A maker-space is a physical location where students can gather to create, invent, tinker, explore and discover using a variety of tools and materials. Wexford’s makerspace includes drawing boards, building planks as well as story, electronic and modeling kits and more.

Librarian Maria McCormick received funds from multiple sources including $4,705 grant from the Pine-Richland Opportunities Fund. The Wexford Parent Teacher Organization provided 17 Chromebooks.

“I am excited to have the opportunity to bring energy to the library space, where kids are learning in a brand new way where they’re trying and retrying in the form of research by doing,” Mrs. McCormick said.

Following the ceremony, students jumped right in and started tinkering with the makerspace materials.

Third grader Alex Kastner demonstrated how to attach wires to tin foil on Makey Makey boards to manipulate images on a laptop screen.

“I like that in library class you can do other things than just go get books,” Alex said.

Other students were building structures out of Keva planks, which are simple stacking blocks without glue or connectors. They can be stacked upright and appear to be unstable, but really aren't.

Other students created artwork on Buddha Boards. Students take dabs of water and use a brush to paint on boards, which reveal black ink-like strokes and appear to be  similar to a watercolor painting. The boards produce soft images. As the water slowly evaporates, the painting fades and a new blank canvas is revealed.

Download the Makerspace presentation document.