Makerspace activities are in full swing at Antolini, and will start up within the next several weeks at the primary schools. I wanted to explain what this means and why we are doing it, as many people outside of the library world are unfamiliar with the Maker movement.
The big question is: what is a makerspace? I would define a makerspace as a unique learning environment encourages tinkering, exploration, and self-directed learning. It is a place for people to build, create, and explore together. This is something that students don’t often have the opportunity to do in school, to really be creative and explore in an environment where they direct their own learning.
I was very interested in adding STEM programming into the library for a number of reasons. These sorts of activities foster creative thinking and collaboration, provides students with hands-on learning opportunities, and allows students to find multiple ways to solve problems and learn resiliency. This ultimately promotes a mindset that is necessary for the 21st century workforce.
Because we don't have a designated area for maker activities, I am treating it as an end of the year unit for grades K-6. Thus far, students in grades 5-6 have done engineering challenges with pipe cleaners and Keva Planks, as well as building circuits with Little Bits. Coming up next are more circuit activities, programmable robots, and creating videos with a green screen background. Students in the lower grades will be starting after Spring Break!
The big question is: what is a makerspace? I would define a makerspace as a unique learning environment encourages tinkering, exploration, and self-directed learning. It is a place for people to build, create, and explore together. This is something that students don’t often have the opportunity to do in school, to really be creative and explore in an environment where they direct their own learning.
I was very interested in adding STEM programming into the library for a number of reasons. These sorts of activities foster creative thinking and collaboration, provides students with hands-on learning opportunities, and allows students to find multiple ways to solve problems and learn resiliency. This ultimately promotes a mindset that is necessary for the 21st century workforce.
Because we don't have a designated area for maker activities, I am treating it as an end of the year unit for grades K-6. Thus far, students in grades 5-6 have done engineering challenges with pipe cleaners and Keva Planks, as well as building circuits with Little Bits. Coming up next are more circuit activities, programmable robots, and creating videos with a green screen background. Students in the lower grades will be starting after Spring Break!