Maker Lab Challenge

My partner and I created a hands-on model for our maker challenge showing how beads and string could be used in combination with other craft materials to illustrate exponential growth. The beads at each of the four levels of the model doubled when we moved from one exponent to another (2⁰ = 1 bead, 2¹ = 2 beads, 2² = 4 beads, 2³ = 8 beads) creating a visual representation of an otherwise difficult-to-see abstraction in mathematics.

I was able to experience first-hand how learners may develop their own understanding by way of building, experimenting, and working together. This helped reinforce what I already understood about the importance of makerspaces in facilitating student creativity and providing many ways for students to learn about and conceptualize abstract ideas, such as math, by offering students opportunities to experience them visually, physically or tactically, and spatially.

Reflection:

The Making Process was a good reminder to me that "making" can be a great way to learn. Creating a physical model from a math concept allowed me to see Exponential Growth in a new light and demonstrated for me that using your hands to create something can help you understand things better and make learning fun and worthwhile