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.”
Students are also exploring their creative and entrepreneurial talents through personalized learning opportunities. Through the support and encouragement of Mrs. Melott, Troy students can sign up during free periods such as lunch or recess to pursue their passions and interests using the diverse resources made available through STEAM education. Troy student Ashley Nemmer loves using the Makerspace as it allows students to use their imagination to bring their inventions to life, including her own unique invention, a fidget lamp.
Cory Borst has used the STEAM integrated learning to employ his creativity and develop his entrepreneurial skills. Applying his skills with the Tinkercad program, Cory has created 3D printed Croc Pins featuring a variety of designs. EJ Turner has focused his interests on the technology component of STEM and is beginning to use programming languages such as Scratch, HTML, and Python.
The podcasting technology is a popular source of interest for students, including Jimmy Ata, James Smith, Samuel Siefert and Connor Christ. Together, the four friends are the creators of a fantasy football podcast which has several episodes featured on the Life at Troy YouTube channel organized by Mrs. Melott. The energetic podcasters schedule an appointment with Mrs. Melott during recess to write a new script or record the latest episode. The script writing process has helped them to improve their writing in Mrs. Jones’ ELA class. Sharing their opinions in a podcast scenario makes them feel empowered and like real broadcasters on ESPN’s Sportscenter. In the future, all four students hope that this experience will be a stepping stone towards achieving their dreams of becoming sports broadcasters!
When she first visited the Makerspace, Annamarie Maltbie did not know what to expect but was quickly impressed by the multitude of options available for students, including the 3-D printer, podcast recording station, GlowForge which allows cutting and engraving of materials, Lego station, and more. As a result, Annamarie feels “empowered because I can choose what I do every day during recess!”
Aubrey Luciano and Jahnavi Patel are using the Makerspace to put their desire to spread positivity into action. Mrs. Mellot’s classroom now displays eye-catching positive affirmation notes created by Aubrey with the purpose of encouraging her fellow students to be persistent and pursue their passions. “I feel like the STEAM room is a room where you think positively and make your dreams come true, so you can experience the joy you should have when you are making something you love,” shared Aubrey. As a demonstration of appreciation for their dedication and support, Jahnavi has created magnets for Troy teachers and staff. She states that the Makerspace is “the perfect place to make your dreams come true and express who you are,” and is grateful for the positive and supportive presence of Mrs. Melott.
Lola Bohm, Ava Donovan, and Brooklyn Herttua look forward with excitement to working together as a team to create and explore in the Makerspace. The group of friends has collaborated on several artistic creations, including large tote bags and small purses, as well moji shakers which are bead filled jars wrapped in tape covered with various types of moji (aka emoji) shapes.
The Makerspace has given Maura Schneider the space and inspiration to make a smile board, an original creation that features an assortment of craft items and designs of various textures and colors. True to its namesake, the smile board can help brighten someone’s day when they are feeling bored, stressed, or anxious. Maura shared that creating the smile board gives her a “fun, bubbly feeling,” and that while there can be difficulties, she has the confidence to persevere and overcome those challenges.
As a creative way to help them and their fellow students adjust to a new school setting, Bryce Ferguson and Elise Carritte created “Stress Babies” made from donated materials. The student pair make about ten “Stress Babies” each week to meet the high demand and have given them to students, friends, and teachers. Bryce and Elise look forward to continuing to “build our business by hiring more staff, marketing our product to students who have recess opposite to ours and creating a business plan that helps us succeed.”
The positive impact of the Makerspace is made possible through the generous support of parents, community members, as well as local businesses and organizations. Through a grant provide by the Avon Lake City Schools Foundation, the school was able to obtain a GlowForge for the 2023-2024 school year. A generous donation by Troy Intermediate PTA was used to purchase the Podcasting studio in the Media Center. Natasha Catlin with KMA & Associates has donated hundreds of fabric samples while community member Sari Vasch donated hundreds of supplies gathered over the course of her 40-year teaching career in kindergarten. The 2024 Troy Career Quest featured twenty-nine presenters composed of parents and community members who shared their diverse STEM careers with over six hundred students!
An ongoing collaboration with Mike Triska, (Innovation and Technology Specialist) and Dave Miller (Director, Technology, Innovation & Workforce Development) from the Lorain County Educational Service Center has provided Mrs. Melott with abundant resources to help launch and enrich the overall Makerpace experience. These resources include key meetings on career readiness, integrating tools like GlowForge, stop-motion animation, podcasting, and facilitating partnerships to align Makerspace projects with career-oriented skills.
The limitless possibilities of learning, creativity, and growth through the Makerspace and STEM/STEAM integration is helping to prepare Avon Lake students for success today and in the future!
