The Power of Choice in Maker Ed Projects

Join Friends' Central students and teachers as we share the power of increasing student choices in Maker Ed projects in the Ulmer Family Light Lab. Our unique model centers around student-initiated project ideas facilitated by faculty mentors with varied maker skill sets.

What inspired you to begin investigating your topic or inspired you to make your project?:
The goal of the new curriculum developed in the FCS Light Lab was to provide personalized opportunities for students to deepen their learning. WIth scheduling changes and a shift in pedagogy, we have created a new facility with four themed makerspaces and a specific model which focuses on faculty mentorship of our young makers. Throughout this year, we observed substantial increase in engagement in all types of learners, but in particular for students who find it difficult to excel in a traditional classroom. These observations have reinforced our desire to continue providing more choices for our students to deepen engagement and understanding. We now wish to share our experience with others in the hope that our model might prove useful for parents and educators using Maker Education with their children and students.