How did it get to be September 29th?

Whoa... It's hard to believe I have been back in school for six weeks. Yes, the school year is in full force!

One of my goals is to learn more about The Wonderment. I met some wonderful people who work for The Wonderment during my time at ISTE 2016 in Denver. The Wonderment strives to connect educators globally. Share your projects with people from around the world. Who knows... maybe you will connect with others and make your next project a global project.

Road Trip to ISTE 2016

My husband and I left for Colorado on June 20th. We decided to drive across the country via I-70. Of course, we had to make a few pit stops along the way.

• St. Louis 
• Gateway Arch St. Louis - The arch is 630 feet tall and 630 feet wide at ground level. The top is 17 feet wide and it can hold about 160 people. The tram capsules move approximately 3.86 miles per hour. Once at the top, you can enjoy the spectacular views. It was an amazing experience! 
• Gateway Arch Riverboats: Sightseeing Cruise - This was a wonderful cruise that highlights the area and the Mississippi River. This was a terrific experience. 
• Joe's Kansas City BBQ - I can see why people from all over stop here for BBQ. It was absolutely DELICIOUS! It was really neat to see the original gas station too. 
• Brown vs. Board of Education National Historic Site - This stop was one of our expected surprises in Kansas! This historical site was well-done. It was informative and interactive. 
• Kansas State Capitol Building in Topeka
• Capitol Building - The capitol building is beautiful! There is so much rich information about the history of Kansas. 
• Dome Tours - There are 296 steps to the top of the dome. There are nine levels that you must climb in order to reach the very top. I made it as far as level eight. 
• Oz Museum in Wampego, Kansas - This museum is dedicated to the movie The Wizard of Oz. There are over 2,000 artifacts in this museum. 

It was a long drive, but worth it!! I will post my ISTE 2016 experience soon. 

MakerSpace

MakerSpace = A place for kids to be kids... create... invent... innovate!

Inspire - Collaborate - Create -  Innovate

Why MakerSpace?

• inspire kids to create... not just consume
• students make meaning of learning
• students dream and envision new ideas and prototypes
• it's fun and engaging

MakerSpace materials in my classroom:

• designated a MakerSpace area 
• included basic supplies already in my classroom 
• colored pencils
• markers
• different types of paper (computer, construction, cardstock)
• glue
• craft sticks
• pipe cleaners
• different types of tape
• purchased Ideal Amaze 'N' Marbles  
• brought in Lego sets from home
• empty paper towel and toilet paper rolls
• cereal boxes and cardboard boxes 
• sought donations from parents and community members

First day of school

How I introduced MakerSpace:

• introduced Cain's Arcade to my class and other fifth grade team members
• selected a date for our first annual arcade
• gave students freedom to collaborate, design, and create

Students were excited... teachers were excited... it was a spectacular time of learning and fun! 

Check out some of our pictures: Our Arcade Project

Students used our MakerSpace area throughout the school year:

• during recess and afternoon earned time
• when work was finished and the quality of work was high 
• during Global Play Day - February 2016
• as part of Genius Hour exploration