Engineering Kindness in the Fab Lab

In the Fab Lab at Da Vinci Science Center, students from Central Elementary School are learning that science is about more than building things. It’s about building for others.

As part of the Allentown School District–Da Vinci Science Center partnership, students in the Central STREAM Academy come to Da Vinci Science Center at PPL Pavilion every day for science class. This holiday season, their learning took on a special focus as students designed and 3D printed toys, not for themselves, but as gifts for their classmates.

From brainstorming ideas to modeling and printing their designs, students worked through the full engineering process while discovering that technology can also be a tool for kindness and connection.

“Students took great pride in their work and were excited to share their creations with fellow students,” said Andrew Beilhart, ASD STEAM Education Manager at Da Vinci Science Center. By learning in the Science Center’s Fab Lab and other hands-on spaces, students connect classroom concepts with real-world tools and experiences.

“When students see themselves as creators who can help others, learning becomes meaningful and lasting,” said Dr. Hoda Ehsan, Chief Learning Officer at Da Vinci Science Center.

Through the Central STREAM Academy, Da Vinci Science Center and the Allentown School District are showing students that science, creativity, and compassion can go hand in hand.