Research + Design Center
The BVR Research + Design Center—which opened in 2017—is a state-of-the-art building located at the center of our campus that provides our students from 6th to 12th grades the resources and support to create, innovate, explore, and build. The space includes two audio and video recording studios; a design workshop; presentation spaces; a materials library filled with an ever-evolving collection of “stuff” (fabrics, resins, malleable metals, wood, etc.), and an entire floor dedicated to research.
All students have access to the Research + Design Center (aka R+D Center), and we see a wide variety of classes using the space and the tools.
Our students don’t just absorb content, they create it. It’s not only about gaining knowledge, it’s about using knowledge for understanding. In the R+D Center and throughout Beaver, students have the tools, research, and support to delve deeper into assignments and projects as well as the space to work in teams, one-on-one, or individually build.
Example of the research and library tools available:
- OverDrive subscription (ebooks and audiobooks)
- Full access to the New York Times and other news sources
- 50+ research databases covering history, science, and culture
- R+D Center website
Our spaces are filled with the latest industry-standard and professional-grade tools and technologies—all curated with an eye towards safety, flexibility, and precision. This includes two audio and video recording studios; a design workshop; presentation spaces; and a materials library filled with an ever-evolving collection of “stuff” (fabrics, resins, malleable metals, wood, etc.).
Examples of the design tools available:
- Two laser cutters
- Six 3D printers
- CNC router
- Jewelry station
- Two recording studios
- Four Oculus VR headsets
- Two vacuformers
- Prototyping supplies (hot glue guns, duct tape, sticky notes, etc.)
- Materials library (where students have access to everything from fabric samples to salvaged stereo equipment)
- Software (OnShape for 3D modeling, Adobe Photoshop for image editing, p5 for coding, etc.)
What’s most important about technology at Beaver is our mindset around it. We teach technological literacy not as a standalone class, or through specific hardware or software, but as a tool embedded into each class. The use of technology in the classroom supports us in understanding and expressing ideas. It is infused into every part of our curriculum and campus. Being comfortable with technology and its rapidly evolving state means Beaver students have an advantage in their toolkit. It’s a means for them to explore, visualize, and solve problems while giving them the ability to craft something of their own.
Learn more about our mindset around technology
Emerging Tech
Emerging Tech
R+D Team
-
Blake St. Louis
Director of the Research + Design Center - Email Blake St. Louis
Blake St. Louis
-
Zoz Brooks
R+D Innovator - Email Zoz Brooks
Zoz Brooks
-
Nate Guevin
Middle School Liaison to Research and Design - Email Nate Guevin
Nate Guevin
-
Alycia Scott-Hiser
Computational Thinking and Computer Science Teacher - Email Alycia Scott-Hiser
Alycia Scott-Hiser
-
Morgan Muschamp
Engineering Teacher and R+D Team Member - Email Morgan Muschamp
Morgan Muschamp
-
Tim Barber
Beaver Support Staff - Email Tim Barber
Tim Barber
-
Goldie Abaee
Librarian & Educational Technology Specialist - Email Goldie Abaee
Goldie Abaee
-
Lauren Duffy
Upper School Visual Arts - Email Lauren Duffy