Courses

GCAD’s collaborative workspaces foster interdisciplinary projects that require experimental, hands-on work and encourage the use of design thinking to capitalize on soft skills like imagination, creativity, and empathy while increasing knowledge of design principles and fabrication techniques. By providing students with cutting-edge tools, state-of-the art technology, and the support they need to become creative problem solvers, GCAD reflects Lawrenceville’s commitment to STEAM education for ALL students.

Sample Courses

IN515 — A Hero’s Journey: Lewis and Clark

The Lewis and Clark Expedition offers us a real-life mythical tale full of adventure and danger as Meriwether Lewis and William Clark lead their ‘Corps of Discovery’ through the American West from 1804-1806. You’ll relive their experience in the Northern Great Plains, the badlands of the Dakotas/Montana, the rugged Rocky Mountains, and the Columbia River basin in the Pacific Northwest — and back — as you track their progress and consider the multiple primary source journals that have been preserved, full of detail and emotion that comes alive through their work.

We’ll study this important expedition through the explorers’ and the Native Americans’ lens as this American epic comes alive through the fascinating and accessible academic research along with their incredible journal documentation. We’ll study the Corps’ contributions to science as they classify and catalogue new species while collecting scientific data daily as they search for a navigable route to the Pacific.

You’ll have a parallel historical experience as we set forth to build our own canoe and paddles — by hand — in the newly expanded Gruss Art Center to better understand the art and science of the North American canoe on this expedition, both in form, structure, and as Native American expressions of cultural identity. This epic journey will capture your imagination as you reconsider what you knew about Native American culture, the natural history or the West, and how a scientific body of knowledge comes to fruition. This three-dimensional, interdisciplinary course will draw on the history, science, and visual arts disciplines so you can learn, ‘remake,’ and appreciate this piece of classic Americana in the epic tale of adventure of Lewis and Clark.

You’ll leave the course with a deep understanding of the early 19th century west, a love of natural history, knowledge of the scientific discoveries of the Corp — and the experience of crafting a canoe and using it in a traditional style!

Grants: Honors Interdisciplinary; 2IN/2HI Cr.

Terms: T2 and T3

Forms: V (IV Form only with permission of instructor)

IN568 — Design for Social Change

Design-thinking is a user-oriented process that utilizes concepts found in both art and engineering to develop solutions that have the potential to impact individuals, communities, and societies. In Design for Social Change, students take on the role of design-thinkers, identifying and solving problems through a discrete process that includes deep observation, imagination, creativity, prototyping, and iteration. Focused on the intersection of art and engineering, we examine the foundational concepts of both fields and consider design-thinking as the domain where these two disciplines overlap. As students learn how to solve problems through design and work on projects relevant to our community, they engage in discourse on the potential of solving real-world problems with an interdisciplinary approach.

In the past, projects have ranged from improving campus dining services, redesigning and repurposing what we recycle in our community, creating new learning environments in our classrooms, strengthening student involvement and participation in school events and traditions, and implementing lasting programs that impact all areas of student life, including social life, arts, athletics, academics and the house system. Additionally, students read and discuss Change by Design by Tim Brown, a leader in the design-thinking movement. Projects range from collaborative enterprises designed by small student groups, as well as individual inventions and interactive presentations, whose goals are to implement designed solutions to make a short or long-term impact on our community.

Students are eligible if they have completed their graduation requirement for the arts in any of the three arts disciplines.
Grants: Honors Interdisciplinary; 1 Interdisciplinary Credit
Terms: T1; Forms: IV or V
Prereqs: Completion of Arts Requirement

SC563 — Projects in Engineering

This course applies the principles learned in SC562. Students will work in small groups to propose a term-long engineering project of their own design, and then spend the majority of the course working to accomplish their goals. The nature of this course focuses on group collaboration and requires self-motivation.

Past projects include an EKG machine that vibrates when your pulse falls below a threshold value, an aeroponics system that adjusts its misting schedule based on the temperature in the air, a laser harp that plays different notes when a laser beam is blocked, and a tank that shoots a projectile whenever it sees a target of a certain color.

Grants: Honors NCAA

Term: T3

Forms: IV or V

Prereqs: SC562 and Department Approval

VA200 — Foundations of Art 1

This two-term course introduces students to the principles and processes employed by visual artists. The overarching emphasis will be on seeing clearly and creating interesting visual solutions to specific challenges. Course units in the first term will include: The Creative Process, Line, Volume, Perspective, and Color. Through critique and revision ideas will be refined and improved. Everyone can make images; the goal of the course will be to refine that process in order to make more informed decisions.

Work in this class is foundational in nature and it will inform all aspects of a student’s education, especially in areas that require design, planning, analysis of results and creative thinking. The second term will focus on the development of drawing skills.

This course is a prerequisite for all other electives within the department.

A $50 fee will be applied to cover course materials.

Terms: T2 and T3

Form: II

VA300 — Foundations of Art

This single term course is similar to VA200 and is available to III, IV, and V Form; it introduces students to the principles and processes employed by visual artists. The overarching emphasis will be on seeing clearly and creating interesting visual solutions to specific challenges. Course units will include: The Creative Process, Line, Volume, Perspective, and Color. Through critique and revision ideas will be refined and improved. Everyone can make images; the goal of the course will be to refine that process in order to make more informed decisions.

Work in this class is foundational in nature and it will inform all aspects of a student’s education, especially in areas that require design, planning, analysis of results and creative thinking.

This course is a prerequisite for all other electives within the department.

A $50 fee will be applied to cover course materials.

Terms: T1 or T2 or T3

Forms: III or IV or V

VA 301 — Drawing

This course will teach you how to see with greater depth and clarity than you might imagine. Students will be introduced to observation-based techniques in order to create illusionistic, realistic drawings. By the end of the term students will have generated several portfolio quality drawings and be prepared for more advanced work within the department

Drawing serves as a prerequisite for painting.

A $30 fee will be applied to cover course materials.

Terms: T1 or T2 or T3

Forms: III or IV or V

Prereqs: VA200 or VA300

VA303 — Video Journalism

Video Journalism combines the skill of capturing a moment, with that of visual storytelling. It is about effective communication and the crafting of stories worth sharing. Early classes will focus on composition skills with close consideration for what it takes to create shots that are impactful. Storytelling will be explored in detail through the use of storyboarding — the development of ideas through brainstorming and discussion. As foundational skills fall into place, we will begin development of shooting and editing skills and learn about the powerful digital tools that can transform an idea into a finished video.

Students will develop an understanding for the importance of rhythm and pacing as they get hands on with professional editing software Adobe Premiere and iMovie. Studio shooting and green screen use will be explored. Students will embed themselves in the study of video journalism and learn just what it takes to find and craft a story. At the end of the course, each student will have produced a series of high-quality video edits that relate directly to their Lawrenceville experience. The content they create will be broadcast in our highly popular video news show.

Terms: T1 or T2 or T3

Forms: III or IV or V

Prereqs: VA200 or VA300

VA304 — Technical Design/Digital Fabrication

This course is an introduction to designing and building with digital fabrication technologies. Through a series of hands-on design-based projects, students will learn the process of taking an original design idea from concept to finished artifact. Essential to the successful completion of any project is an understanding of Design Thinking methodology and the ability to communicate ideas graphically. Students study the various steps involved in the development of a design from conceptualization to presentation. They learn how to communicate graphically by studying computer-aided drafting and 3D computer modeling, which, in turn, enables them to generate the data necessary to run the digital fabrication equipment.

Individual research and writing will be used as cognitive tools to strengthen concepts and develop critical thinking skills. Working with a variety of media, students will gain an understanding of materials and building techniques.

A $30 lab fee will be applied to cover course materials.

Terms: T1 or T2 or T3

Forms: III or IV or V

Prereqs: VA200 or VA300

VA401 — Painting

Painting, an introduction to the properties of paint as a means of visual communication through landscape and still life; this course will emphasize working from observation in natural light and requires previous acquisition of drawing skills. Most of the work will be done in oil-based alkyd paints but other media will be explored.

A $50 fee will be applied to cover course materials.

Terms: T1 or T2 or T3

Forms: III or IV or V

Prereqs: VA200 or VA300 AND VA301 (or Department Approval)

VA410 — Architecture

VA412 — Ceramics 1

This course explores design solutions in clay. Students will be introduced to throwing on the wheel, glazing, surface design and the art of raku firing. The development of skills as well as a creative voice will be emphasized. Contemporary as well as historic examples of ceramic design will be studied in order to more fully understand the rich heritage of this storied medium.

A $50 fee will be applied to cover course materials

Terms: T1 or T2 or T3

Forms: IV or V

Prereqs: VA301 or VA302

VA414 — Photography 1

This course will introduce students to the power of images. An introduction to the history of photography and the deep reservoir of images that permeates our lives and informs all images that we make will empower students to make stronger images on their own. Learning to use the camera and the print to manipulate and communicate will be the primary focus of the course.

No previous experience is expected other than our foundation course. Most images will be stored electronically; Power Point presentations and final digital prints will serve as springboards for critique.

A lab fee will be charged to subsidize the paper/ink/cameras provided by the department.

Terms: T1 or T2 or T3

Forms: IV or V

Prereqs: VA301, VA302, or VA303

VA422 — Ceramics 2

VA501 — Advanced Studio

This course is for serious and self-motivated art students who have moved through our elective offerings and/or are interested in preparing an advanced placement portfolio for submission in May. Various media will be explored. Must meet prerequisites and complete at least two other electives in the Visual Arts department.

A $50 fee will be applied to cover course materials.

Grants: Honors

Terms: All

Forms: IV or V

Prereqs: VA200 or VA300 and two other studio courses. Department permission also required.

VA520 — Advanced Technical Design/Digital Fabrication

In this advanced class students work more independently. Working with a variety of media, they gain an understanding of materials and building techniques as they take an original design idea of their own choice from concept to finished artifact. Through the use of Design Thinking and a wide range of tools and machinery, they learn how to become makers in the 21 st century. Students study in greater depth the various steps involved in the development of a design from conceptualization to completion, expand their ability to communicate graphically by improving their computer-aided drafting and 3D modeling skills, and learn to build scale models and mockups. Additional topics covered include 3D-printing, laser cutting, CNC machining, open-source electronics, and basic woodworking. Experimentation with a variety of materials, including metal and plastic, is encouraged in this course. Individual research and writing are used as cognitive tools to strengthen concepts and develop critical thinking skills.

A $30 lab fee will be applied to cover course materials.

Terms: T1 or T2 or T3

Forms: III or IV or V

Prereqs: VA200 AND VA201 or VA302

Sample Workshops

Build a Square Cherry Shaker Table

Table Workshop Dates

Sundays
1:00pm - 3:00pm

March 29*

April 5*

April 19*

April 26*

May 3

May 10

May 17

May 24

This workshop offers an introduction to the construction principles used in fine woodworking. Through the use of a wide range of tools and machinery, you will build a cherry, Shaker-style end table with a drawer. As we go through the process of taking lumber-in-the-rough to finished, dimensioned parts, you will learn the proper use of stationary power equipment including the table saw, jointer, planer, miter saw, band saw, and slot mortiser. In addition to learning basic joinery techniques, you will be taught how to sand, assemble, and finish your table. Completion of this workshop and successful passing of a safety test will give you a working knowledge of the tools and techniques necessary to continue using the GCAD Wood Shop.

The following will be covered during the course of the workshop:

Taking lumber-in-the-rough to finished, dimensioned parts
Drawer construction and fitting
Solid wood tabletop construction
Loose mortise-and-tenon, miter, and lock joint joinery

For safety reasons, and to keep the pace in the Wood Shop flowing at a reasonable rate, this workshop will be capped at eight participants who will need to commit to attending the first four 2-hour sessions (*) where we will work collectively to mill up the parts. From there, participants will be able to work more independently to finish up the project.

Build a Solid Wood Frame

Workshop 1

Fridays

March 27, 6pm - 8 pm

April 3, 6pm - 8pm

April 17, 6pm - 8pm

April 24, 6pm - 9pm

Workshop 2

Fridays

May 1, 6pm - 8pm

May 8, 6pm - 8pm

May 15, 6pm - 8pm

May 22, 6pm - 9pm

This workshop offers an introduction to the construction principles used in fine woodworking. Through the use of a wide range of tools and machinery, you will build a solid wood frame. As we go through the process of taking lumber-in-the-rough to finished, dimensioned parts, you will learn the proper use of stationary power equipment including the table saw, jointer, planer, miter saw, and band saw. In addition to learning how to assemble wood parts using a miter joint, you will be taught how to sand, assemble, and finish your frame. You may customize the face of your frame through the use of a traditional, solid wood inlay technique or by creating your own design and etching it onto the surface of the wood using the laser cutter. Completion of this workshop and successful passing of a safety test will give you a working knowledge of the tools and techniques necessary to continue using the GCAD Wood Shop.

The following will be covered during the course of the workshop:

Taking lumber-in-the-rough to finished, dimensioned parts
Drawer construction and fitting
Solid wood tabletop construction
Loose mortise-and-tenon, miter, and lock-joint joinery
Traditional solid wood inlay
Optional: basics of Rhino 3D software and how to use the laser cutter

For safety reasons, and to keep the pace in the wood shop flowing at a reasonable rate, this workshop will be capped at eight participants who will need to commit to attending the first three 2-hour sessions to learn how to use the tools and machinery, the milling process, and fabrication techniques. From there, if a participant chooses the traditional inlay technique, he/she can finish up in one more 2-hour session or on his/her own. If a participant chooses to etch his/her own design using the laser cutter, he/she will need to complete the 3-hour session to learn the basics of Rhino 3D software and how to use the laser cutter. He/she would then work independently to create a design; schedule with me to use the laser cutter; and edge, sand, and finish the frame.

Rough to Smooth: Using the Band Saw, Jointer, Planer, Miter Saw, and Sanders

Tool Training Workshop

Dates TBD

This workshop covers the safe operation of tools and techniques used to take lumber-in-the-rough to finished, dimensioned parts. While the band saw, jointer, planer, and miter saw are used to make flat and straight rectilinear parts, curved shapes are created using the disc sander, spindle sander, and edge sander. Completion of this workshop and successful passing of a safety test will give faculty and students a working knowledge of the tools and techniques necessary to use the GCAD Wood Shop.

Skill Development:

Working knowledge of the safe use of power equipment
Understanding of blade rotation and directional forces involved in machining wood
Understanding of wood grain direction and how to orient the board to the machines
Safe use of hand-held jig saw to cut rough lumber
Safe use of the band saw to make rip cuts and curve cuts
Safe use of the jointer to smooth and flatten boards
Safe use of the planer to create a second flat and parallel face
Safe use of the compound sliding miter saw to make accurate cross cuts and miters
Safe use of the sanders to finish off edges

No Kickback: Using the Table Saw

Tool Training Workshop

Dates TBD

Through hands-on instruction, you will gain a solid understanding of how to use the table saw safely to cut parts accurately. While being guided through the techniques used to safely rip and crosscut materials, you will learn about the SawStop safety features, correct blade selection, and how to change the saw blade. In addition, you will become familiar with the machining properties of a variety of different types of materials (solid wood, MDF, plywood, acrylic, cardboard, and foam board) and learn the process of using stacked dado blades to create saw kerf dados and rabbets.

Skill Development:

Safe use of the table saw to make accurate cross cuts, rip cuts, and miters
Understanding of blade rotation and directional forces involved in machining wood
Understanding of wood grain direction and how to rip and crosscut solid wood
Understanding of the properties of different types of materials
Understanding of the proper use of the SawStop safety features
Safe use of the stacked dado blade set

See what else is happening at GCAD