The littleBits are an electronic proto-typing tool - where you can try out inventions. The Spheros are programmable balls that we can use to build programming challenges. Coming soon are teacher workshops to assist with including these STEM tools in the curriculum.
In January, the library received a littleBits kit and Spheros (robotic balls). The two learning tools are part of the MakerSpace. Students have already begun to explore these tools during the grade 5 in-school field trip and during 'Make Things Thursday.' Along with the 3D printer, students are having fun while teaching each other how to code, scale objects, program and invent.
The littleBits are an electronic proto-typing tool - where you can try out inventions. The Spheros are programmable balls that we can use to build programming challenges. Coming soon are teacher workshops to assist with including these STEM tools in the curriculum.
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Maker Mondays, Minecraft club, Maker Camp and had seniors develop maker challenges as part of a senior project. On a daily basis, we maintained an open space for creative exploration. In our second year of the MakerSpace, we hope to continue to build bridges between self-directed learning and class curriculum. We look forward to having more robotics such as Spheros (codable remote controlled robotic balls) and expanding our electronics with Littlebits.
The most exciting addition to the MakerSpace is a 3D printer. We bought a 3D printer kit from Printrbot. Currently, there is a group of 7 students (grades 5-12) working together to build the kits. Last Saturday, we had our first build session and we hope to have the printer built and running by mid-October. There is so much excitement surrounding the 3D printer; almost daily a student will ask when the printer will be ready. Our students are so excited to create their designs for personal interests. Another team of students is interested in creating the 'rules' for how we will use and share the printer. We love that students ask how we will share this tool - they are taking ownership. Even teachers have stopped in to ask if they may use it too... The answer to everyone is YES. This month saw lots of activity in the upper library makerspace as we had a 'soft opening.' The Maker PLC meets in the space regularly and students have been wandering in. We have three groups doing their senior project focusing on the makerspace. One senior will post a 'weekly challenge' for students to take part in. The challenges will be of a low-tech and high-tech nature. This past week the challenge was a monster mash-up drawing activity. Another group is looking at 'how spaces influence learning,' they will be designing the space for functionality and flexibility. Currently, the space has a few old tables and a bookshelf. Lastly, one student is going to hold a 'how to build a computer workshop' as part of his senior project. The space is open Monday and Thursday after school and during the day during some lunches. Primarily, the space is for self-directed learning and inquiry according to student interest. When the door is installed, we will have a space for video-recording and green screen activities.
Laptops & iPads in the US libraryThe upper library now has a collection of devices for student and teacher use. There are 12 laptops (8 PC, 4 Mac) and 5 iPad minis which students may use in the library. So far, they are very popular with students and teachers as 5th and 6th grade teachers are checking out the cart for classroom use. The laptops are being used frequently in the library by 5th and 6th grade students working on homework. The laptops cart was used recently in 6th grade Spanish history class and the ipads were checked out by the art teacher for a project. ALA annual conference
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More!This page features what is happening in our libraries and Technology Center. Also, please look at the sub-pages with teacher and parent resources. Archives
May 2017
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