MAKERSPACE

“The best way to start is simply to start.”

- Emily Pilloton

Every other Friday, our Grade 3 students are given the opportunity to design, build and create something in our MakerSpace that is set up in the Learning Commons. The purpose of our bi-weekly MakerSpace is to provide students with the opportunity to further develop their problem solving skills, build on their ability to persist through challenges, think creatively and critically and to work together cooperatively with others.

This week, Mrs. Harris challenged students to create a squirrel proof bird-feeder or a storage container squirrels could use to store their food for the winter.

Working with a partner or in a group of three, students brainstormed, gathered materials and then began the creative process of designing their model. Together they problem-solved, made modifications and adjustments to their designs and had a lot of fun!

After building their devices, students reflected on their designs, how they worked as a team, and if they were able to make changes to improve their work.

Student Quotes:

Beau: “I liked having the chance to build something and then rebuild it using different materials. The first time my partner and I built the bird-feeder, it kept breaking. We found a thick cylinder which ended up working better as a base because it had more support.”

Piper K.: “ I liked getting different ideas from my partners and using my ideas. We worked together to combine all of our thinking.”

Ben: “I loved MakerSpace today because I got to build with my hands.”

Karsten: “I like engineering and problem-solving and making changes to my designs in MakerSpace.”

Adalyn: “I loved being able to be creative!”

Addison: “I liked working alongside my friends because we got to share ideas and work together to solve problems and build something that has a purpose.”

Piper: “I liked using all the different materials.”

Wellness Learning Outcome:

• Students identify and demonstrate how teamwork supports positive interactions during physical activity.
• Students investigate and describe how problem solving can affect healthy relationships.
• Students examine and describe development related to personal growth.