Essential Question 10

Why does Wrangell High School need to invest in its makerspace?

Our school is fortunate enough to have an amazing space that has been transformed into a makerspace over the past five years.  It has been a culmination of the vision of many people who see the value in giving our students the opportunity to wonder, dream, and create.  So now in the face of constant budget issues it is extremely important that Wrangell does not let it slip away.  There are so many reasons why this makerspace is critical to cultivating students that will contribute to our ever changing world.

Makerspaces...

1. encourage students to develop a maker mindset and design thinking. 
2. foster interdisciplinary learning. 
3. promote equity.
4. facilitate the development of a growth mindset.
5. give students a sense of purpose and autonomy. 
6. encourage 21st century skills like collaboration, creativity, and communication.

Every inservice I have attended in the past four years has been been about one of the topics above. Some presenter stood in front of us and told us we needed to make these things happen for our students but rarely did they tell us how. Without a doubt I can say that a well executed makerspace is the answer! With funding and support from administration, Wrangell High School could develop some amazing students.

Resources:
Gohl, E. (2017, November 6). The Case for School Makerspaces, According to Those Who Use Them. Retrieved from https://www.gettingsmart.com/2017/11/the-case-for-school-makerspaces-according-to-those-who-use-them/

Spencer, J. (2018, June 12). Why Your School Needs a Makerspace. Retrieved from https://schoolleadersnow.weareteachers.com/school-needs-makerspace/