Design and Innovation

La Jolla Country Day School’s Design & Innovation Program challenges students to identify and analyze real-world problems and design innovative solutions to effect positive change in the world.

In the Upper School, students choose their own pathway through our entrepreneurship, engineering, and computer science courses, progressing from introductory classes to honors and, potentially, to Advanced Studies. Depending on the student’s focus, they might start their own business, have a project manufactured overseas, complete a research poster, or submit their ideas to national competitions.

All of the courses blend theoretical knowledge with applied skills and creative thinking. Students learn in studio-style settings where they share knowledge, collaborate, and direct their own learning. This approach results in authentic work, a background in advocacy, and a strong sense of student agency.

 

  • Advanced Studies Applied Engineering

    2 semesters, 1 credit 
    Prerequisite: Applied Engineering (Honors) and instructor approval

    The goal of this course is to challenge students with advanced projects in various engineering specializations. Through independent projects and presentations, students will have opportunities to explore, test, and iterate. Subject units could include material science and civil, electrical, biomedical, chemical, environmental, mechanical, and aeronautical engineering. Students will demonstrate their aptitude through research presentations on real-world engineering problems and by integrating learned concepts into original prototype devices to solve these problems. Rubrics with clear design specifications will be used to assess student presentations and devices.

  • Advanced Studies Design to Entrepreneurship

    2 semesters, 1 credit 
    Prerequisite: Instructor Approval and Design to Entrepreneurship (Honors)

    This advanced studio course is designed to give students the time and resources to create powerful, innovative solutions to 21st-century problems. The course comprises one or multiple long-term projects of the student’s choosing. As a studio class meeting with the Advanced Studies Innovation Tech Studio class, students will work independently and share their progress with the class each week. Students are expected to compete in design competitions and serve as mentors and ambassadors for the Design & Innovation program.

  • Advanced Studies Innovation Technology Studio

    2 semesters, 1 credit
    Prerequisite: Instructor approval and Innovation Technology Studio (Honors)

    This advanced studio course is designed to give students the time and resources to create powerful, innovative solutions to 21st-century problems. The course comprises one or multiple long-term projects of the student’s choosing. As a studio class meeting with the Advanced Studies Design to Entrepreneurship class, students work independently and share their progress with the class each week. Students are expected to compete in design competitions and serve as mentors and ambassadors for the Design & Innovation program. Discussion on special topics in technology (diversity in tech, cognitive factors, accessibility, and student topics TBD) will occur every few weeks.  

  • Applied Engineering

    2 semesters, 1 credit
    Prerequisite: None

    In this hands-on class, students will apply concepts to projects related to various engineering disciplines. Units in environmental engineering will tackle the locally important topic of wastewater treatment; electrical engineering will focus on advanced circuits and custom PCBs to create novel products; mechanical engineering will explore modern robotics; and musical engineering will use advanced techniques to create instruments such as electric guitars.

    Students will use the Innovation Lab's tools and equipment to create their projects as needed. Regardless of the unit, students will focus on precision, usability, and sound design. The last unit of the course will require students to pursue long-term independent projects focused on one of the course's areas.

     

  • Applied Engineering (Honors)

    2 semesters, 1 credit
    Prerequisite: Instructor approval

    In this hands-on class, students will apply concepts to projects related to various engineering disciplines. Units in environmental engineering will tackle the locally important topic of wastewater treatment; electrical engineering will focus on advanced circuits and custom PCBs to create novel products; mechanical engineering will explore topics in modern robotics; and musical engineering will use advanced techniques to create instruments such as electric guitars. 

    Students will use the Innovation Lab’s tools and equipment to create their projects as needed. Regardless of the unit, students will focus on precision, usability, and sound design. The last unit of the course will require students to pursue long-term independent projects focused on one of the course’s areas. 

    The Honors course has additional expectations. Students will be required to enter a national design contest, complete additional homework assignments, and pitch their final projects to the Torrey Explorers Fund.

  • Computer Science (Honors)

    2 semesters, 1 credit 
    Prerequisite: Instructor approval or completion of Introduction to Computer Science with teacher recommendation 

    This honors-level course is intended for advanced beginners and explores the foundations of computer science, with an emphasis on depth, complexity, and independent problem-solving. Students use Python to develop their programming skills, including advanced use of variables, conditionals, loops, functions, lists, and object-oriented programming concepts. Students apply these skills through real-world, open-ended projects such as interactive programs, simulations, games, and modeling. Additional focus is placed on algorithms, artificial intelligence, and ethical considerations in computing.

    Honors students receive challenge-based assignments for each project and are expected to work with a high degree of independence, including reading technical documentation, debugging complex code, and engaging in iterative development. Prior programming experience is not required, but students must successfully complete an honors project at the beginning of the year to demonstrate readiness for an accelerated course.

  • Design to Entrepreneurship

    2 semesters, 1 credit 
    Prerequisite: None

    This course teaches students a modern, human-centered design process and culminates in a long-term project ready for implementation beyond the school’s walls. Projects can range from a start-up company to an art installation to a community service project—the possibilities are endless. This process is based on modern design principles, supported by social science research, and is used by tech companies such as Uber, X (formerly Twitter), and Instagram. Students will first identify important 21st-century problems that are ripe for innovation by going out into the world and observing human behavior. They will have the option to work with this year’s partnered company on their project (previous partners have included CamelBak and Ottobock) and may travel to the company headquarters to present their final product to the design team. In addition to this project, there will be biweekly classes on special topics in design (diversity in technology, cognitive factors, accessibility, and student-selected topics) and on technical skill-building (2D/3D modeling and sensors). 

  • Design to Entrepreneurship (Honors)

    2 semesters, 1 credit 
    Prerequisite: Instructor Approval

    This course teaches students a modern, human-centered design process and culminates in a long-term project ready for implementation beyond the school’s walls. Projects can range from a start-up company to an art installation to a community service project—the possibilities are endless. This process is based on modern design principles, supported by social science research, and is used by tech companies such as Uber, X (formerly Twitter), and Instagram. Students will first identify important 21st-century problems that are ripe for innovation by going out into the world and observing human behavior. They will have the option to work with this year’s partnered company on their project (previous partners have included CamelBak and Ottobock) and may travel to the company headquarters to present their final product to the design team. In addition to this project, there will be biweekly classes on special topics in design (diversity in technology, cognitive factors, accessibility, and student-selected topics) and on technical skill-building (2D/3D modeling and sensors). 

    The Honors track will require more detailed proposal writing, a presentation to investors at the end of the year, and a variety of professional-level deliverables.

  • Innovation Technology Studio

    2 semesters, 1 credit
    Prerequisite: None 

    The goal of this course is for students to master modern technologies to create powerful, innovative solutions to 21st-century problems. Students will study wearable electronics, 3D modeling and printing, laser cutting, sensors and data, and human-computer interaction. The course will initially comprise several small student-driven projects that build essential skills, culminating in a long-term project of the student’s choice. This project will not only be fun and inspiring but will also solve a real-world problem identified through research. As a studio class, students will work independently and share their progress with the class each week. Discussion on special topics in technology (diversity in technology, cognitive factors, accessibility, and student topics TBD) will occur every few weeks.

  • Innovation Technology Studio (Honors)

    2 semesters, 1 credit
    Prerequisite: Instructor approval

    The goal of this course is for students to master modern technologies to create powerful, innovative solutions to 21st-century problems. Students will study wearable electronics, 3D modeling and printing, laser cutting, sensors and data, and human-computer interaction. The course will initially comprise several small student-driven projects that build essential skills, culminating in a long-term project of the student’s choice. This project will not only be fun and inspiring but will also solve a real-world problem identified through research. As a studio class, students will work independently and share their progress with the class each week. Discussion on special topics in technology (diversity in technology, cognitive factors, accessibility, and student topics TBD) will occur every few weeks.

    The Honors track will require more detailed proposal writing, a presentation to investors at the end of the year, and a variety of professional-level deliverables.

  • Introduction to Computer Science

    2 semesters, 1 credit
    Prerequisite: None

    This introductory course provides students with a broad foundation in computer science and computational thinking through hands-on, project-based learning. Students learn the fundamentals of programming using Python, including variables, conditionals, loops, functions, lists, and basic object-oriented programming. Emphasis is placed on problem-solving, logical thinking, debugging, and writing readable, well-structured code.

    Students apply these skills by creating interactive programs, simulations, and games and by exploring how computer science is used in real-world applications. The course also introduces topics such as algorithms, modeling, artificial intelligence, and ethical considerations in computing. No prior programming experience is required.

  • Materials Science and the History of Precision (Metalworking)

    2 semesters, 1 credit 
    Prerequisite: None

    This research-based course blends hands-on metalworking with an exploration of the historical evolution of precision craftsmanship. Students develop technical skills in forging, machining, and metallurgy while studying how advancements in precision engineering have shaped technology and society. Through practical projects, historical case studies, and metallurgical analysis, students gain a deep appreciation for both the artistry and scientific principles behind metalworking.

La Jolla Country Day School

9490 Genesee Avenue
La Jolla, CA 92037
858-453-3440

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