Build It and They Will Come: Students Collaborate in New Maker Space
What is a maker space you might ask? The term has been bandied around for a few years now and schools, libraries, community centres and independent facilities have started embracing the concept.
A maker space is a collaborative workspace where individuals can gather to create, invent and learn. These spaces provide access to a range of different tools, equipment and resources that may not be readily available elsewhere.
Jen Weening, Middle/Senior School Technology Academic Head, has been conceptualizing and researching the possibility and practicality for opening one at CDS for a few years and this September her dream started to unfold into reality.
Jen is passionate about student engagement and upon receiving the green light to proceed in June, spent part of her summer ordering supplies and organizing the new space in S21, a classroom twice the size as what she had envisioned. She refers to it as a “work in progress” as she is "still sourcing additional countertops, bulletin boards, and storage solutions for the multipurpose space." Her ideas for future expansion are impressive and she has embraced the philosophy that the sky's the limit.
While Jen has her sights set on the vast potential of this space, the students are living in the moment and coming in droves. “We have tried to equip the space with as many tools that students might use to design, problem solve, iterate variable solutions and create whatever they imagine. This space allows you to do rapid prototyping to solve a problem or find a solution,” says Ms. Weening.
The space is already equipped with 2 laser cutters/engravers, three 3D printers, a vinyl cutter, T-shirt heat press and professional 10-colour inkjet printer. There are two high-top work tables where groups can strategize and design their prototypes. It is the perfect spot for the new Grade 11 Entrepreneurship class to gather for class projects including the 100,000 Liggetts project, as well as the new Grade 11 Non-Traditional Art class where students are working on mixed-media projects; both classes frequently relying on the new tools available. Ms. Weening is usually available to help answer questions and train students on the equipment during classes as well.
Lunchtime is also a hive of activity now that the space is open every day for students to stop by and witness all the possibilities. Ms. Weening is debuting a project each month, including designing/printing your own 3D printed keychains and custom laptop/water bottle stickers. Both Middle School and Senior School students enjoy “spitballing ideas” with her about all the possibilities.
“My goal is to get kids in here and excited about making stuff. I want them to realize the possibilities and implications. For example, if clubs want to raise awareness, they could create buttons, or design and print a t-shirt to sell as a fundraiser.”
According to Weening, the goal of a maker space is to foster creativity, innovation and hands-on learning. They are also a novel way to bring individuals with a wide range of skill sets and interests together to collaborate and bring their ideas to life.
It’s still early days, but the CDS maker space is already doing both!
Land Acknowledgment
The Country Day School wishes to recognize and acknowledge the land on which the school operates. Our nearest Indigenous Nations are now the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation and the Chippewas of Georgina Island. The Dish with One Spoon Wampum covenant is often cited as an example of the shared responsibility for caring for these lands among the Huron-Wendat, Anishinaabe and Haudenosaunee peoples who would call these their traditional territories. CDS respects the relationship with these lands and recognizes that our connection to this land can be strengthened by our continued relationship with all First Nations, by acknowledging our shared responsibility to respect and care for the land and waters for future generations.
School Information
13415 Dufferin Street King, Ontario L7B 1K5
(905) 833-1220
communications@cds.on.ca
admissions@cds.on.ca
Founded in 1972, The Country Day School is a co-educational private school offering programs in JK-12 and located on 100 acres north of Toronto in King.
(905) 833-1220
communications@cds.on.ca
admissions@cds.on.ca
Founded in 1972, The Country Day School is a co-educational private school offering programs in JK-12 and located on 100 acres north of Toronto in King.
