Makerspace
Dream it.
The Makerspace is a classroom that provides students with opportunities to learn new skills, explore new materials, and access their own maker mindset. Located on the second floor of the shop building, it is equipped with two FDM 3D printers, one die-cutting machine, woodworking tools and equipment, lumber, paints, epoxies, video editing programs, and other craft and classroom materials. The Makerspace is a dual-purpose workshop/classroom that inspires students' curiosity and drive to create.
Achieve it.
While academic lessons can be taught separately or embedded through specific projects, the MapleStone behavioral cornerstones, Choice, Trust, Respect and Responsibility are consistently exercised in the Makerspace. Students practice choice by first and foremost having the opportunity to make good choices in the Makerspace. We also challenge by choice and show the students that we are interested in their ideas and choices for upcoming personal or group projects. Trust is earned in the Makerspace and is required when it comes to allowing students the freedom to create more independently. In the Makerspace students must show respect to themselves and others, and for the space, tools, and materials. Students have the responsibility to act in appropriate ways as the Makerspace can be a dangerous space, and students can show this behavioral skill by being honest and owning up to their mistakes.
Build it.
As a crew we encourage each other to develop and maintain a growth mindset, as mistakes are an expected part of the learning process. With that said, creative problem solving is something we are good at. A solution may see several iterations, but with perseverance we get there. Many of the students’ curriculum goals are interwoven into the Makerspace projects which makes learning truly hands-on. Skills practiced and explored in the Makerspace become life skills. Some students may choose to scratch the surface of certain topics or skills, while others may dive all the way in. The Makerspace allows students to customize their education. Over the past two years students have chosen to focus on making products that can be sold in order to raise money for charity or for the end-of-year trip. Some products have included charcuterie serving boards, trays, coasters, and keychains. A trip earned by the students means a lot more than one given to them.
Choice, Trust, Respect, and Responsibility work in balance with each other in the Makerspace and at Maplestone. The more students take personal responsibility and make positive choices, the more they are trusted and a mutual respect is maintained. The Makerspace can be an excellent pathway for students to learn and grow at their own pace and in their own way.