Beau Becker
puts the finishing touches on his MakerSpace fall decoration.
For the past
three years, Exeter-Milligan students have had the opportunity to stay after
school once a month (at each campus) and create.
“MakerSpace
programs have become popular over the past several years. Other schools
may designate their program as STEM
(science,
technology, engineering, and math) or by adding art they have a STEAM program.”
Exeter-Milligan’s
program does include the art component. The program is free at both campuses
and when it started, the students had the opportunity to make a multitude or
projects and creations. Now, Weber and Soukup have three or four projects
available for the students to choose from to streamline the process.
This month a
group of students built multi-tiered platforms to display pumpkins, while
others created banners to thank veterans. Other students painted pumpkins
and gourds or created seasonal fall decorations with gourds and with additional
supplies.
All elementary
students are welcome to stay for the free program after their parents sign a
permission slip. Most of the supplies have been donated by parent’s, other
patrons and businesses. Soukup and Weber noted that Exeter resident Elva
McBride has been “a major contributor to our supplies.”
Besides the fun factor, which is
obvious when you step inside the space, the two teachers have seen additional
results. “One of the greatest benefits we have seen
by providing MakerSpace opportunities is teamwork. Over the years, the students
have learned how much more can be accomplished when work is completed with a
partner on a project. Many times the teams are composed of multi-aged groups.
The older students gain leadership skills and younger students look up to the
older students.”
The district has been a big supporter of the program
providing a space for the program along with designated storage areas at both
campuses.
Exeter-Milligan
Superintendent Paul Sheffield commented, “When I was first approached about
offering the program, my first thought was how are we going to do this? Lisa
Soukup and Marla Weber have done a fabulous job getting everything arranged and
I hope to continue offering it in the future.”
“MakerSpace
provides an opportunity for students to use their creative side as well as
their problem solving skills. It's neat watching the kids work together,
design and build something. AND the kids get to take home their
projects.”
Soukup and
Weber plan to continue the program and while they don’t have specific future
plans they plan to keep their students’ interests in mind along with infusing
changing technology into their formula.
Chezney
Kanode (left) and Kaylie Schlueter work together choosing paint colors for
their project.
Levi
Jurgensen stands next to the patriotic banner he created at MakerSpace.L-R Cohen Harre, Deacon Erdkamp and Titus Petersen begin to build their pumpkin stand.
Lisa Soukup helps some students with their projects.
L-R Titus Petersen,Deacon Erdkamp and Cohen Harre arrange pumpkins on the stand they built.
7 – L-R Titus Petersen, Deacon Erdkamp, Cohen Harre and Braxton Harre with their completed multi level pumpkin stand.
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