Tice Creek’s 21st Century STEAM Classrooms

WCSD is grateful to the parents and community for the support and generosity in passing Measure D.  This $60 million local school bond is providing students with safe, 21st century learning environments by addressing critical renovation, modernization and safety needs at District schools including upgrades to classrooms, libraries and computer networks. Measure D funds will upgrade facilities, infrastructure and improve energy efficiency, in all Walnut Creek Schools. For Tice Creek School, upgrades include new classrooms for Upper School grades six through eight, a new multi-purpose room, and outdoor activity areas to serve these older grade levels

The first phase of the Tice Creek project concluded when students took occupancy of the six new classrooms on September 19, 2018. The planning and design of these spaces were done through a collaborative process which included district level master planning involving community input sessions, district steering committee, and school site committee. The final architectural plans were developed in partnership with Hibser Yamauchi Architects. Following is a description of the objectives and purposes of the design project as well as an overview of specific features within the classrooms which align with these objectives.

OVERALL LONG TERM OBJECTIVES

In forecasting the use of these learning spaces, the objective was to design a learning space which offers flexibility of use for a period of time up to 50 years. It is likely that the needs of these classroom spaces will change over time due to enrollment needs, learning objectives, or instructional methodologies. As such, the spaces were deliberately designed to offer as much flexibility as possible. For example, instead of designing specific classrooms to serve as Science Laboratories, with fixed height lab stations anchored to the ground space, each room was designed to be the same with the individual needs of the spaces being fulfilled with detached items and furniture. This prevents limitations if the space is needed for something different in a decade or so.  

SHORT TERM OBJECTIVES

In forecasting needs over the next ten years, the classroom spaces were designed to serve the needs of an integrated space where students learn content through cross-curricular projects. In addition, the spaces include features which allow them to serve as a “Makerspace” where projects which expand students’ understanding can be active and messy. The flexible set up allows a space to be utilized as an English class in one part of the day and Robotics or Design Studio at a different time. Classrooms can easily be reconfigured in a matter of moments, allowing different uses within a single class period. 

DESIGN OBJECTIVES

Identifying and recognizing the human factors that support student learning were referenced within the design process of these new learning spaces. In particular, thought was given to Biophilic Design features and Flexible Seating. These theories support the contention that students learn best when their physical space aligns with their senses, physical comfort, and connection with nature. As such, each classroom includes an outdoor learning space, varied seating, and overall mobility.

CLASSROOM DESIGN FEATURES

The six classrooms were built in pairs, with a retractable wall between the two adjacent rooms. This allows classroom spaces to double in size for larger groups as needed. When closed, the walls feature whiteboards on both sides.

Each classroom has ceilings that rise from a height of 11 feet on one end to 14 feet at the other. High windows across the top at both ends of the room allow for natural lighting along with a light tubes in the center of each ceiling and dimmer switches on the overhead lights. The outdoor classroom space is connected to the interior with two sets of double glass doors, allowing the outdoors to be visible even when the doors are closed.

The one wall of fixed cabinetry offers two sinks with drinking fountains and two sets of sliding whiteboards. Behind the whiteboards are shelves and conduit for future devices, such as monitors. This conduit allows for the future possibility of having five small group areas within the room with each small group having their own projection monitor which can cast individually or in unison with each other.

Each classroom has four pulldown electrical cords from the ceiling which can be used within a small group for power tools or other devices as needed.

The flooring is a green polished concrete, which allows for messes to be easily cleaned with a mop and water and provides a surface conducive to rolling furniture.

The color schemes of the classroom and furniture include subdued colors of nature and natural wood grains.

OUTDOOR LEARNING SPACE FEATURES

The outdoor learning spaces are considered an extension of the interior classroom. Paired classrooms connect outdoors for ease of collaboration. Concrete seating blocks of varied sizes are set in a configuration which allows students to gather for a presentation directed at a facilitator, or to spin around and quickly connect with a small group.

A stainless steel countertop across one end provides a messy workspace and includes a hose bib beneath for easy water access. In-ground planter spaces provide an opportunity for learning gardens and an interactive connection to nature for students.

FURNITURE FEATURES

Each classroom has a variety of furniture to fit the particular needs of the learning objectives. All items are on castors for ease of reconfiguration throughout a work day.

Each room has varied seating heights with standard sitting height desks, stool height desks, standing height desks, wobbly stools, and floor cushions for floor seating. All chairs are on castors and have spinning seats so students can easily turn to track the speaker regardless of where they are in the room. Students are encouraged to find the seating that works best for them in any given situation, building self-awareness of their learning needs and a sense of ownership of their learning.

Student workspaces include individual desks and waving two person tables. Individual desks can be set at different heights. Two person tables can easily accommodate four students if needed and can flip to a vertical position for ease of storage aside. These tables can nest together to create one large work surface when needed. Each room also contains a few portable personal tables which can easily be brought to the outdoor learning spaces or other areas around the classroom.

Bookshelves and cubbies are on castors and offer magnetic backing. The curved shape of the bookshelves allows for their use as low walls to create small group or more private workplaces. Multiple bookcases can be nestled together, or they can be dispersed around the room to create “zones.”

Soft stadium seating provides a “huddle” location where teachers can gather the class for direct instruction indoors.

Small group whiteboards hang on a rolling display and can be distributed to small groups for their work around the room or in the outdoor learning space.

NEXT STEPS: MPR AND OUTDOOR SPACES

The multipurpose room and upper school outdoor activity area is scheduled to be completed after the first of the year. A community Ribbon Cutting Ceremony will be planned when this phase is complete.