Eager readers need a special place to research and develop ideas that ignite their interests, foster curiosity, and drive innovation. Our students are full of enthusiasm and great ideas but are lacking in the materials and technology necessary to bring their ideas to life.
The students share a single K-8 library.
Our students will begin using the library during kindergarten and continue through the eighth grade. This shared-space gives us a great advantage in deepening their understanding, independence, and love for the school library space. The possibilities and opportunities for cross-level and cross-curricular collaboration are great. We need a Library Makerspace to bring collaboration to fruition.
It is my desire to create a special Library Makerspace where a love of research and a passion for innovation can be shared collaboratively. I want to equip the Library Makerspace with the technology and materials they need to develop ideas and create products that they can work on for long periods of time. I'd love to see the Library Makerspace filled with legacy productions created in the library by students who have enjoyed their years there.
My Project
Our middle school students have the opportunity to participate in the annual science fair as well as the Science Olympiad Engineering Competition. We also take a small group of students to an engineering fair at a local University. However, students might not have the opportunity to design, create, and build products during their classes. Setting up a Makerspace in the library could address that need and expand access to materials for every child.
K'NEX is a familiar item that children can use collaboratively to give life to their design ideas.
K'NEX materials would be a simple tool for students to begin turning their ideas into products. The K'NEX kits focus on different aspects of physics that the children have been learning about in their years of science classes (i.e. wheels, simple machines, etc). K'NEX is durable, reusable, and allows the students to correct design flaws at any time during the building process. This "easy to fix" material allows students to create designs without fear of failure or "getting it wrong".
My hope is that putting K'NEX into the hands of students, we might be able to reach the disengaged students, support the scientifically curious students, and support the socialization of shy students. Makerspace can be about much more than just design. It can be about confidence building and friendship establishment. I want the Makerspace to be a place where students gather to share more than a project. I want K'NEX to help kids connect!
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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 Mrs. Scarola and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
