Makerspace

During the Soto Academy 2018 afternoon summer program, I created a class for grades K-5 using the Make.do cardboard construction kit. In this set, students had the opportunity to use tools such as saws, hole punchers, screwdrivers, and screws. All tools are kid-safe and reusable. Before the game building started, students explored and discovered tool techniques that worked well and the importance of team work. For example, the saw is dual-sided with small teeth on one side and larger teeth on the other. Students found out that when cutting cardboard, starting with the smaller teeth then switching to the bigger teeth worked well. They also learned that it was easier and faster when a team member held the cardboard while another cut. The phrase “righty tighty, lefty loosey” was also said a lot as a reminder when connecting two or three layers of cardboard together with the screws.

Grades K-1: Students worked in teams of 2-4 to build and test their own wind ball and ball run game. Not only did their projects turn out great, but the building process was amazing! I was impressed with the thinking and discussion among team members. I heard a lot of questions and observations among the groups such as “How do we make the ramp straighter?” and “The ball is hitting the screw because our bracket is on the top of the ramp. We have to move it underneath.”

Grades 2-5: Students worked in teams of 2-4 to brainstorm, design, build, and test their own carnival game. Teams built games such as skeeball, basketball, bowling, knockdown, and tic tac toe. As with the younger kids, I was impressed with the thinking and discussion among team members. I heard a lot of questions being asked among the groups such as “How can we make it so this part doesn’t fall down?” “How does that part work?” “When we throw the ball, how can we stabilize this part of our game?” “Can we add a ramp so the ball returns back to us?”

The questions that materialized from the students showed critical thinking, collaboration, experimenting, and mechanics. I observed students wanting to constantly test and improve their game. It was great to see the excitement, motivation, team work, learning, and fun!

To celebrate the last Makerspace class, more than 15 games were showcased in a mini carnival. Students had a lot of fun playing and it was a great way to end an awesome Makerspace experience!

View more photos of completed projects (Google Photos Album)