January 14th - The MakerSpace

Creating in the MakerSpace

@LisaBerghoff/@MrKimDHS

As mentioned in our previous blog, we need to seize every opportunity for our students to be active producers and creators in their learning, as opposed to being passive consumers of information. You don't have to teach an art class or a creative writing class to give your students opportunities to make something. And if you are looking for some inspiration for your curriculum, our district is lucky to have a wonderful resource for staff and students to create: The MakerSpace. 

What is a MakerSpace? Is it merely a place that has a bunch of 3D printers? Not exactly - while many MakerSpaces or Fabrication labs are famous for their high-tech equipment, all you really need are some basic materials and a workspace to be in business. But if you are interested in incorporating different pieces of equipment in your lesson plans, here are some examples of projects and lessons teachers have done in our spaces:

Spanish Class and the Day of the Dead

In an effort to get her students to think outside of the box, Senora Daughton wanted her Spanish class to create artistic skulls for the Day of the Dead. This involved her students coming down to the Makerspace for a quick crash course on 3D printing, as well as our large format vinyl cutter to print and cut stickers. Students looked up graphic files for 3D printed skulls, and they also designed skulls on Illustrator and Google Drawings. Check out the pictures below!

SG-300 Large Format Print/Cutter

Biology models and 3D printing

Mike O'Malley's Biology class wanted to create accurate models of different animal species, and learn the basics of additive manufacturing aka 3D printing. They were shown this presentation on 3D printing, and over the course of a few weeks, the students came into the MakerSpace to render and create their 3D models. These models needed to connect with major biology themes for each unit.

3D model download on Thingiverse.com

Mindful Movement and their Mantras

Our last example was Krista Settles' Mindful Movement class that wanted to create daily mantras for their SEL/Mental health unit. Students came into the MakerSpace and created their mantra designs using our laptop carts and Canva - a website where you can create posters and designs for various needs. After learning how to convert their images to the correct file formats, the stickers were rendered in Illustrator and printed and cut on our large format vinyl cutter. 

Makers gonna Make!

The point is this: you don't have to be a science class or an engineering class to take advantage of the MakerSpace. Any class can participate given the right supports. Are you interested in bringing your class into the MakerSpace? The Highland Park and Deerfield MakerSpaces are ready for you! Contact us to brainstorm great ideas for your class.