skip to main content
share-link

Forest Road School Opens New MakerSpace

Photo of MakerSpace thumbnail84512
Photo of Ribbon Cutting thumbnail84513
Photo of Student with Lego Board thumbnail84514
Photo of Students Working Together thumbnail84515
Photo of Students at MakerSpace thumbnail84516
Photo of Students at Opening Ceremony thumbnail84517
Administrators, faculty, students and PTA members at Forest Road School recently joined in a ribbon cutting ceremony during the school’s monthly PTA meeting to officially open their new MakerSpace. The space was created thanks to a Lowe's Toolbox for Education Grant of $2,000, which library media specialist On Kyung Joo applied for in Feb. 2017. 

Superintendent of Schools Dr. Nicholas Stirling, PTA President Natalie Cange, Principal Erin Malone, Assistant Principal Jennifer Lewner and On Kyung Joo cut the blue ribbon in celebration of the new space. 

The school received the grant in May 2017 and with the board of education’s approval, began purchasing essential STEAM products for the new MakerSpace during the summer months. The grant allowed the school to purchase items to expand learning opportunities for students while encouraging innovation, collaboration and exploration. 

A variety of educational tools were incorporated into the space including a 3-D printer called the FlashForge Inventor II and different color filaments. They also purchased robots such as Wonder Workshop Dot and Dash and BeeBots, building and engineering tools such as LEGO’s, K’Nex and Magformers, a button maker and a video game builder called Bloxels.

In addition, the MakerSpace includes Snap Circuits which is a beginner electronic discovery kit and Makey Makey, an invention kit for all ages. 

The new Makerspace, which was configured over the summer in the school’s computer lab, features a new interactive whiteboard called InFocus, a LEGO wall and new whiteboard. It also features a whiteboard table where students can write their ideas and erase easily.

Students will be utilizing the MakerSpace throughout the 2017-18 school year by participating in monthly themed activities with the new tools.