Innovation
OUR APPROACH to Innovation
Through real-world problems and creative, open-ended challenges, students learn the fundamentals of design thinking, digital literacy, and the four C’s — critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, and communication skills.
Benchmark’s Innovation Labs, makerspace facilities designed by world-renowned architects, allows students the chance to develop their gifts and test their skills through project-based learning.
INNOVATION MISSION & VISION
In Benchmark's Innovation Labs (iLabs), we create joyful spaces where bright students who learn differently discover the power of their own ideas. Here, curiosity sparks discovery, and students' unique perspectives become a catalyst for innovation.
Through hands-on exploration with cutting-edge technology, we prototype solutions bigger than we dream—building confidence as problem-solvers and creators. We pursue passions and develop agency, and we master collaboration and creative thinking that transcends any tool or technology.
Every student’s experience is unique. Our graduates emerge as confident innovators with agile, empathetic minds, technical know-how, and the resilience needed to tackle complex challenges in our interconnected future.
Genesis of the Innovation Lab
It started with a question: How might we create opportunities for students to develop the skills and mindsets needed to understand how the world works and how to contribute in a meaningful, empathic way?
Though the structure is new, innovative, research-based teaching and learning strategies have been employed at Benchmark since its inception in 1970. At the base of this rooted foundation, we have added a new layer. This layer involves the design thinking method of problem solving.
The stunning design of the Innovation Lab is the work of two world-renowned architects and Benchmark alumni, Bill and Chris Sharples ‘77 of SHoP Architects. In appreciation for the positive difference that Benchmark made in their lives, they generously donated their time and talent to designing a facility that is a source of great pride for the school.
DESIGN THINKING MEETS PROJECT-BASED LEARNING
Design thinking is a tool, a system to help students manage their thinking as they navigate through real-world, human-centered problems.
At Benchmark School, we blend the principles of design thinking with project-based learning. Through hands-on, multidisciplinary projects, students uncover problems in need of investigation, and take ownership of creating practical solutions through research and experimentation.
Being a strategy and language-based school, Benchmark fully embraced design thinking and created our own design thinking process. Through a series of school-wide exercises, design sprints, and brainstorming sessions, we crafted, reflected, and ultimately voted on our very own design language. See the model of Benchmark's own design language and process here.
Executive Function Skills in Innovation
Project-based learning affords every student opportunities to strengthen their executive function skills.
In our younger classes, we practice the skills of sustaining attention, flexibility, starting tasks, remembering directions and next steps, and managing responses and emotions. These are all vital skills for working through project developments, and we support students intentionally, using level-appropriate strategies and language.
As our students progress, we expand these skills to include organization, metacognition, planning and prioritizing, managing time, and sticking with goals.
Innovation slideshow
Innovation takes place across the school as well as inside the Innovation Labs.
Here, see Lower and Middle School students engaging in a variety of innovation and STEAM-related projects.
The Innovation Lab is full of inquiry, collaboration, and creativity.
Working in the Middle School iLab.
Hands-on learning helps ideas grow into real solutions.
Students are given the opportunity to use a number of different tools in the iLab.
All students have Innovation with Mr. Gerlach where he brings learning to life.
Innovation class in action as students design and create their own projects.
Students build and learn together using design thinking and project-based learning.
Students put their critical thinking skills to the test in the Lower School Innovation Lab.
Teachers use the iLab to bring learning to life through hands-on problem solving and creativity.
Safety first! Gloves on and ready to build.
Design, test, improve, repeat.
Students test rockets outside the Innovation Lab. 3...2...1...blastoff!
From idea to reality. Every project tells a story of creativy, problem-solving, and teamwork.
Future engineers at work.
Coding, building, and problem-solving in action!
From engineering challenges to creative design, STEAM Night sparks teamwork and innovation.
STEAM + Families = A night of discovery and fun.
Students are creating a city using recylced materials in the Innovation Lab.
From brainstorming to construction, our young architects are making forts that stand tall.
Big ideas start with curiosity.
The iLab keeps campers curious, engaged, and ready to explore every day at Benchmark Camp.
Summer of Innovation starts here!
Building, experimenting, and discovering - summer style!
Benchmark Quest
Benchmark Quest is a learning experience using design thinking to address a real-world, personally meaningful problem. Students gain knowledge and skills by working for an extended period of time to investigate and respond to an authentic, engaging, and complex question, problem, or challenge.
Learn more about Benchmark Quest.
