Innovation & Design Department

Innovation & Design is a mindset that encompasses every aspect of life at TMI. It is an approach to learning and serving, reflected in our Episcopal roots, that develops academically-prepared and empathetic leaders to their fullest potential. Both innovation and design focus on using Design Thinking and Human-Centered Design in an interdisciplinary environment to push our students to create and learn through experience and inquiry. These practices give students a framework for learning, innovating, creating, and solving current, real-world problems while being centered on empathy, service, and reverence.

Students receive an immersive introduction to innovation and design thinking through the Introduction to Innovation & Design courses and Middle School robotics. Courses are available for every grade level and the advanced Innovation & Design courses give students the opportunity to use what they’ve learned to achieve design goals that impact TMI and the surrounding communities. All courses within the department are designed to help create leaders who are learning, creating, and ideating with a human-centered perspective.

The Walker Innovation Center
Completed in October 2020, the Walker Innovation Center is an 8,000 square-foot space that includes a fab-lab maker space, idea labs, a dedicated robotics room, AR/VR lab, and a sound and broadcasting space. The Walker Innovation Center is under the direction of our director of innovation and is available to all faculty to use for stand-alone projects or to facilitate the ongoing integration of design thinking and project-based learning in an effort to instill in our students the benefits of real-world problem solving.

Innovation and Design

  • 6th Grade Robotics - Q1

    6th Grade Robotics is an introductory course in robotics, programming, and mechanical engineering. We will be utilizing Lego Mindstorm kits, Mindstorm Software and various Lego Robotics materials. Lessons will be taught using the FLL competition and curriculum framework.
    The objective of this course is to introduce the student to basic programming, hands-on engineering applications, as well as problem solving strategies using the Innovation and Design Mindset. This course will involve students in the development, building and programming of a LEGO Mindstorm robot. Students will work hands-on in teams to design, build, program, and document their progress. Topics may include motor control, gear ratios, torque, friction, sensors, timing, program loops, logic gates, decision-making, timing sequences, and propulsion systems.

  • 6th Grade Robotics - Q2

    6th Grade Robotics is an introductory course in robotics, programming, and mechanical engineering. We will be utilizing Lego Mindstorm kits, Mindstorm Software and various Lego Robotics materials. Lessons will be taught using the FLL competition and curriculum framework.
    The objective of this course is to introduce the student to basic programming, hands-on engineering applications, as well as problem solving strategies using the Innovation and Design Mindset. This course will involve students in the development, building and programming of a LEGO Mindstorm robot. Students will work hands-on in teams to design, build, program, and document their progress. Topics may include motor control, gear ratios, torque, friction, sensors, timing, program loops, logic gates, decision-making, timing sequences, and propulsion systems.

  • 6th Grade Robotics - Q3

    6th Grade Robotics is an introductory course in robotics, programming, and mechanical engineering. We will be utilizing Lego Mindstorm kits, Mindstorm Software and various Lego Robotics materials. Lessons will be taught using the FLL competition and curriculum framework.
    The objective of this course is to introduce the student to basic programming, hands-on engineering applications, as well as problem solving strategies using the Innovation and Design Mindset. This course will involve students in the development, building and programming of a LEGO Mindstorm robot. Students will work hands-on in teams to design, build, program, and document their progress. Topics may include motor control, gear ratios, torque, friction, sensors, timing, program loops, logic gates, decision-making, timing sequences, and propulsion systems.

  • 6th Grade Robotics - Q4

    6th Grade Robotics is an introductory course in robotics, programming, and mechanical engineering. We will be utilizing Lego Mindstorm kits, Mindstorm Software and various Lego Robotics materials. Lessons will be taught using the FLL competition and curriculum framework.
    The objective of this course is to introduce the student to basic programming, hands-on engineering applications, as well as problem solving strategies using the Innovation and Design Mindset. This course will involve students in the development, building and programming of a LEGO Mindstorm robot. Students will work hands-on in teams to design, build, program, and document their progress. Topics may include motor control, gear ratios, torque, friction, sensors, timing, program loops, logic gates, decision-making, timing sequences, and propulsion systems.

  • 7th Grade Robotics - Q1

    7th Grade Robotics is an introductory course in robotics, programming, and mechanical engineering. We will be utilizing Spike Prime Robotics Kits, Spike Prime software, and various Lego Robotics materials. Lessons will be taught using the FLL competition and curriculum framework.
    The objective of this course is to introduce the student to basic programming, hands-on engineering applications, as well as problem solving strategies using the Innovation and Design Mindset. This course will involve students in the development, building and programming of a LEGO Mindstorm robot. Students will work hands-on in teams to design, build, program, and document their progress. Topics may include motor control, gear ratios, torque, friction, sensors, timing, program loops, logic gates, decision-making, timing sequences, and propulsion systems.

  • 7th Grade Robotics - Q2

    7th Grade Robotics is an introductory course in robotics, programming, and mechanical engineering. We will be utilizing Spike Prime Robotics Kits, Spike Prime software, and various Lego Robotics materials. Lessons will be taught using the FLL competition and curriculum framework.
    The objective of this course is to introduce the student to basic programming, hands-on engineering applications, as well as problem solving strategies using the Innovation and Design Mindset. This course will involve students in the development, building and programming of a LEGO Mindstorm robot. Students will work hands-on in teams to design, build, program, and document their progress. Topics may include motor control, gear ratios, torque, friction, sensors, timing, program loops, logic gates, decision-making, timing sequences, and propulsion systems.

  • 7th Grade Robotics - Q3

    7th Grade Robotics is an introductory course in robotics, programming, and mechanical engineering. We will be utilizing Spike Prime Robotics Kits, Spike Prime software, and various Lego Robotics materials. Lessons will be taught using the FLL competition and curriculum framework.
    The objective of this course is to introduce the student to basic programming, hands-on engineering applications, as well as problem solving strategies using the Innovation and Design Mindset. This course will involve students in the development, building and programming of a LEGO Mindstorm robot. Students will work hands-on in teams to design, build, program, and document their progress. Topics may include motor control, gear ratios, torque, friction, sensors, timing, program loops, logic gates, decision-making, timing sequences, and propulsion systems.

  • 7th Grade Robotics - Q4

    7th Grade Robotics is an introductory course in robotics, programming, and mechanical engineering. We will be utilizing Spike Prime Robotics Kits, Spike Prime software, and various Lego Robotics materials. Lessons will be taught using the FLL competition and curriculum framework.
    The objective of this course is to introduce the student to basic programming, hands-on engineering applications, as well as problem solving strategies using the Innovation and Design Mindset. This course will involve students in the development, building and programming of a LEGO Mindstorm robot. Students will work hands-on in teams to design, build, program, and document their progress. Topics may include motor control, gear ratios, torque, friction, sensors, timing, program loops, logic gates, decision-making, timing sequences, and propulsion systems.

  • Innovation and Design Advanced

    Advanced Innovation and Design will take the core principals of Introduction to Innovation and Design (Innovation and Design I) and build upon them through project-based learning. Using the Stanford d.school philosophy of design thinking, Advanced Innovation and Design will use these principles along with technology to achieve design goals that impact TMI and the surrounding area.  
    Prerequisite: 1 semester of Innovation and Design I or Middle School Innovation and Design 

  • Innovation and Design Advanced - Spring

    Advanced Innovation and Design will take the core principals of Introduction to Innovation and Design (Innovation and Design I) and build upon them through project-based learning. Using the Stanford d.school philosophy of design thinking, Advanced Innovation and Design will use these principles along with technology to achieve design goals that impact TMI and the surrounding area.  
    Prerequisite: 1 semester of Innovation and Design I or Middle School Innovation and Design 

  • Introduction to Innovation and Design

    Introduction to Innovation and Design provides an overview of design thinking to help students develop a systemic approach to creative problem-solving. This highly interactive class will expand thinking and tap into student curiosity, allowing them to create, test and re-create innovative solutions to a vast array of real-world problems, ultimately sharing their creations with an authentic audience. Students will practice skills like creativity, adaptive thinking, decision making, new media literacy, and empathy. The principles of design thinking can be applied to the humanities and the sciences, and emphasize interdisciplinary connections. This project-based course is open to all students in grades 9-12. 

  • Introduction to Innovation and Design - Fall

    Introduction to Innovation and Design provides an overview of design thinking to help students develop a systemic approach to creative problem-solving. This highly interactive class will expand thinking and tap into student curiosity, allowing them to create, test and re-create innovative solutions to a vast array of real-world problems, ultimately sharing their creations with an authentic audience. Students will practice skills like creativity, adaptive thinking, decision making, new media literacy, and empathy. The principles of design thinking can be applied to the humanities and the sciences, and emphasize interdisciplinary connections. This project-based course is open to all students in grades 9-12. 

  • Introduction to Innovation and Design - MS - Fall

    Students deepen their understanding of human-centered problem-solving skills through Design Thinking. Through projects and explorations, they engage in ideating and prototyping solutions for real-world challenges that grow empathy for their users while strengthening project management skills. This interdisciplinary course incorporates elements of science, technology, engineering, arts and math, and contemporary and interdisciplinary learning.
     

  • Introduction to Innovation and Design - MS - Spring

    Students deepen their understanding of human-centered problem-solving skills through Design Thinking. Through projects and explorations, they engage in ideating and prototyping solutions for real-world challenges that grow empathy for their users while strengthening project management skills. This interdisciplinary course incorporates elements of science, technology, engineering, arts and math, and contemporary and interdisciplinary learning.
     

  • Introduction to Innovation and Design - Spring

    Introduction to Innovation and Design provides an overview of design thinking to help students develop a systemic approach to creative problem-solving. This highly interactive class will expand thinking and tap into student curiosity, allowing them to create, test and re-create innovative solutions to a vast array of real-world problems, ultimately sharing their creations with an authentic audience. Students will practice skills like creativity, adaptive thinking, decision making, new media literacy, and empathy. The principles of design thinking can be applied to the humanities and the sciences, and emphasize interdisciplinary connections. This project-based course is open to all students in grades 9-12. 

  • Introduction to Mechanical Engineering

    Introduction to Engineering Design (IED) is a high school engineering course in the PLTW Engineering Program. In IED, students explore engineering tools and apply a common approach to the solution of engineering problems, an engineering design process. Utilizing the activity-project-problem-based (APB) teaching and learning pedagogy, students progress from completing structured activities to solving open-ended projects and problems that require them to plan, document, communicate, and develop other professional skills. 
     
    Through both individual and collaborative team activities, projects, and problems, students apply systems thinking and consider various aspects of engineering design including material selection, human-centered design, manufacturability, assimilability and sustainability. Students develop skills in technical representation and documentation especially through 3D computer modeling using a Computer Aided Design (CAD) application. As part of the design process, students produce precise 3D-printed engineering prototypes using an additive manufacturing process. Student-developed testing protocols drive decision-making and iterative design improvements. 
     
    To inform design and problem solutions addressed in IED, students apply computational methods to inform design by developing algorithms, performing statistical analyses, and developing mathematical models. Students build competency in professional engineering practices including project management, peer review, and environmental impact analysis as part of a collaborative design team. Ethical issues related to professional practice and product development are also presented.  

    prereq: Intro to I&D

  • Principles of Mechanical Engineering

    Principles of Engineering (POE) is a foundation course of the high school engineering pathway. This survey course exposes students to some of the major concepts that they will encounter in a postsecondary engineering course of study. Through problems that engage and challenge, students explore a broad range of engineering topics, including mechanisms, the strength of materials and structures, automation, and kinematics. The course applies and concurrently develops secondary level knowledge and skills in mathematics, science, and technology.
     
    Students have the opportunity to develop skills and understanding of course concepts through activity-, project-, and problem-based (APB) learning. By solving rigorous and relevant design problems using engineering and science concepts within a collaborative learning environment, APB learning challenges students to continually hone their interpersonal skills, creative abilities, and problem solving skills. Students will also learn how to document their work and communicate their solutions to their peers and members of the professional community. It also allows students to develop strategies to enable and direct their own learning, which is the ultimate goal of education.   
     
    prereq: Intro to Mech Engineering

  • Project Mgmt. & Human-Centered Design

    In this course, students will become familiar with different ways of exercising leadership, their own strengths and weaknesses, and how they can best work with others in a leadership context. They will learn and apply leadership skills in a hands-on practical way that encourages them to challenge their own beliefs and assumptions about what constitutes leadership. This course offers a comprehensive review of contemporary issues and perspectives on leadership, including multidisciplinary and systems-oriented approaches as well as classic theory, moving to the examination of evolving contemporary beliefs. The emphasis is on the application of concepts in actual leadership settings and situations. Topics include the development of leadership theories,
    personal assessment and development, values and ethics, motivation, power, followership, group dynamics, multiculturalism in leadership, conflict resolution, performance excellence, and the change process. Through a process of readings, self-discovery, group observations, and case studies, the student will identify, observe, analyze, and apply new leadership behaviors. This course is based on the premise that each student will face a variety of leadership challenges in life. How these challenges are met, whether as a formal leader or a member of a team, can have a significant impact on an organization and on one's career. Learning more about leadership will help every student meet their leadership challenges. The methodology followed by this course will be one of knowledge acquisition, practice, and reflection. The learning objectives are designed to give you insights into leadership theory and how it applies in real-world contexts. Specifically, you will improve and address your skills in key areas of leadership, including change and innovation, reflection, collaboration, communication, conflict, and multicultural awareness.
     

  • Project Mgmt. & Human-Centered Design - Fall

    In this course, students will become familiar with different ways of exercising leadership, their own strengths and weaknesses, and how they can best work with others in a leadership context. They will learn and apply leadership skills in a hands-on practical way that encourages them to challenge their own beliefs and assumptions about what constitutes leadership. This course offers a comprehensive review of contemporary issues and perspectives on leadership, including multidisciplinary and systems-oriented approaches as well as classic theory, moving to the examination of evolving contemporary beliefs. The emphasis is on the application of concepts in actual leadership settings and situations. Topics include the development of leadership theories,
    personal assessment and development, values and ethics, motivation, power, followership, group dynamics, multiculturalism in leadership, conflict resolution, performance excellence, and the change process. Through a process of readings, self-discovery, group observations, and case studies, the student will identify, observe, analyze, and apply new leadership behaviors. This course is based on the premise that each student will face a variety of leadership challenges in life. How these challenges are met, whether as a formal leader or a member of a team, can have a significant impact on an organization and on one's career. Learning more about leadership will help every student meet their leadership challenges. The methodology followed by this course will be one of knowledge acquisition, practice, and reflection. The learning objectives are designed to give you insights into leadership theory and how it applies in real-world contexts. Specifically, you will improve and address your skills in key areas of leadership, including change and innovation, reflection, collaboration, communication, conflict, and multicultural awareness.

  • Project Mgmt. & Human-Centered Design - Spring

    In this course, students will become familiar with different ways of exercising leadership, their own strengths and weaknesses, and how they can best work with others in a leadership context. They will learn and apply leadership skills in a hands-on practical way that encourages them to challenge their own beliefs and assumptions about what constitutes leadership. This course offers a comprehensive review of contemporary issues and perspectives on leadership, including multidisciplinary and systems-oriented approaches as well as classic theory, moving to the examination of evolving contemporary beliefs. The emphasis is on the application of concepts in actual leadership settings and situations. Topics include the development of leadership theories,
    personal assessment and development, values and ethics, motivation, power, followership, group dynamics, multiculturalism in leadership, conflict resolution, performance excellence, and the change process. Through a process of readings, self-discovery, group observations, and case studies, the student will identify, observe, analyze, and apply new leadership behaviors. This course is based on the premise that each student will face a variety of leadership challenges in life. How these challenges are met, whether as a formal leader or a member of a team, can have a significant impact on an organization and on one's career. Learning more about leadership will help every student meet their leadership challenges. The methodology followed by this course will be one of knowledge acquisition, practice, and reflection. The learning objectives are designed to give you insights into leadership theory and how it applies in real-world contexts. Specifically, you will improve and address your skills in key areas of leadership, including change and innovation, reflection, collaboration, communication, conflict, and multicultural awareness.

Departments

Department Faculty

MISSION: TMI provides an exceptional education with values based on the teachings of Jesus Christ that challenge motivated students to develop their full potential in service and leadership.

NOTICE OF NONDISCRIMINATORY POLICY AS TO STUDENTS
TMI Episcopal admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin, sex, religion, and physical ability to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. The school does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin, sex, religion, and physical ability in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and financial aid programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs.
TMI Episcopal
20955 W. Tejas Trail
San Antonio TX 78257
phone (210) 698-7171
fax (210) 698-0715