Taos Academy's State-of-the Art Media and Engineering Labs
Taos Academy strives to engage, motivate and empower learners. In order to build 21st century skills and to prepare our students to compete in a global economy, we offer two state-of-the-art computer labs.
Both curricula integrate technology education with core academic subjects in a unique project-based approach to learning. It empowers both teachers and students to develop and explore areas of personal interest – while conforming to state and national standards. Technology also functions as a learning tool. Students learn critical problem-solving skills in a multidisciplinary environment. They have numerous opportunities to apply principals of math, science, language arts and other academic disciplines in engaging, relevant ways. As they create and present portfolios of their work, they develop communication skills vital to scholastic and professional success.
The result is a powerful learning environment that engages learners of all abilities and opens new doors to academic and personal success.
Media Lab
Computer Graphics
In Computer Graphics, students explore areas such as graphic arts, image capture, photo processing and manipulation, animation and special effects. They learn to distinguish between, and effectively use, bitmap graphics (digital “painting”), and object-oriented graphics (computer-aided “drawing” or “CAD”) applications. As learners progress, they integrate computer graphics with other software applications to create advanced graphic and commercial art, websites and multimedia presentations. Computer graphics also serves as an important portfolio development tool for documenting projects and learning processes.
Publishing
This broad area of inquiry encompasses the capture and production of content in any single media, such as print, sound or electronic media. It includes word processing, presentations, and graphic representation of data or processes in the form of flowcharts, tables and graphs. It also includes the capture, production and presentation of single-media content such as audio, video and digital still images. Learners quickly progress from developing core competencies in these areas to the regular application of these tools to document their learning throughout the year.
Multimedia Design
In multimedia design, learners develop advanced communications skills through the integration of two or more media using technology-based tools. Students explore linear and interactive presentations and the applications for each. Learners progress from basic to more advanced software and production tools, creating dynamic video presentations, animated graphics, websites and interactive e-portfolios. As with all documentation and presentation applications in the media lab, the emphasis quickly shifts from developing necessary skills to the application of the technology for portfolio development and presentation of learning.
Music Production
Students will learn the basics for audio recording programs. Those interested in audio engineering, film audio, or digital music creation will have access to platforms and instruction needed in these fields. These applications combined with video and graphics from multimedia design will produce stunning portfolios, DVD’s, and resume pieces.
Engineering Lab
Science and Data Acquisition
In this system of technology, students collect experimental data using testing equipment and probeware, typically linked with a computer-controlled interface. Data is then analyzed to draw conclusions from experiments. Students engineer and test scale models and analyze materials and structure. Using chemical, physical and bioscience probeware, students collect and analyze experimental data to explore principals of science though hands-on, inquiry-based projects.
Robotics and Control Technology
In this area of study, mechanical processes are managed through automation control interfaces and learners design and program robotic systems to perform task-oriented challenges. Students explore logical programming and explore how sensors, electronic and computer controllers are used to manage complex mechanical processes. The concept of sense, decide, and act is introduced and students develop whole-systems perspectives.
Circuitry
The study of circuitry is explored through electricity, pneumatics and microelectronics. Students develop an understanding of the scientific and technological principles underlying each of these systems. With this foundation, students design complex systems utilizing each technology.
Computer Simulation
In this area of study, computer-based systems are used to model real-world systems and processes. Learners use software tools to explore cause-and-effect dynamics in complex systems. Computer simulation in the engineering lab spans such diverse subjects as the engineering of bridge systems, electronic and mechanical system design, economics and entrepreneurship, organizational, political and social systems, flight simulation, game design and scientific modeling.
Mechanics and Structures
In Mechanical Systems, learners create and study structures and machines. Hands-on learning engagements foster an understanding of simple and complex machines and structural physics.
