East innovation in action: developing an innovator's mindset

Go to the Innovation@East website, and it becomes clear that developing students into creative, innovative thinkers is an overarching goal of the programme. This year, we’d like to highlight two special projects that harnessed and developed that ‘Innovator’s Mindset’.

STAND-IN-OVATION

I really like design technology as a subject, and I wanted to learn more about 3D printing. I also play the violin and piano, so I wanted to combine my interests and take it into something new.”

– Camilla, Grade 8, Dover Campus

Stand-In-Ovation is a musical instrument design and 3D printing challenge, run in collaboration with Dyson, one of Innovation@East’s community partners. The challenge was open to all students across Dover and East, Grades 4 to 12. The project brief is (seemingly!) simple: design and fabricate a playable musical instrument! The prize? Besides a super cool instrument of their own design (and bragging rights), the winner would receive their own 3D design printer!

In preparation, Dyson engineers worked with UWCSEA students over the course of 4 workshop sessions in May 2023, to teach the art and science behind instrument design. East and Dover students learned - from an engineering and design perspective - what goes into the construction of different types of instruments, and how that affects pitch, tone, and sound development.

“I signed up for this as it gives me the space to think outside of the box, tinker, and have fun! I like jazz and I want to try to
mimic some of the sounds,” shared East G9 student Tanay as he excitedly thought about what was ahead. For Grade 12Dover scholar
Thao, her goal was simple: “I want to make a musical instrument before I leave UWCSEA!”

Not only is this a fascinating challenge, this project brings East and Dover students together in the space of Innovation, from different age groups and subject areas. Students who enjoy music, physics, mathematics, and/or design have the opportunity to share their knowledge across disciplines.

Students learn about the mathematical relationship to chords, how the vibration of air creates different sounds, and ultimately
how the materials instruments are made from matter. We look forward to reporting on the outcomes of this challenge early in the new school year. Good luck to all the student participants!