Miss Stage recently unveiled a "Makerspace" and "Creation Station." to her second-grade students at Westfall Elementary.
In a Makerspace, students can build with objects like legos, magnetic tiles, and other things that can be deconstructed at the end of their project. Their mission was to create something of their choice from a set of cards. There were cards from six different categories (structures, playground equipment, vehicles, things you'd find in a house, etc.), and they had to choose just one item to try to build. For example, the cards read, "build a boat that can float" or "build a seesaw that could balance two people." Additional directions on the card challenge them to make the creation a second time using fewer/more pieces, make the object taller/shorter, or improve the project. Finally, at its completion, they are asked to draw a picture of their creation, describe what it is, how they built it, and why it does what it is supposed to do.
In Creation Station, Miss Stage's students build with craftier materials such as cardboard, tape, glue, etc. There are seasonal "Maker Mats" that offer nine ideas per month of things to create. For example, since it's March, the kids could build a greenhouse, something to wear that is green, a fairy garden, etc. Once the students pick an idea off the mat, they work on their creations. Like Makerspace, they complete their project by writing and drawing about their creation.
Both areas serve as an inspiring use of imagination, helping kids express their creativity while learning. They are free to design a plan, create a prototype, and through trial and error, discover methods for improvement. It's been an excellent addition to Miss Stage's second-grade classroom!