Makerspaces: Make. Learn. Play. Discover.
The White Bear Lake Area School makerspaces are dynamic spaces with resources where everyone can make, learn, play and discover. While makerspaces are new to White Bear Lake, they have been around for some time. Presently, some form of a makerspace exists in all elementary buildings and North and South Campus with plans for expanding to all buildings. At the elementary level, the makerspaces are housed on carts that can be moved from classroom to classroom depending on need. At the high school, the makerspaces are housed in the media center. This past month, media specialists and innovation coaches paired up to introduce students to makerspaces. A lot of work is being done right now to develop this program and to ensure that it supports students as they move towards becoming agents of their own learning.
When students work in a makerspace, they are able focus on a tangible goal in front of their eyes. They can leverage the skills they’ve learned in school to solve problems while they create works of lasting value. The process of making can be meditative, bringing students into the present moment.
