By: Mr. McGonegal
Tucked into the northwest corner of the FMA's lower level, we have an exciting new space where FMA Students and Teachers come to discover, create, code and connect! The new FMA MakerLab contains 25 iMac computers, a Brightlink Interactive Whiteboard, and enough work tables and floor space to make it a dynamic place for meeting, making, and learning! Ms. Lincoln and the Art Club have nearly finished their inspiring murals which will motivate and inspire our students in the years to come!
Here are just some of the ways the dynamic new space is being used:
- Mr McGonegal's weekly classes for grades 2-5: These classes cover subjects such as robotics, coding, keyboarding, digital literacy, productivity tools, media production (co-taught by Ms. Aishah, our Library Media Specialist) and more!
- Mr. Hebard's Robotics Club and the "Innovators for a Purpose" program: The "IFP" program brings together a student community of "creative doers" that apply STEAM skills to actively seek solutions to problems in the community. Check out their website and blog to learn more about their awesome work.
- JK-1 and other "Drop-in" use: With guidance and assistance from our Instructional Technology Specialist, teachers grades JK-1 bring their scholars down often for skills-building software and other tech-infused lessons.
- Community Schools and Afterschool: These FMA programs make wonderful use of the space during the late afternoon hours, allowing time for tech-infused homework, and using various educational web sites to leverage classroom learning.
- Building-wide and District-wide professional development: Meetings and trainings have been working wonderfully in this dynamic space!
The FMA recently hosted two 10-hour courses for Cambridge teachers on integrating Interactive Whiteboards into their teaching, and more and more building-based professional development is happening here all the time.
We'll be hosting a special event in June where the community can come learn more about the FMA MakerLab and how they can extend their students' learning through the summer months using our web-based resources.