EC3 Design Center
"Our school philosophy matters: Grounded in the belief that the advancement of knowledge flows from open and rigorous inquiry, we cultivate the life of the mind and the whole person by connecting questions with exploration and discovery, theories with scrutiny, expression with art, and self with subject."From the OES Identity Statement
THINK. MAKE. MOVE.
The EC3 Design Center is a dynamic, collaborative hub for everyone on the OES campus. Designed with distinct MAKE, THINK, and MOVE spaces, the center supports and encourages the exploration of inquiry and project-based learning. These interconnected spaces support a continuous, iterative learning process that guides students through every phase of the inquiry cycle.
True learning happens when students feel safe to fail. In the EC3 Design Center, we celebrate every effort, cheering our students on, ensuring they always feel supported. Each idea, regardless of its success, is seen as a stepping stone, providing crucial insights that help them refine their approach. EC3 is not just a place for academic growth; it is a space where students build confidence as problem-solvers, embrace challenges, and cultivate a lifelong passion for learning and discovery.
Our Essential Competencies
A creative and collaborative hub for the OES campus, EC3 provides the space for the community to explore and extend classroom experiences, develop innovative approaches, model continual learning, and bring inquiry to life. EC3 is rooted in a commitment to student demonstration and leadership, creativity, and applied understanding through the OES inquiry cycle:
- Cultivate curiosity and creativity
- Construct a strong foundation of knowledge and skills
- Design and apply solutions
- Listen actively and recognize perspectives beyond one’s own
- Collaborate to broaden and deepen understanding
- Express ideas in multiple ways
- Build resilience and respond constructively to challenges
- Take responsibility for one’s actions
- Value diversity and uphold the dignity of all people
- Act with courage and compassion for self and others
EC3 Team
Director - EC3 Design Center
Cameron Jack
EC3 Operations Manager
Jam Mandeberg
US Visual Art / EC3 Teacher
Dustin Price
Director - Summer Programs / EC3 Teacher
Jesse Mojica Richmond
THINK
The THINK space is designed to encourage brainstorming and reflection—the ideal environment for building a plan before diving into action. This space is filled with collaboration between students of all ages and teachers who act as co-learners in conceptualizing.
The THINK space is revisited many times throughout the process. Learn from mistakes, study what went well, and discover how you can make your creation’s next version even better.
MAKE
The MAKE area fosters hands-on creation and prototyping. It is a dynamic environment where you can bring your ideas to life. This space is equipped with a variety of tools and materials, including 3D printers, woodworking equipment, crafting supplies, and a recording studio and media lab.
By providing a space where imagination meets craftsmanship, the MAKE area transforms creative visions into tangible innovations.
MOVE
The MOVE space facilitates physical expression and dynamic activities, providing students with an environment that supports movement, collaboration, and production. This space is home to some of the most impactful moments of inquiry.
In MOVE, students of all ages refine their craft and connect with audiences: rehearsing, filming interviews, taking photos, hosting karaoke, or performing at open mic nights.