In WMS's Maker (STEAM) Studios, no two school years are ever alike - there is always something new brewing, whether it's exploring salt, studying owls, emulating the techniques of artist Dale Chihuly or studying Asian engineering feats. This year, the 9-12 and middle-school students have been eager to explore some new additions to the Elementary Maker Studio: a laser cutter and three 3D printers.
To date, the students have been primarily focused on learning how to use the new equipment. The 3D printers, for instance, only work with certain file formats, so students have been tapping into their programming skills - and building on technology lessons - to make existing files compatible for 3D printing.
Middle-schoolers have already taken the additional step of brainstorming ways to use the new equipment, and have begun work on creating a "loose parts" playground to enhance the current Primary playground. These loose parts include wood "cookies" - cross-cuttings of various fallen trees into which the students will engrave the WMS logo using the laser cutter. Other loose parts for the playground include long bamboo sticks and rocks for balancing and stacking. Under STEAM Coach Paula Sharpe's guidance, the middle-school and 9-12 students take ideas and build on them. "I never have an exact recipe for them or a final outcome in mind," Paula said.
Next month, across all levels, students will be busy in their respective Maker (STEAM) Studios making things for an upcoming "make" sale. Rather than bake goodies for a bake sale, students will make items using Maker (STEAM) Studio resources and skills. Proceeds will help replenish Maker (STEAM) Studio supplies.
Upper Elementary and middle school students plan to use the 3D printers to make WMS logo key chains. Inspired by their summer reading book "Hatchet," Upper Elementary students will make fire starters using wax and pine cones. Students across all levels will use old books to make decorative bunting, and use a wood burner to engrave wood cookie ornaments with their initials.