At the new Da Vinci Lab, Oakwood Elementary students are immersed in hands-on projects, exploring new ideas, and bringing imagination to life.
On February 1, our community came together for a ribbon-cutting ceremony to officially mark the opening of a new space designed to spark curiosity, creativity, and innovation. Students and families enjoyed an afternoon of exploration and inspiration. Rooted in Oakwood’s philosophy, the Da Vinci Lab is a laboratory for how students learn best. Guests participated in four interactive learning zones—HEAD, HAND, EYE, and HEART—with Oakwood students and faculty guiding them through hands-on activities and teacher-led demonstrations.
Describing her vision for teaching and learning, Denise uses the metaphor of weaving together head, hand, eye, and heart to nurture the whole child. The head represents brainstorming, acquiring knowledge, wondering, and critical thinking. The hand signifies inventing, creating, and building. The eye captures the ability to envision, imagine, and design through the arts. Lastly, the heart reflects developing passion, empathy, social, and emotional engagement.
Principal Denise Ross spoke to both the purpose of the lab and the meaning behind its name. “Many schools have STEAM labs, Makerspaces, or innovation labs,” she shared, “and many of their projects are similar to what you might see here at Oakwood. I’m sure their goals for their students are similar to ours, as well.” What sets the Da Vinci Lab apart, she explained, is its origin story. Leonardo da Vinci, widely regarded as an early practitioner of STEAM, connected and wove together multiple disciplines. His learning journey, driven by curiosity rather than formal education, mirrors Oakwood’s belief in how children construct meaning: through inquiry, integration, and exploration.”
Prior to the Da Vinci Lab’s opening, we asked students what they imagined creating in the new space. In the video below, our young scientists, artists, and builders reflected on what the Da Vinci Lab would mean to them, what they were curious about, and the visions they imagined bringing to life. Their reflections offered a glimpse into the endless possibilities ahead and reminded everyone that the space will ultimately be shaped by the students themselves.
In the months since its opening, the Da Vinci Lab has become a place filled with investigations, experimentation, and joyful discovery. Students have jumped into opportunities to ask questions and learn through doing.
Most recently, students have rolled up their sleeves and engaged in woodworking projects. Guided by Oakwood grandparent Ken Zunder, students were introduced to each project through demonstrations and step-by-step instructions before picking up tools and building. Kindergarten students designed and created picture frames, while third graders built their own tic-tac-toe boards. Using saws, drills, and other equipment, they applied problem-solving skills, engaged in trial and error, and were rewarded with a sense of accomplishment in creating something through their own ingenuity.
