360° Makerspaces

Thank you, Marcia Gauvin, for connecting with me and sharing a photograph of the Woodstock STEM lab. I love the sewing machine in the window!

Woodstock STEM Lab in April 2016 – Photograph by Marcia Gauvin

Agnor-Hurt Elementary School Multi-Age Classroom in December 2015

The Multi-Age Classroom of the Agnor-Hurt Elementary School in the Albemerle Public School District in Charlottesville, VA, is a day-light flooded and colorful space that offers a comfortable or productive corner for anyone. During our visit, we observed groups of youth sitting on a rub or on pillows around their teacher quietly reading or talking about math problems. At the same time, students curled up in beanbag chairs playing video games or gathering around the whiteboard cupboards planning designs. Look close at the photograph, you might even spot the bicycle!

Monticello High School Open Space in December 2015

The Monticello High School in Charlottesville, VA, is part of the Albemarle County Public School District. This former shop-class was turned into one of the school’s makerspaces, making use of the shop tools as well as digital tools like 3D printers and laser cutters. During out visit, we observed students play in the hallways, explore computer science through physical computing, build large wooden structures, and chat at the counter-top. Youth seemed to have ownership over the space, showing us around and frequently stepping in and out of the space.