IDEA Lab

Believing that students can be innovators, designers, and inventors who can impact the world through their gifts, Oaks Christian School has established an unprecedented IDEA Lab - Innovation, Design, Engineering and Aeronautics.

The 13,000 square foot facility is like no other high school science lab in the state of California, giving OCS students a jump in STEM career paths (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math). The central hub of this new space is the 4,000 square foot fabrication lab which will house metal and wood fabrication machines, 3D printers, and a variety of other useful tools, such as Haas tools that are typically reserved for college fabrication labs or industrial labs. The lab allows students to make basically anything out of anything including robots, aerial and underwater drones, rockets, and even basic prosthetics. The lab is also home to our Institute of Engineering.

The IDEA Lab Features:
  • 4,000-square-foot fabrication space
  • 3D Printers
  • Robotic Classroom
  • Physics Classroom
  • Electrical Engineering Classroom
  • Computer Science Classroom
  • Flex Classroom
  • Reception Area
  • Conference Room
  • Faculty Core Room

 

“With the advent of internet search engines, it isn’t enough to recall facts and information anymore. Our students need to possess skills and talents that involve 21st century critical thinking, a curious and innovative spirit, grit, collaboration, and strong character,” said Associate Head of School for Academics Dr. Matt Northrop. “Coupled with our amazing faculty, this lab will provide our students with the space, the tools, the knowledge, and the mindset to go out and become difference-makers.”

Students will have the opportunity to learn first-hand from top-notch OCS science faculty, as well as retired engineers, machinists and guest lecturers.

The engineering department will provide four potential pathways: aerospace and rocketry, robotics, mechanical engineering, and electrical engineering. In addition to the amazing program that already exists in the middle school, the middle school robotics team will have access to the new VEX robotics lab. 

OCS seniors will have the opportunity to create a culminating Capstone Project to identify real-world problems, develop solutions through trial and error, and then to provide those solutions to people, schools, villages, or organizations in a way that will improve quality of life.

Oaks Christian aims to partner with local engineering companies and entrepreneurs to provide internships for the students, as well as expertise to the classes.