Flint Lake Elementary unveiled their new Makerspace to the first group of fifth graders this week. The Makerspace includes multiple kinds of robots, circuity kits, building supplies, craft materials, a vertical LEGO wall, and a 3D printer to engage students’ creativity and problem solving skills. Jen Nimmons’ fifth grade class was the first group of students to explore the Makerspace. “It is exciting to watch my students work cooperatively in teams while deeply engaged in solving problems,” says Nimmons.
“The Makerspace wouldn’t be possible without the Lowe’s Toolbox for Education Grant”, says STEM teacher Jillian Gudenschwager. The Purdue Polytechnic Institute also donated robotics kits to the Makerspace.
“The mission of the Flint Lake Makerspace is to be a space where learners of all ages and abilities are empowered to explore, tinker, invent, build, dream, and grow without limits”, says Gudenschwager.
“When kids are engaged in solving problems and creating new things, they get the chance to see that even though reading, writing, or math may be a struggle for them, they are smart and capable of great things. I want that for my students. I want them to get a chance to see their own potential.”