Our school has a population of approximately 1350 students from some diverse backgrounds. We have students who live on the beach and students who live on farms. It creates a very unique culture that allows for lots of learning between our different groups. We have classes for IR students, AVID, and IB, which also creates a diverse academic atmosphere.
The school library is the hub of the school, so I get to see a great mix of our students.
Some of our students are big readers and come in collecting as many books to check out as possible. Whereas some are more techy and enjoy computers and gaming, so they are more interested in the computers and Mondays when we bring the Wii out. I love seeing the mix of students and how they interact.
My goal is for the school library to be a place where all of these groups and all of these students find something for them, and hopefully make new friends in a safe and fun place.
My Project
Our school library has been growing and evolving over the years to better meet the needs of our 21st century learners. I have a makerspace and some maker items, but I have been reluctant to get a 3D printer because to be honest, I wasn't sure what the point was or if our students would use it. I didn't want to get one "just to get one." However, at a conference I just went to, I finally understood the power of the 3D printer. A school librarian explained that when she got hers, not only did it bring new students into the library, but it truly engaged them.
Having a 3D printer set up in the school library would allow students to see projects being created and inspire their own creativity to create projects of their own.
The librarian who spoke about the 3D printer explained that one student would create a project and the other students would watch, even though it wasn't their own, and it would make them want to make something, too. She also said that some students would use it for projects, like creating mini tornadoes for a weather unit project.
I realize now that a 3D printer is not just another fad, but rather something that can help engage the students in the library and create their own projects using math, science, Physics, and computer skills. Anything that helps inspire creativity and technical skills is always welcome in our library!
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