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Because we want to prepare our students for their actual futures, not the futures we had. I loved the quote "we cannot continue to educate them in the ways of the past." I listened to a lunchroom conversation this week where teachers were reminiscing about never having any kind of computer class in school or college - only typing. I thought about how if our students were only taught what these teachers were taught, how wide the gap would be. I also thought about how much of my own preparation in college for teaching career was entirely based in "ways of the past." We just can't do education under that model anymore. The fact is they will have to be innovators and creators in their careers, technology will continue to filter into every moment and aspect of the workplace.
Krystal

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Ken Robinson: Do schools kill creativity?

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Sir Ken Robinson makes an entertaining and profoundly moving case for creating an education system that nurtures (rather than undermines) creativity.

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To return passion, creativity, critical thinking and innovation to our curriculum. To breathe the freedom to be "wrong" while learning and to try something noone has done before back into curriculum. 

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To return passion, creativity, critical thinking and innovation to our curriculum. To breathe the freedom to be "wrong" while learning and to try something noone has done before back into curriculum. 

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-Krystal

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The most surprising to me was that the largest growth is expected in mathematical science. In my mind, science is always the fastest growing field that we teach in elementary but rarely do I see educators making strides toward blending math into the science curriculum - unless it's precisely stated in their lessons. I love that Maker Space puts all of the emphasis back into practical, career-based, skills again.

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The most surprising to me was that the largest growth is expected in mathematical science. In my mind, science is always the fastest growing field that we teach in elementary but rarely do I see educators making strides toward blending math into the science curriculum - unless it's precisely stated in their lessons. I love that Maker Space puts all of the emphasis back into practical, career-based, skills again.

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Krystal

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It was nice to see what the students listed, because some of the things I didn't really think they would notice about technology showed up on the list - just proof that they are sponges for anything we expose them to, even if it's only a small exposure. I was glad to see that so many students recognized that they had learned to solve problems and they were glad! Also, it was nice to see that some of the "inexpensive" activities made the list of favorites.
Krystal

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I definitely think in the regular education classroom this has become the norm. Teachers are constantly asked to assess and the only way to assess, progress monitor, check for understanding, formatively assess is to ask questions that have correct, measurable, data-driven, answers. There isn't the time for exploration, creativity, individualism in our day any more because there is so much pressure to move kids along through the measured paces of the content. 

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I definitely think in the regular education classroom this has become the norm. Teachers are constantly asked to assess and the only way to assess, progress monitor, check for understanding, formatively assess is to ask questions that have correct, measurable, data-driven, answers. There isn't the time for exploration, creativity, individualism in our day any more because there is so much pressure to move kids along through the measured paces of the content. 

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Krystal

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"The great engine of innovation and invention in society comes from people whose flame of creativity was kept alive in childhood. If not nurtured, creativity takes a nosedive by 4th grade." I found myself reflecting on my immediate family here. My mom, grandmother, and even my dad for a short time were very passionate, creative, innovative educators. They allowed us as children to play, explore, try things, make messes, learn skills, quit learning skills for the pursuit of others, ask questions, and fully become who we were gifted to become. However, I can look around at colleges, friends, people my own age, who didn't have this upbringing and I can see the stagnation of creativity in them. I'm afraid of what a generation of teachers who are just teaching the TEKS and tracking the data might produce in our students today. I'm rejuvenated about be the change in that in Maker Space and making sure that we still have a place in my school where students  can invent and innovate - before their flame goes out. 

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"The great engine of innovation and invention in society comes from people whose flame of creativity was kept alive in childhood. If not nurtured, creativity takes a nosedive by 4th grade." I found myself reflecting on my immediate family here. My mom, grandmother, and even my dad for a short time were very passionate, creative, innovative educators. They allowed us as children to play, explore, try things, make messes, learn skills, quit learning skills for the pursuit of others, ask questions, and fully become who we were gifted to become. However, I can look around at colleges, friends, people my own age, who didn't have this upbringing and I can see the stagnation of creativity in them. I'm afraid of what a generation of teachers who are just teaching the TEKS and tracking the data might produce in our students today. I'm rejuvenated about be the change in that in Maker Space and making sure that we still have a place in my school where students  can invent and innovate - before their flame goes out. 

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Krystal

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To see students soar! There are so many students that struggle academically but you let them loose in the makerspace and they can soar. It builds confidence among all and help others see they aren't perfect and that it is ok. I also believe it is the BEST way to help support teachers with their content and help students improve their problem solving and critical thinking skills.

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To provide an outlet for those students who don't really identify with many things when they come to school.  I place where they don't have to sit at a desk and listen for long periods of time.  I place with a little less structure where they are able to create and build with strict limitations and without the fear of getting a bad grade if they are a struggling student.

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To provide an outlet for those students who don't really identify with many things when they come to school.  I place where they don't have to sit at a desk and listen for long periods of time.  I place with a little less structure where they are able to create and build with strict limitations and without the fear of getting a bad grade if they are a struggling student.

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I thought the stats in Figure 6 were meaningful. I was shocked thinking that "only 1 out of 5 STEM college students feel that their K-12 education prepared them for college." Well give Whitehouse ISD a few years and we will change that! LOL

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The answers to the very first question cracked me up because you can definitely tell the age differences! I just loved that chart because I think it is important to get their feedback and input to use for data.

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I think that after our Makerspace has been operational for several months that it would be interesting to ask our students this same question. These answers made me smile because I could truly see how what the students were learning in the Makerspace and how they were impacted. I think this would be good information to present to teachers/administrators so that they could see the value of the Makerspace and its impact on students.     

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I think that after our Makerspace has been operational for several months that it would be interesting to ask our students this same question. These answers made me smile because I could truly see how what the students were learning in the Makerspace and how they were impacted. I think this would be good information to present to teachers/administrators so that they could see the value of the Makerspace and its impact on students.     

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I read several different quotes that spoke to our nation's competitiveness. I think that we are such a nation that is used to being a leader in so many fields that we have in a way fallen behind others.  I think we need to focus more than ever to prepare our students for the workforce.  To do this we need to expose them to STEAM tools and encourage them to think, learn and grow in different ways to become problem solvers.

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I read several different quotes that spoke to our nation's competitiveness. I think that we are such a nation that is used to being a leader in so many fields that we have in a way fallen behind others.  I think we need to focus more than ever to prepare our students for the workforce.  To do this we need to expose them to STEAM tools and encourage them to think, learn and grow in different ways to become problem solvers.

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If we are not including STEAM skills in our curriculum we are not preparing our students.  I am finding that many students that have struggled consistently for years are blossoming in the Makerspace environment.  STEAM opportunities are exactly what they need to feel success in the school environment.  I student's perception of themselves is vitally important to their success.

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If we are not including STEAM skills in our curriculum we are not preparing our students.  I am finding that many students that have struggled consistently for years are blossoming in the Makerspace environment.  STEAM opportunities are exactly what they need to feel success in the school environment.  I student's perception of themselves is vitally important to their success.

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Absolutely.  I think most teachers are guilty of this including myself.  Some students are really struggling with my lack of guidance in the Makerspace.  By lack of guidance, I mean that I am not giving students many visual examples of product expectations.  Also, I am encouraging them to work with others to solve problems rather than giving them guidance myself.

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Absolutely.  I think most teachers are guilty of this including myself.  Some students are really struggling with my lack of guidance in the Makerspace.  By lack of guidance, I mean that I am not giving students many visual examples of product expectations.  Also, I am encouraging them to work with others to solve problems rather than giving them guidance myself.

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I so enjoyed reading about all of the students favorite things.  I imagined the responses that my students would give if asked the same question.  It made me realize that even thought we are going through a transition period where some may not see the benefit of the Makerspace...we are impacting those that matter most: our students.

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I so enjoyed reading about all of the students favorite things.  I imagined the responses that my students would give if asked the same question.  It made me realize that even thought we are going through a transition period where some may not see the benefit of the Makerspace...we are impacting those that matter most: our students.

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I think the struggle with what he says is getting adults to switch their mindset. Looking back on my time as a classroom teacher, I most definitely was guilty of steering students away from their passions so that we could spend more time on getting ready for the STAAR test.  This is the sad thing about public education.  Teachers and parents alike feel pressure to motivate students to grow up and be successful even though our notion of what a successful person should be may/may not be accurate.

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I think the struggle with what he says is getting adults to switch their mindset. Looking back on my time as a classroom teacher, I most definitely was guilty of steering students away from their passions so that we could spend more time on getting ready for the STAAR test.  This is the sad thing about public education.  Teachers and parents alike feel pressure to motivate students to grow up and be successful even though our notion of what a successful person should be may/may not be accurate.

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Including the STEAM skills is insuring that we are preparing them for their future.

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YES! BUT through STEAM and our makerspace we are working hard to stop that! I had a big talk with my upper grades about "being spoon-fed". Most of them had never heard that before.

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"The end product is students who take risks, experiment while learning, display grit while problem solving, work with peers, and work through the problem-solving process." I read that over and over several times just taking it in.

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I am going to answer this question with the perspective that the adults in our district are my students. Makerspace activities teach a growth mindset. We are so incredibly lacking in that across the board with our culture as adults. We have to realize that students need time to create, fail, regroup, and try again. They need time to solve real-world problems. 

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I am going to answer this question with the perspective that the adults in our district are my students. Makerspace activities teach a growth mindset. We are so incredibly lacking in that across the board with our culture as adults. We have to realize that students need time to create, fail, regroup, and try again. They need time to solve real-world problems. 

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Students learn in a lot of different ways. What works for some may not for others. It is important to try to reach all learners and give them different ways to solve problems. A Makerspace helps build upon students early interests and experiences and provides opportunities to engage and learn to investigate questions using hands on experiences.

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I found it interesting that 93% of parents believe STEM should be a priority, but only 49% of parents believe that STEM IS a priority. As a parent, it terrifies me that the education system is going to crush my creative little thinker and turn him into a good multiple choice chooser. This would not be the fault of the teachers, but of the system that keeps teachers in fear of trying something new in their classrooms. 

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I found it interesting that 93% of parents believe STEM should be a priority, but only 49% of parents believe that STEM IS a priority. As a parent, it terrifies me that the education system is going to crush my creative little thinker and turn him into a good multiple choice chooser. This would not be the fault of the teachers, but of the system that keeps teachers in fear of trying something new in their classrooms. 

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My first thought was "ALL the IDEAS!" Lol. We can definitely take this list and create our own "Makerspace Bucket List".This quote was perfect- "The Billy goats could cross my ridge and get away from the grumpy old troll because I built it strong." Hahahaha.

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My first thought was "ALL the IDEAS!" Lol. We can definitely take this list and create our own "Makerspace Bucket List".This quote was perfect- "The Billy goats could cross my ridge and get away from the grumpy old troll because I built it strong." Hahahaha.

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I loved this sentence. "Makerspaces with STEAM are a way to organize and utilize best practices and ideas, as well as customize learning experiences for students involved." However, I also liked where they talked about how STEAM in makerspace will challenge students to be wrong, to try numerous ideas, to listen to different opinions, and produce products that are relevant to real life. These are all things that I see adults in education struggle with. 

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I loved this sentence. "Makerspaces with STEAM are a way to organize and utilize best practices and ideas, as well as customize learning experiences for students involved." However, I also liked where they talked about how STEAM in makerspace will challenge students to be wrong, to try numerous ideas, to listen to different opinions, and produce products that are relevant to real life. These are all things that I see adults in education struggle with. 

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I will never forget the time I thought I was doing this awesome PBL and then was ticked off when I got 150 of the same "copy and pasted" google slide presentations from my kids. After the dust settled from my temper tantrum, I realized that I had almost boxed them into a corner with the instructions I gave. I made it to where there really wasn't any choice in the information they found and how it was presented. That was a learning experience for me. I apologized to each of my classes and spent the next week allowing them to create a more meaningful demonstration of what they had learned. 

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I will never forget the time I thought I was doing this awesome PBL and then was ticked off when I got 150 of the same "copy and pasted" google slide presentations from my kids. After the dust settled from my temper tantrum, I realized that I had almost boxed them into a corner with the instructions I gave. I made it to where there really wasn't any choice in the information they found and how it was presented. That was a learning experience for me. I apologized to each of my classes and spent the next week allowing them to create a more meaningful demonstration of what they had learned. 

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Process over product. That really stuck out to me in a big way. Also, it hit home with me that Makerspaces support students' social and emotional need. It said that anxiety and depression sufferers benefit from lower stress and anxiety levels when being creative because it taps into the right side of the brain. 

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Process over product. That really stuck out to me in a big way. Also, it hit home with me that Makerspaces support students' social and emotional need. It said that anxiety and depression sufferers benefit from lower stress and anxiety levels when being creative because it taps into the right side of the brain. 

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To allow my students to learn the skills they need for any future jobs.  To allow them to explore things they may never have used before.  To provide opportunities for collaboration, critical thinking and the design process.

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The research that was so important to me was how fast the STEM jobs are growing and how our students need to be prepared for these kinds of jobs.

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I love all the ideas this chart gave me of what to have in my Makerspace area.  It was interesting to see what things were repeated.  It was also interesting how many students commented on learning to try again and not giving up.  

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I love all the ideas this chart gave me of what to have in my Makerspace area.  It was interesting to see what things were repeated.  It was also interesting how many students commented on learning to try again and not giving up.  

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To prepare students for the future and the jobs they could possibly have.  We want them to be successful in the workforce one day and STEAM skills will play a big part in this.  

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To prepare students for the future and the jobs they could possibly have.  We want them to be successful in the workforce one day and STEAM skills will play a big part in this.  

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The way our curriculum's are so test driven means they have to give answers we want. It they are allowed to figure out answers for themselves, they will learn some much needed skills that will benefit them the rest of their lives.

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"It's okay to learn with our students or even learn from them." This was quoted in the book and it is something I want to strive to do. I need to remind myself that I don't always have to know everything before I present it to them.

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I thought the list of students comments was very impressive! Amazing what they can learn when given the opportunity and time. Time being the key factor as this point in the beginning of our venture. It also gave me many ideas on what I can start planning for my campuses.

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Definitely to prepare them for the future. Even if technology changes they will have learned to adapt and change to make things work. If the research is showing a continual growth in STEAM type jobs then we need to make sure our students have the skills they need to compete in the job market.

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Unfortunately this is very true. Due to state testing we tend to teach to the content of the test. Teachers don't want to give up class time to go to Makerspace because they think it is taking away from the instructional time. Which we know is not the fact.

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Aha moment would be that it is okay to make mistakes in front of the students. That it is actually a good thing!

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Page 31 states 78% of STEM college students decided to study STEM in high school or earlier.  When we did our survey at WHS, the majority of the students did not know how to answer the questions because they did not even know what STEM was or what a Makerspace was.  I would love to do this survey again in 5 years when we are running like a well oiled machine.  I am certain they would answer differently after growing up in a Makerspace world.

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Page 31 states 78% of STEM college students decided to study STEM in high school or earlier.  When we did our survey at WHS, the majority of the students did not know how to answer the questions because they did not even know what STEM was or what a Makerspace was.  I would love to do this survey again in 5 years when we are running like a well oiled machine.  I am certain they would answer differently after growing up in a Makerspace world.

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My husband has not been in school in MANY years and has employees that have been with him for years as well.  Sometimes, a new younger hire comes in and just has a different way of thinking or looking at a task.  It's a generational gap and sometimes they are right and sometimes they are not but the younger workers tend to work better collaboratively than the older ones and I think this is because older employees have been "stuck" in a rut and learned in only traditional classrooms.  STEAM skills integrated into LRC's and classrooms create more well rounded adults who are not afraid to try something new when attacking a task.

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My husband has not been in school in MANY years and has employees that have been with him for years as well.  Sometimes, a new younger hire comes in and just has a different way of thinking or looking at a task.  It's a generational gap and sometimes they are right and sometimes they are not but the younger workers tend to work better collaboratively than the older ones and I think this is because older employees have been "stuck" in a rut and learned in only traditional classrooms.  STEAM skills integrated into LRC's and classrooms create more well rounded adults who are not afraid to try something new when attacking a task.

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Unfortunately, as long as we have state testing, we will still have this problem.  I would much rather see an adult arrive at the right answer because they can prove it and have the confidence to know they have the right answer than to have that knowledge at the tip of their tongue (memorization and regurgitation of answers).  

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Unfortunately, as long as we have state testing, we will still have this problem.  I would much rather see an adult arrive at the right answer because they can prove it and have the confidence to know they have the right answer than to have that knowledge at the tip of their tongue (memorization and regurgitation of answers).  

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I point to the engineering process quite often with my students and ask "where are you in your process?"  I think this reminds them that there is always room for improvement and always strive for better.

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I point to the engineering process quite often with my students and ask "where are you in your process?"  I think this reminds them that there is always room for improvement and always strive for better.

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It is very hard to get people to change their ways and opinions. It doesn't seen to matter if they are new to the job or have been in the field a long time.

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I love that his "talk" was quite some time ago and still so relevant to what we are trying to get started here in WISD.

Intelligence is diverse, dynamic and distinct.

Women have something "thicker" in their brains which makes them more creative and better at multitasking. Makerspace will help those poor fellas thicken that gray matter up there!