Centennial will have a Library Makerspace!

Hurrah!  The big news from Centennial's Library is we have been awarded a grant for $2,000.00 to start a Makerspace!  

What is a Makerspace?

An official definition is, "Makerspaces, sometimes also referred to as hackerspaces, hackspaces, and fablabs are creative, DIY spaces where people can gather to create, invent, and learn."(A Librarian's Guide to Makerspaces)

 

For me, it's a place for students to collaborate, learn, grow and explore by creating and just messing around with stuff.

What's the plan?

I plan to create a dedicated, flexible Makerspace in the school media center where students and staff can access new technologies (programming, wearable computing) and hands-on projects.(bookmaking, recycled crafts, duct tape creations, etc.)  

The space will be a place that can be packed up and consist of a few tables in the front of the library, so I can monitor it's use.  
I plan to introduce the space to specific academic support/language support classes with the marshmallow challenge, targeting students who have less electives and therefore don't have as much freedom to explore interests. I am aware that the marshmallow challenge is more scripted and less free-form, but I thought it would be good way to introduce the space. Click here to learn more about the marshmallow challenge.

After introducing the space I plan to introduce some stand-alone projects. I stumbled on Teknikio, a company that offers packaged Makerkits that are reusable and can serve up to twenty five students. They are packaged with a teacher guide and project ideas. These would be a great way to explore Makerprojects, as well as serve as a jumping off point for other projects. The two I am interested in purchasing are: The activating Origami Workshop Kit. A reusable kit that allows students to add electronics to Origami Paper. Second, the Fabtronic Sewing Workshop a set that teaches the basics of electronics and fashion. Some of the critical thinking skills students will engage in is how to best use materials and how to solve problems as they arise with different projects. I also have plans to purchase craft supplies, and other project materials such K'nex are engineering tools.

Eventually, I would love to train students in leading some of these projects, and bundle some of these kits so they can be checked out by classroom teachers. I am very excited to start this exciting new opportunity at Centennial

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And now, a couple of book recommendations....

I love books!

I just finished Surviving Bear Island by Paul Greci, a story of Tom Parker, a teenage boy who finds himself stranded on a remote island in Alaska after dumping in his kayak. What makes this classic survival story great is that Greci is a long-time Alaskan resident and he knows his environment. Tom struggles to survive, left only with a small survival kit packed by his father, he struggles against starvation, hypothermia and yes...Bears! A great read. If you liked Hatchet by Gary Paulsen, you'd like Bear Island. Appropriate for any middle schooler.

I also want to recommend Chris Colfer's series, The Land of Stories. My family took a multi-day drive from Boulder to Silverton this past summer for a wedding. We brought along the first book, Land of Stories: The Wishing Spell on audio book. It was a delight. Chris Colfer is one of the long-time characters on Glee and he reads the book. It's the story of two twins who find themselves magically transported into their grandmother's book of fairy-tales, but there are not your classic Grimm's Fairy Tales. They have many humorous twists and takes on the characters and situations. It kept the whole family including myself, my wife, my five-year old son and my nine-year old daughter entertained.

Barnes & Noble Fundraiser/Musical Performance

What a surprise to wake up Tuesday, December 15th, to find that BVSD called a snow day!  I was excited

Two Talented Trombonists!

for a day off playing in the snow with my son and daughter but also concerned.  I had been planning a fundraising event for Centennial with Barnes & Noble over the past four weeks.  I had collaborated with our phenomenal music and voice teachers to organize student performances.  Later that morning, I started receiving texts and e-mails wondering if the event was still on.  After a quick phone call to the store manager--on the way to the sledding hill --I realized yes, it was still happening.  A few students cancelled but I figured, I would show up and see who else showed up to perform.

First of all, I have to thank Jennifer Dunn, who had the majority of students filling slots to perform.  She not only encouraged her students to perform, but also drove into school to open up the band room so students could retrieve their instruments to perform.  

French Horn Player Showing Holiday Spirit!

Second, I have to thank all the students.  They were amazing.  I always knew that our music department was strong, but to see all of the students show up and perform, as well as support each other was heartwarming.  They certainly were a talented and amazing group.  One of the highlights was watching customers from the store walk up to watch the performances.  There was even a baby bopping along to a solo flute performance.

Audience enjoys the Music! Note: the boppin' baby!

Third, I want to thank all of the parents and students who came in to support the school.  I am still waiting to hear back and how much the school earned in profits, but I know when I first checked in to the store at 4:30, there were already over a thousand dollars in sales linked to Centennial.  Thanks so much for all of the support!  See you next year!