Notes - most students did not want to ask for help! Students would struggle silently until an adult would offer a bit of direction and then surge forward. While working independently to learn is truly a great gift, to become so frustrated with the challenge that the process breaks down is not. The key was figuring out WHEN to offer the tidbit! Too, in the course of a day, teachers become tired and lose some enthusiasm... (Yes, really!) The Green screen offered great takeaways: finding photos on the internet - "You mean we can get online and find images?"
"You mean we can..." I heard several times today. - disbelieving that a devices was at their total disposal. So many times we insist our students touch this and not that, go here, not there.. Making means exploring how best to learn something to one's own benefit in one's own way. Rush Hour, a game, (yes, we PLAYED in school today!) I asked the students did they get to play in school, ("no"), I offered they could PLAY in the makerspace because it is through play that many learned.. (Insert discussion here). Rush Hour is a critical thinking game, (getting form point A to point B with obstacles in between..) in which they have to extricate their vehicle from a packed parking lot. Frustration was high because I didn't explain anything about the game. Resetting, choosing a different level.. slogging through each brought various successes. With Snap Circuits we discussed whether anyone knew HOW the light went off when I flipped the switch and left us all in the dark. Several knew circuits, wires, even ac/dc. Scratch brought with it some challenges. We kept it beginner level, but some had never had experience with programming. Little Bits = like Snap Circuits. Tinkercad was useful because it gave me the opp to introduce our 3D printer. I've encouraged all students to create a free account, create a design and bring it in to be printed. Looking forward to that! I've told them to create something - not just download someone else's work.
There's excitement in the Makerspace. Students were hopeful. To be "turned loose" to learn was new. I am grateful for the opportunity to allow them to "try on" activities and am looking forward to working with teachers to integrate Maker into their curriculum. It's good it's Friday though - I'm exhausted.