Exploring the Intersection of Science, Math, and Design at Vanderbilt’s FAB Lab
Twenty-five rising 10th graders at The School for Science and Math at Vanderbilt (SSMV), led by Menton Deweese, Rebekah Stanton, and Pam Popp, embarked on a unique educational adventure that combined fashion, design, and the science fiction world of Dune. Housed on the Peabody campus within the Collaborative for STEM Education and Outreach, SSMV offers a four-year interdisciplinary, research-centered learning experience for Metro Nashville Public Schools (MNPS) students. This summer the students dove into the world of fashion at the Wond’ry Fiber Arts Build Lab with a Dune-inspired twist, drawing inspiration from the recently released Dune films, adapted from Frank Herbert's novels.
The overarching goal of this project was to explore a variety of science and math topics through the lens of the Dune series. Students pondered intriguing questions such as: Are sand dunes the same shape as sine waves? Could the Dune sandworm exist in real life? How do organisms adapt to the harsh desert environment? What are stillsuits, and how do they relate to exoskeletons? Most importantly, could they construct one? These questions were explored from an interdisciplinary perspective, blending elements of STEM and creative design.
The Project Runway Design Challenge
Under the guidance of the FAB Lab team, Trieu Vy Truong and Alex Sargent Capps, students delved into costume design fundamentals. They learned about line, silhouette, color, and fabric types, as well as the difference between draping and flat patterning. This hands-on learning experience culminated in a Project Runway Design Challenge, where students worked in pairs to create half-scale paper costumes inspired by the epic world of Dune.
One student remarked, "The amount of thought, intuition, and perception that comes with fashion is mind-blowing. I think many underestimate careers and hobbies that are under the umbrella term of fashion."
The students' creativity and teamwork shone through in their innovative and dynamic designs. They embraced the freedom to explore design while integrating STEM concepts, such as how costumes must seamlessly blend form and function. Some costumes even turned into complex, engineered pieces of clothing, reflecting the students' ability to think critically and creatively.
Another student shared their experience, saying, "While making our own Dune-inspired costume, I got my own hands-on experience with the many challenges that Mrs. Sargent probably has had to face many, many times. It was refreshing to see everyone tune into their creative sides and use many STEM aspects like geometry without realizing.”
The Dune-inspired fashion project at SSMV not only provided students with a creative outlet but also reinforced the integration of STEM concepts into everyday activities. This interdisciplinary approach exemplifies the innovative learning experiences that SSMV strives to provide, preparing students for a future where science, math, and creativity intersect in exciting and unexpected ways.
