![]() Most spaces are still in the planning stages, with a few already well-equipped and up and running. The Maker Circle includes Chute, King Arts, and Nichols Middle Schools, Youth and Opportunity United (Y.O.U.), the McGaw Y’s MetaMedia drop-in center, Northwestern, the Evanston Public Library, Family Focus, Fleetwood Jourdain Center, and the Robert Crown Community Center. The spaces will notably benefit girls and students who identify as African American and Latino – populations that are typically underrepresented in STEM/STEAM environments. Callam says a network of Evanston makerspaces can provide the space, training, and tools so kids can tinker away. Tech tools are expensive and it can take time to become proficient with them, Mr. “Makerspaces are the modern version of the industrial arts shop we had in middle and high school back in the day, combined with your grandfather’s workshop out back in his garage,” explains Kirby Callam, Project Director for EvanSTEM and coordinator of the “Maker Circle” collaboration. ![]() ![]() Maker activities might incorporate elements of STEM education – science, technology, engineering, and math (also called STEAM with an “a” for arts) – but STEM is not the main focus of the Maker Movement. Students can tinker with and make things in makerspaces using traditional arts and crafts, electronics, computers, and digital fabrication tools such as 3D printers and laser cutters. The “Maker Movement” is taking hold in Evanston, with a collaboration of schools, community centers, the library and Northwestern University working to create makerspaces for school age kids throughout our city. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |