Makerspace Week 1

So... I have to confess... I don't have a "normal" makerspace.

I don't have a space FILLED with expensive technology and crazy awesome devices... YET.

What I do have is an imagination of how it will be one day and the ability to make do until then.

My space is small.  My budget is even smaller.

If this sounds like something you can deal with... Come, join the fun!

This week I knew with my small budget and the desire to NOT repeat over grade levels, I would have to come up with 3 different tasks.
I also knew I needed to make my life as little insane as possible.

So, I started all three grade levels(2nd-4th) with the same recording sheet and rubric and just changed up the rubric.

All grade levels were given the task of building the tallest free standing tower with the materials I had given them in 20 minutes.

With my 2nd graders, I gave them a roll of aluminum foil.
With my 3rd graders, I gave them 50 index cards and a roll of tape.
With my 4th graders, I gave them 20 spaghetti noodles, a yard of string, a yard of tape, and a large marshmallow - The marshmallow had to be placed on the top and could not be used to adhere.

Students couldn't believe I wasn't going to give them any help (or limitations).  The conflict of their idea not always getting picked caused problems for all grade levels, but more-so in 2nd grade.  There was pouting and tears.

Looking back, I think I would have given them more time to discuss with their group so they could discuss their different ideas before beginning to build.

The did completely amaze me with the things they came up with though!!

What did you learn today?

What did you learn today?

How many parents ask this of their child at the end of the day to only get responses like... "I don't know." or "Nothing."

I decided that was my #1 goal this year becoming a Makerspace teacher... I wanted NO student of mine to go home not being able to excitedly tell their parents what they had learned and done!

There is definitely a learning curve happening as I am learning and searching as I go.

Most things I don't know how they will go until I try them.
And that's scary.

However, I tell my students that the only time they fail is when they stop trying - So here I am trying... and trying... and trying some more.

I hope my journey will help answer some beginning questions that you might have in starting your own Makerspace.

Here's some pics from my Makerspace room!!