MakerSpace
We wanted a makerspace. We needed a makerspace. We were jealous of others with makerspaces. But, where to start? Instead of having limited options, there were just too, too many options to consider. So, reading, research, and much discussion with students and teachers ensued, and one day, the epiphany lightbulb went on. Instead of creating a whole makerspace and flinging it fully-formed into the midst of the student body, why not start small…er…smallish?
We started by applying for the Jefferson EMC Bright Ideas grant and received it! With it, we will able to purchase several K'nex sets that would allow student to tinker and build bridges and roller coasters. With our $1,000 we also included a robotic arm, electronic video editing equipment, and several other items. We also made sure we purchased books about careers that used the same skills students were developing.
Within just a few short weeks, students were beginning to build their own 3D K'Nex models. This wasn’t organized or planned, just encouraged.
We applied for the Jefferson EMC Bright Ideas again in 2017 and were fortunate to receive another $1,000 to grow our makerspace! With this grant we purchased MakeyMakey's, more Ozobots and Rasberry Pis.
We are thrilled to announce that another grant application in 2018 for the Jefferson EMC Bright Ideas grant resulted in another $1,000! With it a 3-D printer and supplies will be purchased. Students are using software to learn how to design 3-D objects and print their creations.
Other MakerSpace Activities Include
Learning to Code
How to Get Started Coding
Option 1: Try using Scratch that is loaded on many of the media center computers. Use the Scratch--Getting Started Guide or watch the video tutorials linked below.
Option 2: Register for a free account at Code Academy. There are video tutorials on their site to help you get started.
Option 3: Register for a free account and learn to code while gaming using Code Combat. There are tutorials on their site to help you get started.
Option 4: Learn to code while creating music at EarSketch. There are tutorials on their site to help you get started.
Option 5: Learn to code by creating design projects with Google's new Made with Code.
Stop by to check out one of our newest
MakerSpace additions!
Introducing the Ozobot programmable miniature robot. 
It’s easy to program Ozobot. Control the robot with OzoCodes by simply drawing lines and color segments. Then advance to the visual block-based editor OzoBlockly, with its many features and modes, taking you from Novice to Master in no time at all.
Program and Create a MakeyMakey!
Use the program Scratch to program with Makey Makey or you can use common everyday objects!
For some ideas to help get you started, try:
Check out some MakeyMakey poetry below that students have made!