Makerspace Archives

27 Apr

3 Key Elements of Future Ready Science Labs

3 Key Elements of Future Ready Science Labs Gone are the old, stuffy, and institutional-looking labs of the past, and now in their place are bright and airy future ready spaces that support collaboration and student-centered learning. Students benefit from working in spaces that are designed for their comfort and to support their learning, and––in...

23 Apr

5 Classroom Learning Zones to Promote Engagement

5 Classroom Learning Zones to Promote Engagement When designing a classroom, creating differentiated classroom learning zones is a useful way to personalize the learning environment to meet the diverse needs of students. This strategy can be used with all age levels to organize learning spaces into established zones where students can engage with different learning...

18 Dec

Not Your Typical Science Lab Makeover

The Living Room Concept at Deer Path Middle School Lake Forest School District works with MiEN to rewrite the playbook on how to build out a modern, collaborative middle school science lab. It’s been nearly three years since a group of administrators and directors at Deer Path Middle School first sat down and planned out...

27 Oct

What Does a Modern Computer Lab Look Like?

What Does a Modern Computer Lab Look Like? Author: Dr. Christina Counts The prevalence of personal devices in the classroom has resulted in the computer labs of the past losing much of their value as spaces for digital and online learning. Laptops and tablets have made it possible for students to take digital learning anywhere––both...

21 Sep

Classroom Design with SEL in Mind

Classroom Design with SEL in Mind Social-emotional learning (SEL) is a critical skill set that all K-12 students should learn and master. SEL competencies include self-awareness, self-management, decision-making, social awareness, and relationship skills and give students the ability to manage emotions, set and achieve goals, create positive relationships, and more. These skills help students build...

10 Sep

Designing Learning Spaces for Today’s Students with Their Futures in Mind

Designing Learning Spaces for Today’s Students with Their Futures in Mind Author: Dr. Christina Counts The jobs of the future are much different from what students experience in the classroom on a daily basis. Technology will change and become more complex, working in the office will be a completely different experience after COVID-19, and students...

17 Jun

Leveraging the Maker Movement to Build Tech-Savvy Students Ready for the Future Workforce

Leveraging the Maker Movement to Build Tech-Savvy Students Ready for the Future Workforce Author: Dr. Christina Counts The maker movement is a game changer reinventing the rules for innovation in the world of crafters, hackers, & tinkers! The current generation of students is glued to their phones, iPads, computers, gaming consoles and realistically, we adults...

19 May

Technology for Good is Inspiring Kids Across Maker Education

Technology for Good is Inspiring Kids Across Maker Education By Michael Hurley This past December in a packed auditorium at Peck Elementary School on Chicago’s southwest side, a caped crusader stood before several hundred 3rd and 4th grade students and asked, “What is your superpower?” She said that hers was the ability to create a...

14 May

How to Create a Makerspace At Home During a Pandemic

Creating a Makerspace At Home During a Pandemic With the school year wrapping up remotely and many summer camps, daycare centers, and public parks closed due to coronavirus, parents are wondering how to keep their children entertained without resorting to hours and hours of screen time. Encouraging unstructured learning time through creativity and play may...

13 May

What is a Makerspace and Why Do They Still Matter Today?

What is a Makerspace and Why Do They Still Matter? Many educators are looking for ways to bring more hands-on experiences to their students to improve STEM skills, critical thinking, and creativity. Often, this goal can be achieved by designing a space in schools where students can explore their creativity through engaging activities. For most...

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