Maureen Borgeest is the Library Media Specialist and Debbie Kearney is the library assistant at Oliver W. Winch Middle School in South Glen Falls, NY. The middle school recently created a makerspace in the library, where they use the H800 3D printer.
Making the Makerspace a Reality
As the Library Media Specialist, Mrs. Borgeest is always looking for ways to improve students’ access to technology and information. Thanks to her, along with the approval and resources of district officials, Oliver W. Winch Middle School opened their makerspace in October 2015.
“Makerspaces have been in existence in the library world for quite a few years, and I had read a lot about them both online and in professional journals,” explains Mrs. Borgeest. “It’s something I’ve thought is incredibly valuable and could see implementing in our own district, so I pitched the idea and our Administrator, Mr. Dawkins, and our Director of Technology, Mr. Spada. Both of them were very enthusiastic about it. They were incredible in making the makerspace a reality.” [Read more…]
“The activity that I had set up at the faire was aimed at younger kids,” says Quakenbush. “I had actually come up with the activity by accident, based on my experience at my last faire. I had brought a number of foam pieces from a failed robot project I was working on, and had them loosely connected with toothpicks. The kids that came by were intrigued by it and started rebuilding the robot with the toothpicks I had available.” Quakenbush noted how much the kids loved playing with the simple parts, which prompted him to bring a larger selection this time. “I made sure to have plenty of parts and toothpicks,” tells Quakenbush, adding, “it worked out well, because the table was always busy with kids who were participating.”