Purpose: This project will establish maker spaces in every classroom, Kindergarten - 5th grade, which teachers can use to integrate STEAM concepts into their lessons. We will purchase STEAM bins for our Kindergarten classes and all science/social studies classrooms, Maker Math bins for our math classrooms and Build-a-Story bins for our ELA classrooms. The organizational materials, directions, worksheets etc. will be purchased through Teacherspayteachers.

Integrating makerspace bins into every classroom will foster creative exploration and 21st century skills necessary for our students to succeed. Our school started a library makerspace 3 years ago and I see how it has expanded student learning. This grant will expand the hands-on learning opportunities of a maker space to every classroom. These bins foster learning through play and teach the engineering design process. The Maker Math bins will teach math concepts and the Build-a-Story bins in the ELA classrooms will integrate engineering into student writing. Students will build the setting of their story with Legos before writing.

Impact: The project was a success. Materials were purchased. STEAM bins incorporated into regular education classrooms. Teachers trained on effective practices and creative integration.