"Way to go, Wayne" one student encouragingly told another student in his Autistic class while he was mixing the ingredients for the cake they were making during the "Physical and Chemical Changes" lesson today.
One of the things I love most about my school is the students represent all walks of society, economically and ethnically.
As all young people, they learn best by doing. Our library's maker space helps make this possible for all of our students through its access to low tech and high tech tools. Our school is also a nationally recognized "Green School." As such it is surrounded by the vegetable gardens our students plant and care for.
My Project
Last spring we transformed our library office into a Maker Space! A space for students to learn through doing. Because we are a Green School, we have all types of recycled materials (can, water bottles, craft sticks, etc.), which is great! Some classes came and created wind sensors using recycled water bottles. We also have BeeBots that help teach students rudimentary concepts in coding and math. However, as we work toward becoming a STEM (Science Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) Certified School, we need to have ways to teach science in more exploratory ways.
These items will allow our students to learn the science, math, engineering, and technology curriculum in authentic and fun ways, through cooking, creating circuits, and gaming.
With the toaster oven, students of all grades will be cooking, a natural way for students to learn fractions, measuring, and physical and chemical reactions, as well as following printed instructions. With the Snap Circuits, the fifth graders will learn about electricity and how to complete circuits in a hands-on way. The Osmo kits are perfect for students to learn and practice geometry and mathematical concepts. Also, there is an coding component to the Osmos too!
All in all, this will make our Maker Space, truly a place for students to learn through creating as work toward becoming a STEM school!
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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 Ms. Powell-Schager and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
