Snapshot
Invention Station
What are the benefits of the new types of learning environments, such as a Makerspace, and are they worth putting into your classroom/school? I think before this question can be answered, try to think back to the days you were in school. Were you constantly focused on what the teacher had to say or did you lose focus after a few minutes? Were you distracted easily, or simply not interested in what was being taught? These are the struggles every teacher faces. Keeping a student consistently engaged in what you are trying to teach can pose a challenge, especially with all of the distractions in an ordinary classroom. What if you could engage that student on an entirely different level – engage them on a level where they want to give their full undivided attention to the task at hand? Well, I think you begin by changing the environment in which they are learning! I am now ready to expand my Makerspace and take my student’s learning to a new level. It is now time to incorporate materials such as Snap Circuits, KEVA Bot Mazes, Hexbugs, Magformers, Goldi Blox, Engineering Construction sets, Craft Struction Box and several other items to assist students in their creativity and innovation. Imagine my students having materials to construct bridges, recreate a community, engineer a habitat, tinker with sound, and create Chinese lanterns. As a teacher, I will be able to foster independence, engage students fully, allow for creativity, and enhance student projects. The Invention Station will be available for student use throughout the year. My Makerspace needs a makeover!