Visiting the FabLab

This week, we opened the doors of the FabLab to all grade level classes in the Lower School. We wanted to give each child a view into the Lab and see some of the things they will have access to. Teachers signed up for 15 minute periods and after a brief introduction, the kids were sent to look at the 3D printers and the Laser Cutter (and things that were made by these machines). The students were also given the opportunity to explore Scratch programs using MaKeyMaKeys as interfaces. We also had some basic LittleBits modules out for students to build electric circuits. The hardest thing was getting the kids to leave when their time was up.

Beginning in a few weeks, the Lab will be open during recess for the students come in and explore. Depending on the interest, we may do a grade level a day or possibly a class a day. Based on the excitement on the faces of the kids this week...we're gonna be busy.

We want them to use the Lab to create and explore, tinker and build. If they have an idea for a project then we'll figure out how to make it. Following the "Engineering Design Process", they will come up with a goal they want to reach. Then, they ask questions, imagine possible answers, pick an answer & plan it, create it & test, and then improve it by starting the process over again.

One teacher told me that after leaving the lab, one of her students said that coming to the Lab made him want to build something. S.T.E.M. education at it's best.

Below are pictures of some of our students when they visited the Lab.

Controlling a Scratch game with clips

Playing a piano with sweet potato leaves

Wet paper towels make interesting arrow keys 

Cool 3D scanner

LittleBits are fun to play with