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What's a Makerspace?
What's a Makerspace?
In our makerspace, students design, create, explore, collaborate, and build. We offer students the opportunity for hands-on critical thinking and problem solving by providing a variety of low tech and no-tech materials.
Perler Beads
Perler Beads
This is a fan favorite! Students use these "melty beads" to follow or create patterns on a grid, then fuse them together with an iron to produce a piece of art. This activity requires focus and fine-motor precision, and helps students decompress from their busy academic days.
Coloring
Coloring
Coloring is a staple of our Makerspace.
It is often dismissed as a juvenile activity, but for a teenager (and adults!) coloring actually provides a neurological reset. Students see its value as a means to unwind, unplug, and express their creativity either on their own or as a group with our large-scale community coloring sheets.
Community Puzzle
Community Puzzle
Our community puzzles offer a project that belongs to everyone, thus providing a sense of collective ownership.. The more challenging the design, the more determined they are to complete it.
Community Tabletop Loom
Community Tabletop Loom
(designed and built by student Jacob Mattiace)
Learning Commons patrons can contribute to this ongoing textile project through the ancient art of weaving. The finished product will reflect the work of many hands and represent a community effort.
Strawbees Construction System
Strawbees Construction System
Strawbees use simple plastic connectors and straws used to create 2D and 3D structures. The system encourages critical thinking and an iterative process to address the STEM concept of structural integrity. As you can see in the photo, some of our students have BIG ideas!
Marble Run
Marble Run
"Sometimes the best way to learn is to let things roll" ...literally.
Students apply principles of physics (gravity, momentum, friction) and structural engineering as they design simple or complex pathways to successfully guide a marble from start to finish.
They build, test, and re-engineer their runs based on trial and error—a core tenet of the design process,
So Many board games!
So Many board games!
There are many benefits to playing board games, especially in the library. We offer a safe, low-pressure environment for active learning, community, and FUN.
Cognitive Benefits: Board games move teens away from passive scrolling and into active problem-solving through critical and logical thinking (strategizing) and improving attention span.
Social Benefits: Students have the opportunity to connect with one another face-to-face, resolve conflicts, read body language, and engage in teamwork through play.
Vision Boards
Vision Boards
A vision board is a collage of images, pictures, words, quotes, and affirmations that represent your goals for the future.
Research shows that this activity helps participants reflect on what they truly want to accomplish and increases motivation to achieve their goals, particularly if the board is displayed where it can be seen regularly.
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