Mini Maker Montage

3-D Watering Can

EDIDA Artifact

Insitu Experience

Click me LAST!

Mini Maker Challenge Montage: Chelsea Blake

High-Tech Challenge

YXC Makerspace

Mid-Tech Challenge

Low-Tech Challenge

Click me first!

High-Tech Technology

Making a boat!

Family Tree

G-grandfather

G-grandfather

Grandfather

Grandfather

G-grandmother

G-grandmother

Parents

G-grandfather

G-grandfather

Grandmother

Grandmother

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G-grandmother

Sibling

Sibling

Me

3-D Watering Can

I chose to push myself and learn how to design and print a 3D watering can for my EDIDA artifact. This process provided for ample cycles of the design process (especially re-iteration and testing). I went through a lot of failure in creating this and it made me think of the following quote from Cohen et al: "Students in a makified classroom (and teachers who facilitate them) need to be comfortable with failure, and need to recognize them as opportunities for analysis and reflection" (2017, p.133).

The process of creating my 3D watering can made me grow exponentially because it allowed me to build resilience and a growth mindset around failure. I hope to pass this along to my future students.

This week I learned about the design thinking process! It was very evident while my partners and I created a bubble wand. First, we empathisized by coming up with ideas of things we wanted to make. We then defined we wanted to make a bubble wand so we can blow bubbles. Next, we ideated by looking through Thingiverse for templates. Next, we went through the prototype/test phase multiple times (created a drawing, then two 3D pen prototypes), and finally a printed prototype after many alterations.

High-Tech Maker Technology

On September 26th, we were introduced to high-tech maker technology! A few of the many that are currently available in local schools are Virtual Reality, 3D printers, and laser printers. Future Application: The SD5 Design lab and YXC Makerspace gives local teachers and students access to high-tech maker tools . If I am fortunate enough to be hired with the district, I will absolutely be looking to book into the design lab with my class to continue to learn from Ryan and see my students have opportunities to not only see their imaginations come to life but also learn of potential careers with making.

Using Genially

To create this whole montage of the maker challenges I have done over this semester, I pushed myself out of my comfort zone by using Genially. My first thought was "I don't know how to use it so I might as well use what I know (Wordpress)". However, I knew that this was me having a fixed mindset. I chose to change my mindset to "I don't know how to use Genially YET but I am going to try".I am so glad I chose to try something new as I now have a new tool to create with and maker option to show students down the road!

Me a Maker?!

Aha Moment: I did not realize until our first class that I am a maker! I love to create fondant cakes, scrapbooks, and unique digital resources. Being a “Maker” comes in so many forms!Future Application: I want to show students that every single one of them is a maker by doing a share-out like we did in class.

Instructions: Please click on the rest of the images on the tree to see the growth of my maker mindset over the course of this semester.

“If we imagine the same thing over and over again we limit our possibilities” (Oguntala, 2016). Originally, I kept picturing my project as just a painting. It wasn’t until I collaborated with others that I started imagining other ways to make it even better than I first imagined. I now see the critical importance of teaching my students to constantly collaborate, iterate, and not be afraid of failure because it is the catlyst to new possibilities.

Lego Spike: Matter & Gravity

Specifics: I was able to experience an insitu at Kootenay Orchards Design lab with a grade 4 class. It was a BLAST! When the students showed up to the design lab I was able to work with them to create a Lego Spike fan to learn about matter that we cannot always see (air). Next, students created a gravity drop tower. Reflection: What I loved about this project is how many iterations the students did throughout the making process! My guess is each pair completed at least 20 iterations in just 3 short hours. I also loved seeing their creativity come through. My brain went to one way of doing something and students showed me how one quest can be done in numerous ways. I was also so excited to see how high the level of engagement was for 3 whole hours! The students were very involved with their project and I rarely saw any behavioural concerns. The only small ones that appeared were from the want to continue working rather than regroup and listen to the next steps.

Future Application: I would love to bring Lego Spike into the classroom to teach about really any topic. I see so much value in how these maker challenges not only touch the content of the curriculum, but also the Core Competencies. It’s a wonderful window of opportunity to teach students social-emotional skills to work with others and follow directions. I also loved that it opened students eyes to different job opportunities (Nasa, engineering ect..) no matter their gender or background.

Aluminum Foil Boats!

We completed a really fun mini-maker challenge where we were only given tinfoil and asked to create a boat that would hold as many pennies as possible. This was simple yet provided so many opportunities for iteration and collaboration! I would love to bring this challenge into my future class because it is very practical due to the low cost and amout of materials required.

Mid-Tech Maker Challenge

Specifics: I learned about mid-tech maker challenges using Lego Spike! The big takeaway I had from this week is the four elements of makification in educational contexts are: Creation, iteration, sharing, and autonomy (Cohen et al., 2017, p. 222). -Creation: Cassidy and I created an animal that moves with LegoSpike. -Iteration: We had to make several adjustments to make it work (it was frustrating but also motivating!) -Sharing: we collaborated as a partnership and sought help when needed. -Autonomy: We both had autonomy to add unique elements and bring our own creativity to the challenge.

Future Application: I would absolutely bring Lego Spike into the classroom and I would love to have Ryan McKenzie join and support the class as I was very novice at this. I think it would be a huge hit! I noticed there was a lot of creativity and iteration occuring!

Caine's Arcade

I learned about Caine, a young boy who created his own arcade out of random supplies he found laying around. I loved this maker project because it allowed me to collaborate and work with my peers to create a pinball machine! We had a blast and so much fun going around and seeing everyone else's games. I also really appreciated that it was practical to use low tech materials. This is something I want to bring into my future classroom as a maker challenge (no matter the students age).

YXC Makerspace

What is a Makerspace? From my perspective, a Makerspace is a place where anyone can create and collaborate with use of tools and technology. It is a place where mistakes and failures are celebrated (iterations) and a growth mindset is a must. They are found worldwide.

Future application: The YXC makerspace and SD5 design labs are both great locations to bring classes to. I want to expose my students to careers and maker culture in our own community. I will absolutely be reaching out for a tour of both places as a future teacher.