Makerspaces

Take a look at these student videos! HOW cool! I am inspired!

"Friday afternoon has become a time that we covet and dream about.  Rather than dreading the last period on the last day of the work week, all of us anxiously await the time set aside to create and make.  Maker Time on Fridays is something we have all come to celebrate.  Students come some weeks with a solid plan of what they will craft and formulate, others weeks it has a more 'fly by the seat of your pants' adventure feel. "

Create your own fabric, wallpaper, decals, gift warp with Spoonflower

""There is no one-size fits all model, no two Makerspaces should be the same. It should reflect the needs, wants, and ability of the students," explained Fleming. Fleming stresses the importance of creating a Makerspace that fits the environment. The students must be an integral part of the process so they can take ownership of the space and want to be a part of it."

"Is It Project-Based Learning, Maker Education or Just Projects?"

I love that they point out the need to understand the skill. PBL and Making is very time consuming, and requires so much investment. I think a lot of people have been left with a bad taste due to expectations that weren't met. Wondering how we can create a system that translates what these are, and how they might look in any class.... Wanting people to see these two learning methods in a positive way, and as something they can master.

How can we create a "maker camp" as after-school program in SBISD?

Great question. I plan on meeting with Claydon next Friday, and am trying to rope in one other person. I think if we had a defined plan, Adami would be on board for an after school program. However, would be nice to find a way to get Duncan on board. What are your thoughts???

P.S.-I did email Makeredu about being a host campus.

"For those interested in an introduction to Makerspaces in school and public libraries, there is a 2-3 hour professional development learning experience called a QuickMOOC that costs $10.00 and can be signed up at http://lmcsource.com"

"Students have read library books on countries, they have studied maps, they have created impromptu map quizzes, and yes, they have even created presentations.  The learning that has happened has been tangible as kids ask questions about the broader world, about their place in it.  When I asked them what they thought, the response was overwhelming; "We love it, Mrs. Ripp.  Please don't change it.  What will we focus on next?""

"A group of junior high and high school students in Cambridge, Mass., are part of an experimental education program that aims to prove they're capable of solving real-world problems early with the help of 3D printers, Arduino and group collaboration."