Makerspaces, STE[A]M labs, and Innovation Hubs are popping up in schools near and far. Maker Programmes provide hands-on, creative ways to encourage learners to think, design, create, iterate and innovate as they get stuck into science, mathematics, engineering and good old tinkering. A Makerspace is not solely a messy art room, robotics or coding spaces, wood workshop or science lab but is likely to contain elements found in all of these conventional spaces. Therefore, it must be designed (and equipped) to provide opportunities for a broad range of projects, with a wide range of hi and low tech tools and materials. Transdisciplinarity-- a holistic approach to learning across the programme of inquiry in a Maker programme is critical to the design cycle and process being successful, and they are what set Makerspaces and STEAM Buildings apart from single-use spaces. Step into the Primary Makerspace at Stonehill and might just see:
Working with Karen (Primary School Principal) and Anthony (PYP Coordinator), we have designed a space to accommodate such a wide range of activities. Our facilities staff have helped us through this process -- plug sockets, sinks and a lick of paint! We spent the earlier part of the year, researching, brainstorming an articulating our needs to generate a space that works best for our learners, and aligns with the mission, vision and guiding statements. We opened our newly redesigned Makerspace in January. With the design cycle in mind, our learners can find a place to progress through the process. As they empathise, ideate, prototype, and test, you will see and hear creativity, reflection and innovation -- as they problem-solve. With a weekly after school activity club, lunch time makers club and a shared schedule across the primary school; already our Primary School Makerspace is the place to be! Stay tuned for further updates! Follow us on Twitter #SISLearns If you are interested to learning more -- get in touch.
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