After witnessing the success from the implementation of dedicated spaces for STEM education at our grade school, we saw an opportunity during the 2016-2017 school year to introduce a similar program at the junior high. The Oakwood Junior High School library is not just a space to store books and information. It is a living, adaptive, collaborative learning environment. What better place to house a program requiring a communal creative space designed to expand learning opportunities and promote critical thinking?
We have established a Maker Space in our library to engage students in hands on learning as they study Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math — subjects collectively known as STEAM. Over the last several decades, science and technology have become a major component of our society. Equipping our students to be successful innovators in a world of constantly evolving skills is one of the greatest demands of the 21st century.
In the fall of 2017, funding from various grants enabled us to introduce technology items such as Bloxels video game makers, Makey Makey invention kits, littleBits electronic blocks and various LEGO Education items. The junior high and high school librarians founded the Periodic Science Club at OHS, using it as a platform to lay the foundation for a similar STEAM program to grow there.
Our program is designed to be adaptive to the needs of our students and staff. By promoting inquiry-based activities across multiple domains, our goal is to create lifelong learners who are equipped to become innovators ready to meet the demands of the 21st century.
Want to check it out? Please feel free to contact me (Mrs. Grimm) to set up a time to come visit, look around and/or play.
We have established a Maker Space in our library to engage students in hands on learning as they study Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math — subjects collectively known as STEAM. Over the last several decades, science and technology have become a major component of our society. Equipping our students to be successful innovators in a world of constantly evolving skills is one of the greatest demands of the 21st century.
In the fall of 2017, funding from various grants enabled us to introduce technology items such as Bloxels video game makers, Makey Makey invention kits, littleBits electronic blocks and various LEGO Education items. The junior high and high school librarians founded the Periodic Science Club at OHS, using it as a platform to lay the foundation for a similar STEAM program to grow there.
Our program is designed to be adaptive to the needs of our students and staff. By promoting inquiry-based activities across multiple domains, our goal is to create lifelong learners who are equipped to become innovators ready to meet the demands of the 21st century.
Want to check it out? Please feel free to contact me (Mrs. Grimm) to set up a time to come visit, look around and/or play.