M is for Makerspace: A Place Where Students Design & Build
My students need materials to turn our science lab into a Makerspace, such as a styrofoam cutter for models, drafting tables for designing, and a shop vac to clean up!
Do you remember when you used to create things with your hands as a child? Wouldn't it be great for students to have the same opportunity today while also covering all of the standards and materials required by the school district?
My students attend an urban elementary school (K-8) in Pennsylvania.
They range in age from 5 to 15 years old and a number of them are creative beyond belief, but they lack a sufficient space to express themselves to their fullest potential. These are students who deserve to have a space where they can come for class, during lunch, and after school to express their creativity through designing, sketching, modeling, prototyping, and presenting ideas they have to their classmates. At a school where nearly 100% of students are economically disadvantaged, students do not have spaces like this at home, so it is important to me that I provide it for them in school. Having grown up with many opportunities to create with my hands, I know my students will benefit from this, creating interest in fields they would have otherwise had no exposure to, such as graphic design, architecture, engineering, or entrepreneurship.
My Project
My students will use the materials I am requesting in a number of ways. This will begin with the sketch books that each student will keep with them at all times, allowing them to jot down or draw any ideas they have. From there, they will use the drafting materials (tables, tracing paper, vellum, pencils, rulers, etc.) to create scaled drawings of their ideas. They will then use the Styrofoam, cutter, and foam core to create models and/or prototypes of their ideas. From there, with additional supplies, they will have an opportunity to create functioning versions of their ideas. Through all of this, the students will learn to work collaboratively and to share their ideas. As their skills grow, students will be asked to work in groups and create projects based on current neighborhood needs, such as creating a public space out of a vacant lot or creating an invention to help their school.
A Makerspace is a combination of Wood/Metal Shop, Drafting, and Home Ec.
classes. In a world where STEM fields are being promoted, it is important to understand that the Arts can be included and actually improve the understanding of STEM subjects. This idea, known as "STEAM", integrates the creativity of the Arts, giving students who feel they do not have a place in a science or math classroom an opportunity to apply their skill set to STEM disciplines in a way they are comfortable with.
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As a teacher-founded nonprofit, we're trusted by thousands of teachers and supporters across the country. This classroom request for funding was created by Mr. Franklin and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
