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Innovation

Independent. Resourceful. Creative.

The goal of 21st century learning is for students to be independent, resourceful, and strong global citizens who are confident in navigating their success.

Starting in Mechina and Kindergarten, students are taught a design-build process that supports solution-oriented learning goals, encourages them to develop innovations through collaboration and teamwork, and exposes them to an array of cutting-edge technologies. From ideation to creation, the process helps them build reasoning, empathy and creativity skills as well as enabling them to take pride in their work and the potential impact their creations can have.  Young learners are introduced to coding as a literacy to develop computational thinking skills and algorithmic thinking strategies. This approach to learning ensures that all learners are well equipped to navigate the global landscape as inquisitive and empathetic citizens who are empowered to make change.
Examples of learning opportunities include connecting with international pen pals via cloud-based tools, engaging with video conferencing technology to visit with organizations and individuals working to positively impact the world, and leveraging robotics to create inclusive environments. At The Davis Academy, we nurture the value of lifelong learning so that upon graduation, students stay curious and are well-equipped to make a positive mark on the world.

4'Cs of 21st Century Learning

Collaboration

Working together
to reach a goal.

Communication

Sharing thoughts,
questions, ideas, and solutions.

Creativity

Sharing thoughts,
questions, ideas, and solutions.

Critical Thinking

looking at problems in a new way, linking learning across subjects & disciplines. 

 

What does 21st Century Learning look like?

These are examples of students working on projects, developing
collaboration, communication, creativity and critical thinking skills. 

Simple Machines in Motion
Simple Machines in Motion

This week, as students continued their exploration of simple machines, the class focused on screws. To see this mechanism in action, students constructed their own Archimedes screws using PVC pipe, aquarium tubing, and duct tape. After assembling their devices, they tested them by moving water from one bowl to another. The lesson concluded with a friendly competition, challenging each group to see who could transport the most water in just two minutes.

VEX GO: Making Clocks Tick
VEX GO: Making Clocks Tick

As part of our Engineering and Simple Machines unit, both Second and Third Grade students have been hard at work in their respective classes learning about wedges and gears. Using VEX GO kits, students built functional clock mechanisms. By winding the gears to change the time, they gained a deeper understanding of how the mechanical parts of the world around them work.

Catapults, Levers, and Curious Minds
Catapults, Levers, and Curious Minds

Big learning in action! CSE students kicked off their engineering unit by exploring simple machines, starting with levers. Mechina and Kindergarten students put theory to the test by building catapults and launching cotton balls at towers made from recycled paper towel tubes.

First Grade Turns Stories Into Stop-Motion Magic
First Grade Turns Stories Into Stop-Motion Magic

This month, 1st-grade classrooms turned into animation studios. Focusing on 3D design concepts, students selected books by visiting authors Laurel Snyder and Leslea Newman to adapt into stop-motion films. The project emphasized the complete design process: students began with storyboarding and character creation before moving to technical production using iPads, the Stickbot 2.0 app, and green screen effects. It was a fantastic opportunity for students to practice collaboration while exploring new technology.

Chanukah Creativity Lights Up the Innovation Lab
Chanukah Creativity Lights Up the Innovation Lab

Our students lit up the Innovation & Design Lab with Chanukah creativity across the grades! Mechina and Kindergarten students designed festive paper dreidels, exploring creativity through hands-on making. Second graders built spinning cardboard dreidel automatons, using automata design with cams, levers, and linkages to create playful, moving sculptures. Third graders brought technology into the celebration by crafting circuit-powered menorot. Together, these projects beautifully highlight how science and art come together at Davis—sparking imagination, problem-solving, and a joyful connection to Jewish holidays.