Tuesday, October 24, 2017

Maker

There is a movement in education call MakerEd.  According to makered.org, MakerEd is:

Maker education is an interactive, open-ended approach that is learner-driven and allows for the time and space needed to develop diverse skills, knowledge, and ways of thinking. By harnessing the power of making, maker education allows us to create engaging and motivating learning experiences.

I'm a big believer in it. I am fortunate enough to teach a MakerSpace class.  My kids get to make and create and problem solve and work with their hands and have fun.  I love it. 

So does B-man.  He gets to go to a MakerSpace at his school.  A MakerSpace is exactly what it sounds like, a space to make. 

Last Spring I got to go to a MakerSpace conference and learned about the MakerEd department at SMU.  I immediately started following @MakerEdSMU on Twitter.  I applied for their summer professional development but wasn't selected to go (insert sad face here).  Anyway, when I got an invitation for the opening of their MakerTruck, I jumped at the opportunity to go!  I RSVP'ed immediately. 

I'll be honest, on Sunday morning though, a nap was sounding good.  But I gave myself a pep talk and told myself, "don't be that mom, take B to the MakerTruck".  I'm so glad I did.  He was so in his element!

He made a Hollywood sign to add to the cityscape.  He also jumped in and learned a little bit about LED lights, batteries and motors.  He was not shy about asking for helping.  And in his own words, "No Meltdowns!" 






As usual, I was in awe of B-man! He cut out all the letters for the Hollywood sign himself.  Cutting is not easy for him.  He struggles to hold the scissors correctly and usually does not.  He didn't draw the letters out first, he just cut. 

Neither one of us knew anything about circuits.  But he wanted to learn.  There was a dad there with his own kids.  B very politely asked for help.  Then was able to apply what he learned. 

He was so excited about what he learned that he walked up to anyone with a suit to thank them and tell them what he made.  He spoke to the Dean of the College of Engineering and a random teacher.  Besides working on interrupting, I was pretty proud of him. 

The really cool thing is that he didn't stop after we left SMU.  That night at home he continued to create using some odd parts we had at home. 



And that, my friends, is what Making is about! Thanks SMU!

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