STEAM / Makerspace
Eileen Vaughn
Students in Kindergarten through Grade Six will have the opportunity to learn and explore STEAM activities once a week. Using both digital and physical materials, students create projects while learning new techniques that focus on science, technology, engineering, math and the arts. I often think of our classroom as a maker-space.
Our year will begin with lessons on digital citizenship to prepare our students for the all-consuming and challenging 21st Century world of the Internet and the Internet of Things. Our digital citizenship standards are based on the ISTE Standards. We use the Common Sense Media curriculum to guide our lessons.
In addition to computers and computer coding, we will create using the MakeyMakey, Lego WeDo/robotic kits, Spheros, Gigglebots, the Cricut machine and 3D printing. I also hope to be teaching the Bare Conductive Touch Board. This year we have added Finchbots and Blue Bots to our collection of robots. Other projects include brushbots, sewing with conductive thread, paper circuits and many cardboard and paper creations. Lessons are guided by grade level abilities.
My main teaching goals are to inspire creativity and collaboration. I want my students to be makers rather than consumers. These goals align with our Portrait of a Graduate Strategic Plan.
More information can be found on Mrs. Vaughn's STEAM website
The Finch is our newest robot for the older students. Everyone learned how to program and use the pen to create robot art.
Sixth Graders created designs that were cut out with the Cricut machine, and affixed to coffee mugs.
We have been using the Achieving Repeatability kits during our 2nd/3rd STEM lessons. The kits were provided by American Precision Museum in Windsor, Vermont.
Programming with the Bee/Blue Bots is perfect for the youngest learners. The mats compliment both literacy and social studies.
video for website.movStudents build and then program with the Lego WeDo 2.0 kits. Collaboration is an essential part of learning.
Building and then programmming the Makey Makey for a Halloween Event.
The easiest scribble bot for the youngest students - Kindergarten and First Graders.
Decorating the Bot is a blast.