I’ve been hesitant to share in this space because my position is an unusual one, but with the rise of educational makerspaces, I thought it might be helpful to talk about some of the ways I’ve built my program. Throughout next week I’ll be sharing some ways that students in a widely differentiated program can be organized, productive, and fairly assessed using native Apple apps.
I was hired at an Apple Distinguished School outside of Philadelphia to turn an old woodshop into a technology-forward industrial workspace. I now teach engineering, carpentry, and design to 9-12th grades, and any student who wants to learn is welcome.
Here are some key changes and successes:
A focus on creativity and developing a personalized maker practice. No identical spice racks here! Student workflow and projects represent the maker.
Redesigning the shop and classroom for accessibility and independent use: logical and clear organization for executive functioning, furniture that fits all bodies, rebuilt furniture, machinery, and air systems so that students can safely navigate and operate in the space.
Establishing a partnership with local trade schools, increasing the number of highly qualified candidates to competitive post-secondary programs and bringing female-identifying students to a Women in STEM conference at a partner school. Female applicants have successfully matriculated into automotive training programs and engineering degree programs.
Winning a grant (“Smashing Stereotypes, Creating Prototypes”) to increase engagement of young women in STEM fields through engineering opportunities.
Creating a manufacturing component to the carpentry and engineering curricula by using CAD with CNC and 3D printers, using Apple technology from design through iterations to final product. Some student-led favorites have been building a working pinball machine from scratch, building a giant chess set from reclaimed lumber so that our annual art show has an audience-participation component, and collaborating with the school store to make and sell sets of coasters, with proceeds supporting innovative classroom projects throughout the district.
Presenting alongside a group of my students at ISTE to showcase their innovations and unique voices in building this program together.
I would love to hear about the experiences of other educators who may be working in the same field, or considering how traditional hands-on training can be integrated with current technologies. Please reach out and share!
Attach up to 5 files which will be available for other members to download.