top of page
Maker Academy: A Virtual School
Welcome
Welcome to Maker Academy where students don’t just learn, they tinker and make things happen. “Tinkering is a powerful form of ‘learning by doing’…Real science and engineering is done through tinkering. We owe it to our children to give them the tools and experiences that actual scientists and engineers use, and now is the time is to bring these tools and learning opportunities into classrooms” (Martinez and Stager, 2013). Project Based Learning “leads to deeper understanding for students…because kids are working on things they care about, and when they do that, they are empowered to really make a difference" (The Journal, para. 6).
Because the Maker Movement in schools is a newer concept, all staff members attend a variety of professional development opportunities throughout the year ranging from how to use the various tools, computer programming, to creating a Maker Space. “[G]etting started with making in the classroom is not just about shopping for new toys. Making is a position on learning that puts the learner in charge. Giving students time to brainstorm, invent, design, and build—and then time to fix mistakes, improve, test, and improve again is crucial…[T]he most important element of classroom making is allowing the students to have agency over their own creations” (Martinez and Stager, 2013).
About Us
How it Works
Within each classroom, there is a Maker Space for students to create and invent, but there are also two larger group spaces for bigger projects located in our Library and old computer lab. Here students are able to work on projects like Lego Robotics, building things out of cardboard or wood, or printing something off on the 3-D printer. Teachers sign up when they want to use one of these two rooms.
Maker Academy relies on the generous support from the community for donations of materials such as scrap wood, material, cardboard, and so much more. When projects are completed, students send out invitations to each business or individual who donated materials for our Showcase Gallery so they are able to see how their donations were incorporated.
Maker Academy is located on the outskirts of Lloydminster, Alberta. It is a small school made up of 119 students in Kindergarten to Grade 8, and classes are set up in 2 sets of grade groupings of Kindergarten to Grade four, and Grade 5 to Grade 8. Each “class” has approximately 30 students with 2 teachers and 2 education assistants. These groupings are put in place for students to not only learn from their teachers, but also from each other. From time to time, we also bring in experts to help the students with their creations. On staff we have 8 full-time teachers, 1 Teacher Librarian, 2 Fine Arts specialists, 1 Learning Resource teacher, 8 education assistants, 1 principal, 1 vice-principal, and 1 secretary. A minimum of 2 First Aid attendants are in the building at all times.
Our students come from a wide range of cultural backgrounds, academic levels, and special needs, and each one brings their own innovativeness and creativity to complement the ideals of the school. Teachers and education assistants are on hand to assist all students with their Maker projects. Because Maker Academy is a step away from a traditional school, parents must be aware of the inherent risks (click link below) associated with being a student here before they are able to register their child. Students will be using various tools including power and hand tools, soldering irons, hot glue guns, etc. to make their creations to enhance their learning.
CNN. (2012, Feb. 23). Inspiring a Maker Movement. Retrieved from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yYd25q9lMTI
CNN. (2012, Feb.23). Making More “Makers”. Retrieved from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3iixUllJHIE
The Journal. (2014, Apr. 30). The Maker Movement Conquers the Classroom. Retrieved from: http://thejournal.com/Articles/2014/04/30/The-Maker-Movement-Conquers-the-Classroom.aspx?Page=2
Martinez, S.L, and Stager, G.S. (2013). How the Maker Movement is Transforming Education. Retrieved from: http://www.weareteachers.com/hot-topics/special-reports/how-the-maker-movement-is-transforming-education
Martinez, S.L., and Stager, G.S. (2013). What’s in a Maker Space. Retrived from: http://www.weareteachers.com/hot-topics/special-reports/how-the-maker-movement-is-transforming-education/what-s-in-a-makerspace
References
 |
|---|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
bottom of page