Middle School Makers
The eighth grade science team at Central Middle School in White Bear Lake embraces Maker Education to innovate how students learn.
Our first blog post in the Spotlight series featured Maggie Clark and the Real Talk Podcast, click here to check it out.
White Bear Lake Area Schools is full of inspiring educators doing innovative things. To share their stories, the ISD 624 innovation team created a supplementary blog series called the Innovate 624 Spotlight. In this edition, I will showcase how essential the First Follower is to innovation by showcasing three colleagues in the science department at Central Middle School, Erin Synan, Josh Bilskemper and Frank Axell. The following are their reflections on their experience infusing Maker Education into the existing science curriculum.
To give some context to this blog post, Erin had been thinking of ways to infuse project based learning into her science curriculum since the 2017–18 school year. When Josh and Frank joined the eighth grade science team in fall 2018, her idea for innovation was met with an enthusiastic “Yes, and”. So follow along as we recap the learning that happened in their classrooms and reflect on their experience trying something new.
Where did the idea come from to have Makerspace?
ES: Last year, I decided I wanted to dedicate one day per week to project-based learning. I planned on two projects per quarter. I saw this as an opportunity to get to know students and their interests and abilities early in the year.
JB: This idea came from the district promoting it in the elementary school. The 8th grade science team thought it would be a great way to provide innovation for our students. Allowing students to create anything of their interest gave them a lot freedom to explore and try new things.
How did your team collaborate to provide a Makerspace experience?
ES: We agreed to spend the time [on the project]. I coordinated signing the materials out with Troy Strand [Innovation Coach and Makerspace Coordinator].
JB: Erin did a lot of the foundation work to get the supplies needed from the district! Every week the 8th grade team has a specific day that is dedicated to Project Based Learning. On those days we allowed students to work on their projects.
What hurdles did you have to overcome to provide a Makerspace experience?
ES: Time. Dedicating time away from content to this project-based learning opportunity for kids. From my perspective, it was totally worth it — I feel like on our non-Makerspace days, students were more engaged and putting forth more effort. They felt validated by being allowed the opportunity to explore an area of their own interest. That validation motivated them to work harder and achieve higher.
FA: Getting students to try something new. I had a lot of students looking for an easy project they could complete rather than try something new or challenge themselves. In my classes students are still very focused on the end goal of their project based learning projects rather than the journey and learning process.
JB: Allowing students to do whatever they want and being very flexible. I became the “YES MAN” and did what I could do be a resource in many ways for the students. Overall, totally worth it! Overall, student engagement was really high.
How would you describe the learning that happened during the Makerspace experience?
JB: It was relevant to what the students wanted and enjoyed. They were doing skills that would benefit them as a future citizen of this country. They enjoyed their learning as well.
FA: Learning- I think some students took this as an easy assignment and did the minimum amount of work required. However, I did have many students who took this opportunity to grow their skills in an area or try something new to pick up some craft skills.
ES: Planning. Process. Problem solving. Creativity … Life skills!!
Makerspace is fun, because we got to choose what to make. — 8th Grade boy at Central Middle School.
What learning artifacts did your students create?
ES: Man, I should’ve taken pictures. A few off the top of my head … A table-top pool table. Candles. Cross-stitching. An “edible farm.” A real cribbage board. Some really amazing sketches on interesting medium (modge-podged leaves and some smeary wax thing). Desk-top organizer. A “tech deck” cardboard ramp. Sphero mazes. 3D printed personalized plaques and other designs.
FA: I had students create racetracks and obstacle courses for Spheros, clay pumpkin earrings, supply drop bottles, origami animals, tie blankets, an infinity scarf, forever folding card, paper airplanes to test scientifically, string pumpkins, a football stadium, a bowl made of leaves, friendship bracelets.
JB: Candy machines, blankets, clothing, 3D printer sculptures, mazes for robots, birdhouses, and so much more.
What happens next?
ES: We try it again 4th quarter? For sure next year.
FA: At this point I don’t know, but if students could get more Makerspace opportunities I think they could utilize the project in more productive ways. Having another opportunity could allow students to add onto the skills they have learned, or could give students a chance to move out of their comfort zones and try something new.
JB: It would be awesome to do something school wide in my opinion. Provide 30 minutes for students to research or do something they want to do. I think it would be a great thing for students.
I want to thank Erin, Frank, and Josh for their transparency. I think it is courageous to share out their reflections on a topic they are beginning to implement. It was inspiring to see them enthusiastically work together on an innovative idea. Their initiative made a positive impact on student learning and that is worthy of spotlighting.
Watch for more editions in the Innovate 624 Spotlight Series coming soon. We plan to continue highlighting the innovative things that are happening within White Bear Lake Area Schools. Follow us on Twitter @innovate624 and if you see something innovative, let us know by using #innovate624.
