overview
NuVuX provides both virtual and in-person support to schools worldwide, specializing in delivering prestigious STEM education. Headquartered in Cambridge, MA, between Harvard and MIT, NuVu Studios develops and teaches engineering and architecture curricula that emphasize open-ended problem-solving, creativity, and innovation.
task
Design and implement a makerspace program at Odyssey STEM Academy, empowering students, teachers, and staff to build and sustain the program independently. Lead by example through hands-on workshops, project-based learning, and fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration. The successful implementation of this program, along with the curriculum I designed and taught, serves as a model for other schools, helping to expand NuVuX's portfolio and influence in innovative education.
team
Aaron Laniosz (mentor)
Sean Torres (co-teacher)
NuVuX Team
duration
2022-2024
studio #1
deep sea bots
The future of our oceans faces numerous challenges, including pollution, overfishing, oil spills, and noise pollution. Students were tasked with researching biomimicry concepts to design a robot that addresses one of these pressing issues, blending nature-inspired innovation with practical solutions. This studio introduces foundational concepts in simple mechanisms, robotics, and motion diagrams, providing students with the tools to bring their ideas to life through mechanical design and movement.
Sketching and Diagrams
This student creates a storyboard of how this octopus-inspired robot will collect floating trash in the ocean
Cardboard Prototypes
Laser cutting lets students turn designs into precise prototypes using sturdy, affordable cardboard.
Final Prototype
Students apply their understanding of materials and mechanisms to craft dynamic prototypes.
studio #2
Wearable technology continues to transform human capabilities, enhancing accessibility and enabling superhuman abilities. From glasses and prosthetics to smartphones, technology has become an integral part of daily life. In this studio, students are challenged to build on this concept by designing a device that transforms a disability into a super ability. The curriculum introduces foundational concepts in Arduino programming, sensors, servo motors, and soft goods engineering, including sewing, to help students bring their innovative ideas to life.
Sketching and Diagrams
This student is experimenting with improving visibility while snowboarding.
Simple Circuit Prototypes
With each iteration, students can pivot their ideas if they present a solid rationale. One student, for instance, explores a simple LED circuit integrated into their glasses.
Arduino Prototypes
With the introduction of Arduinos, the student pivots back to implementing windshield wipers on their glasses, now powered by servo motors.
studio #3
Rube Goldberg machines are a playful yet challenging way to explore potential and kinetic energy. Constructing these intricate devices demands precision, iterative problem-solving, and strong teamwork. In this studio, each team designs a unique structure that seamlessly connects to others, creating an interdependent "city" where individual creativity shines through each building. The curriculum emphasizes complex mechanisms, energy transfer, free body diagrams, and fostering both inter- and intra-team collaboration, culminating in a dynamic and cohesive collective project.
Concept Art + Cardboard Prototype
Each class decide on their city's theme and history. Each student team decide on what structure they will build for their city.
Build structure
Each team creates a structure that adds potential energy and uses kinetic energy in a fun creative way.
Combine with Class
The class unite all their structures to create an energy interdependent Rube Goldberg machine/city.
studio #4
This introductory studio sparks creativity and self-expression through car design. Students begin by sketching their ideas and progress to building miniature cars through iterative prototyping. Along the way, they are introduced to the design process, laser cutting, Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and hands-on fabrication techniques. The goal is to foster creativity while building foundational skills in design and making.
Sketching and Diagrams
Students draw orthographic Diagrams of their cars. Some cars are creative, some cars are classy.
Paper Prototypes
Using glue and tape, the students cut out their diagrams to create a 3D paper prototype.
Cardboard Prototypes
Using the dimensions they found with paper prototypes, the students then create a cardboard prototype.
Final Prototype
These dimensions are transferred to Illustrator where students can then create vector files and laser cut their wooden models.
studio #5
The relatively small and understated campus of Odyssey STEM Academy is ready for a transformation—and who better to revitalize it than the spirited 9th graders? Tasked with surveying their peers, students identified areas where the campus could benefit from enhancements. Their mission: to design and build installations that improve quality of life through beauty, personality, or accessibility, turning mundane tasks like walking across campus into moments of delight. This studio introduces students to large-scale prototyping, woodworking, and user-centered research.
Sketching and Diagrams
Student's scout their campus and community for opportunities of at. This student decided to combine a bird feeder and a free little library.
Tool Training
Students get training on how to use power tools and machines.
Prototype Installation
Students build their art pieces and install them on campus, gaining immense fulfillment and confidence as they witness their peers interacting with their creations.
studio #6
The world is full of fascinating sounds waiting to be explored. In this studio, students are challenged to capture unique noises from their surroundings, invent instruments that replicate those sounds, and create an engaging music video showcasing their creations. This studio introduces concepts in vibrations, acoustics, video editing with Adobe Premiere Pro, and music production using BandLab.
Build an Instrument
this student made a guitar with unusual strings: yarn, rubber band, and fishing line, to experiment how different materials produce different vibrations.
Music Video/Concert
During the first year, the students were tasked to make a music video with their instruments, learning how to record and produce music through BandLab. During the second year, students performed their instruments during out picnic field trip,
NICE summer program
NuVu Studio offers a summer opportunity for teachers and administrators who are eager to explore innovative approaches to bringing STEM education into their schools. By empowering and educating STEM educators, we can elevate the quality and impact of STEM education across campuses.
photo archives
