Makerspace at Pardes

If you’re searching for a school for your child, you may have heard the term “Makerspace.” Parents like yourself are looking specifically for a school with an on-site Makerspace because STEAM emphasis (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) and project-based learning are high on their priority list. These learning hubs provide students with opportunities to develop and hone important 21st century skills and competencies such as problem solving, communication, collaboration, perseverance, and design. 

The Makerspace at Pardes is an environment where children in kindergarten through eighth grade are encouraged to create, innovate, tinker, explore and discover using a variety of tools and materials. Every Pardes student visits the Makerspace weekly for hands-on projects. Time spent in the Makerpsace encourages exploration and creativity while empowering students with the mindset of failing forward – taking risks and then learning and growing from challenges and mistakes. 

The Makerspace concept emphasizes project-based learning, a student-centered pedagogy that is a hallmark of the Pardes experience. In the Makerspace, the projects are the vehicles for the learning as students collaborate, create, evaluate, and problem solve.  While working, they may utilize high tech, low tech, or no tech at all. The Makerspace has many tools available to students, including: 

  • Soldering Irons
  • Electronic Components – LEDs, wire, copper tape, etc.
  • BeeBots – engaging robots for teaching early programming skills
  • Lego WeDo 2.0 Robotics
  • Lego NXT and EV3 Robotics
  • Wonder Workshop Dot and Dash Robots
  • Green Screen/Video
  • Snap Circuits
  • Sewing Machines
  • Bench Vise Work Stations
  • Traditional Tools (Hammers, Screwdrivers, etc.)
  • And More!

Check out a few of the projects our students have completed by grade level. 

Kindergarten Makerspace Project Examples

  • Introducing students to basic robotics through the use of KIBO robotics and BeeBots. KIBO robots are used in cross-
    curricular lesson plans with Jewish Studies to help teach and celebrate
    Jewish holidays.
  • Engaging students in engineering design challenges with Lego, building blocks, and
    recycled materials.
  • Utilizing Project Based Learning to design and build a variety of inventions, machines, instruments, and buildings.

 

Lower School Makerspace Project Examples

  • Introduction to coding skills using KIBU robots and Scratch Junior
  • Hand sewing skills including learning various types of stitches to create a stuffed animal
  • Engineering design challenges to create items that meet specific guidelines such as a toy with at least one moving part
  • Lego We Do 2.0 challenges to create robots
  • Cross-curricular projects connected to Project Based Learning activities taking place in homeroom class

Middle School Makerspace Project Examples

  • Design three dimensional models using programs such as Tinkercad
  • Participate in engineering design challenges
  • Cross-curricular projects connected to Project Based Learning activities taking place in homeroom class
  • Learn hand-sewing techniques as well as how to use the sewing machine

More than a Place

The Makerspace is not just a physical space; it is a living concept. When students step into the Makerspace, they experience much more than projects. They grow from knowledge consumers into knowledge creators and learn that they can be agents for change.

See the Makerspace on Your Campus Tour

We invite you to schedule a tour at Pardes Jewish Day School and come see the Makerspace for yourself! It would be our privilege to show you around and consider your child for admission to our school. Contact us at 480-991-9141 or email admissions@pardesschool.org to plan your visit or request more information.