Inspiration

With REF's investment, Makerspaces grew from one pilot program to dedicated sites at six schools. This year, every Ravenswood teacher and student will be able to collaborate and explore engineering, drawing, design, coding and robotics.

​A new Science Engineering Coordinator, supported by five Site Tinkerers, facilitates class visits and helps integrate design- thinking, building and engineering activities into regular class time.

Community Building

Makerspaces have also served as a vehicle for the district to engage Ravenswood parents and the surrounding community. Through cafecitos and other parent gatherings, parents can visit the Makerspaces and better understand their children's learning experiences.

​This year, thirty-five volunteers from the local community provided instruction and technical support for the Makerspace sites. Thanks to volunteer supervision, kids can drop in at lunch- time and create wonders with blocks, Legos, duct tape, robots, 3-D printers and more.

"Going to Makerspace was the highlight of my students’ week. They enjoyed being able to problem solve through hands on experiences. It was like you could actually see the gears turning in their heads as their puzzled looks turned into smiles as they were able to find and share solutions to the challenges. Makerspace was a great way to incorporate collaborative conversations, critical thinking, and engineering. Thank you for providing the opportunity for our students to participate!"
-Michelle Masuda, Vice Principal Willow Oaks Elementary School

"The Makerspaces this summer gave our students an incredible opportunity to practice their design thinking and engineering skills. The tinkerers worked hard to create age appropriate challenges for the children to solve through group work and innovation. The students loved coming in at their lunch to try their hands new types of projects and they couldn't get enough of the Makerspace overall. We were so thankful for RCSD for making this happen and all the donors who brought materials as well!"
-Erin Gonce Wakshlag, TK - 5 Literacy/ELD Coordinator 

"For some of our most struggling students, the Makerspaces are a highlight of their weeks."
-Nico Janik, Engineering/Makerspace Coordinator