Local High School Students Gain Design, Engineering Skills and a “Maker” Mentality at the Brown Design Workshop
At the Brown Design Workshop, located within the Rhode Island School of Design, local high school students immerse themselves in a world of design, engineering, and hands-on learning. This unique program provides them with the knowledge and skills to solve real-world problems and cultivate a “maker” mentality.
A Multidisciplinary Approach
The Brown Design Workshop combines elements of engineering, design thinking, computer science, and art to foster a comprehensive understanding of the design process. Students work in teams on projects that challenge them to apply their knowledge to create innovative solutions.
From Ideation to Creation
The workshop’s process begins with students identifying real-world problems and researching potential solutions. They then develop prototypes using a variety of tools and materials, including 3D printers, laser cutters, and hand tools. Through iterative testing and feedback, they refine their designs until they reach a polished and functional product.
Cultivating a Maker Mindset
Beyond technical skills, the Brown Design Workshop aims to instill a “maker” mentality in its students. This mindset emphasizes resourcefulness, curiosity, and a willingness to experiment. Students learn to embrace mistakes as learning opportunities and develop a sense of agency over their creative process.
Real-World Applications
Students’ projects have a tangible impact on their communities. They have designed and built assistive devices for people with disabilities, created sustainable solutions for local businesses, and developed innovative educational tools for teachers. By working on projects with real-world applications, students gain a sense of purpose and see the direct benefit of their learning.
Exceptional Mentorship
The workshop is staffed by experienced designers and engineers who provide mentorship and guidance to students. These mentors not only share their expertise but also nurture students’ creativity and passion for design. Students benefit from personalized feedback and support throughout the design process.
Empowering the Future
The Brown Design Workshop empowers local high school students with the skills, knowledge, and mindset they need to excel in college and beyond. Graduates of the program have gone on to pursue careers in design, engineering, and other STEM fields. By giving students a platform to explore their creativity, solve problems, and embrace a maker mentality, the Brown Design Workshop is creating a generation of innovators who are equipped to tackle the challenges of the 21st century.Providence, R.I. [Brown University]—Students from Mount Pleasant High School (MPHS) in Providence have been learning the basics of design and engineering this summer at the Brown Design Workshop (BDW), a six-week program run by the Brown University School of Engineering. Now in its third year, BDW has given nearly 100 local high school students the opportunity to gain hands-on experience with design, engineering and digital fabrication. Working in teams of four or five, the students design, build and test their own solutions to real-world problems. This year, the students are working on a variety of projects, including a prosthetic hand, a robotic arm, a water filtration system, and a solar-powered phone charger. They are using a variety of tools and materials, including 3D printers, laser cutters, and power tools. In addition to learning about design and engineering, the students are also developing a “maker” mentality. This is a mindset that emphasizes creativity, collaboration, and problem-solving. Makers are people who are always looking for ways to improve the world around them, and they are not afraid to take risks and experiment. The BDW program is led by Brown engineering faculty and graduate students. The faculty members provide the students with guidance and support, while the graduate students serve as mentors and role models. The BDW program is part of Brown’s commitment to K-12 outreach. The university believes that it is important to inspire young people to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). By providing students with hands-on experience with design and engineering, BDW hopes to spark their interest in these fields and encourage them to pursue further education in STEM. The BDW program is funded by a grant from the National Science Foundation.