News - Troy Makerspace Expands Learning Opportunities
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Amazing student learning opportunities are taking place at Troy Intermediate School, as students and staff alike are taking advantage of the school’s Makerspace area and related STEM/STEAM integrated education. The Makerspace is a hub of vibrant, student-centered learning that features a variety of equipment to promote creativity. Students have access to a numerous low- and high-tech items such as Lego sets, KEVA planks, CRICUT sewing/embroidery machine, 3-D printer, green screen studio technology, stop-motion software, podcasting studio, and many other hands-on, interactive tools. Under the dedicated and creative direction of STEAM educator, Mrs. Katya Melott, Troy Intermediate students have access to multiple STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) integrated learning experiences.
Core curriculum teachers are collaborating with Mrs. Melott to connect classroom learning with STEAM concepts in exciting ways. In Mrs. Geraci's sixth grade social studies class, students learned about Geocaching and applied their knowledge to complete a thrilling scavenger hunt using a map to solve ten clues related to ancient Mesopotamia. Fifth grade students in Mrs. Randall’s class explored their individual family histories by conducting research and using INFOhio’s timeline feature.
STEAM learning opportunities are also available during WIN periods for homeroom classrooms. Students “ANCHOR IN” by learning how to use the diverse types of equipment available in the Makerspace area while developing key STEAM-related skills. During a recent WIN learning activity, students used the Tinkercad program to create 3-D models of different objects and structures, including the Key Bank building in downtown Cleveland!
Students can also apply their STEAM-focused learning with individual, small groups, or whole class activities. Through the STEM Ambassador program, three students from each homeroom meet twice per month to collaborate and create using the Makerspace, with the opportunity to then serve as a STEM/STEAM resource for their classrooms. Troy student Brielle Rudnicki enjoys the opportunity to be a leader and a helper in the classroom through small group instruction with Mrs. Melott, sharing that it “makes her feel happy and excited to help other people and work on projects ahead of other people so that I can lead the class the next day.”