Thanks to UPrep’s new state-of-the-art Makerspace, students are exploring the latest technology tools, joining new clubs, and working on passion projects. The 1,123 square-foot space—roughly half the size of a singles-style tennis court—builds on the school’s commitment to providing the best educational experience for its students.  

“UPrep is devoted to nurturing true leaders, and creating a culture of self-discovery where our students find their voices, their passions, and their purpose,” says Brian Gonzales, director of innovation and experiential education. “The hallmark of a UPrep education is giving students many opportunities to try new activities and deepen their engagement with their interests, and this tech-filled workspace gives them more room to do this.”  

The Makerspace is an entry point for students to try modern technology tools while furthering their learning in a range of classes. For example, Spanish students used virtual reality (VR) headsets to practice conversational language skills in a simulated train or taxi. Engineering students designed Calder-style mobiles and created the mobiles by using the 3-D printers.  

Beyond classroom activities, students follow their interests by joining clubs that meet in the Makerspace. The Upper School Robotics Club now meets in this space, which is eight times bigger than their previous meeting room. “There is so much more room, more tables, and more opportunity for collaboration,” says sophomore Noah R., leader of the Upper School Robotics Club. “Now everyone can collaborate on one robot at the same time, and we have the space to test our robots before we go to competitions.” 

The Middle School Drone Club is a new co-curricular program that meets in the Makerspace after school. The students in this club are using educational materials from the Aerial Drone Competition, which hosts educational drone sporting event competitions for middle and high school students. “This growing program is run by the Robotics Education & Competition (REC) Foundation, which also runs the VEX Robotics Competitions that UPrep competes in. We hope to host the first Aerial Drone Competition at UPrep during the 2024-2025 school year,” says Jonathan Delgado, academic technology coordinator and drone club coach.  

Since the club started meeting a few months ago, students have learned to fly drones with a controller and are learning how to program the drones. They will also learn about flight principles, programming, documentation and communication skills, and drone-related career opportunities. Eighth-grade student Ethan F. joined the club after flying drones in the Robotics Club and deciding to try another afterschool activity.  

“I also want as many chances as possible to be in the ULab building and its Makerspace because they are amazing. I am so excited for high school,” he said, noting that the ULab is an Upper School building. “I like flying drones with my friends. I’m excited to see what happens when we fly the drones through programming. I’m also looking forward to competitions because I have never flown a drone under any pressure before.” 

The Upper School Unity Club is another new co-curricular program that meets in the Makerspace. Members are learning to use Unity, a 2D/3D engine for designing games, apps, and augmented and virtual reality scenes. The club meets once a week and members work outside of club time to learn the program through online tutorials, with the potential of earning Unity Junior Programming Certification. Freshman Landon V. said this is an amazing opportunity for him. 

“Now I have access to a whole bunch of tutorials that will help me learn how to use Unity,” he said. “My goal is to make a game, which would be a fun way to introduce myself to the world. Being in Unity Club and learning this program allows me another career option and it will be super great to create a game with my friends.”  

Beyond participating in clubs and innovative coursework in the Makerspace, students are bringing in their passion projects, too. A junior and a senior are refurbishing two Puch Maxi mopeds.  

“Students are learning an engineering mindset in the new Makerspace. The world is built around trial and error and risk-taking, and this is a space to practice these skills,” said Gonzales. "I can’t wait to see projects, clubs, and STEM programs take off in the Makerspace in the coming years!”

YOU CAN READ MORE ABOUT HOW MEMBERS OF OUR COMMUNITY LEAD A LIFE OF LEARNING HERE.