absolutely no practical reason… but I need one.
Cardboard Screws
Here is a little video of Ryan explaining some projects students have made with these cardboard screws:
Genius. They make student prototypes way sturdier and transform basic cardboard into engineering-ready material. I particularly like how Ryan uses them instead of wasting duct tape, and endless amounts of hot glue!
Robots, AI & A Very Cute Exception
I’m not the biggest fan of AI robots replacing real humans (terminator) but I have to say…the name “Skoot” was clever. Southeast Kootenays? Meet Skoot. If every robot had a cute name, I might be convinced momentarily. Robotics in this setting feels a little more useful, not futuristic for the sake of being futuristic, as Ryan said, the design lab folks might call themselves the “EDUvengers”, but they’re not IT and Skoot could help field some of those basic questions.
3D Printing & Laser Cutting: Next-Level Tools
The 3D printers were fun to watch. There’s something magical about seeing a digital design slowly become something you can hold. And the laser cutter? That’s a machine I absolutely want to explore further.
Why This Space Matters
All of these tools move student creativity from “idea” to “prototype” to “product.” It’s pretty neat, even my technologically challenged self can see the appeal.
This is the kind of environment where students are encouraged to feel curious, and capable. It isn’t about technology doing the thinking for them, it’s about giving them the tools to think bigger. If I were a student, I would love to spend time here. Honestly, I wish SD6 had one.
The SD5 Design Lab isn’t just a fun space, it’s a great way to use and introduce technology with students. It shows what education can look like when creativity and technology support each other, instead of competing for attention. And I can’t wait to bring my students into a space like this one day!
Photo by Linda Pomerantz Zhang on Unsplash