Introducing Hackett's new makerspace
Jumpstarted by a grant written by local dad, Chris Guido, a new makerspace has just opened on the second floor of Hackett School. This makerspace combines elements of a traditional science lab, shop class, computer lab and art studio. Here, students experiment hands-on with STEM concepts [Science, Technology, Engineering and Math.] Already in use, the new makerspace is expanding STEM concepts to STEAM – where the A is for art.
Combining technology and the arts comes naturally to Deborah Barca, who is one of the on-site organizers of the makerspace. Ms. Barca teaches computers and technology at Hackett — where she has worked since 2009 — and leads the Enrichment program alongside Robert Krauss (Art) and Ruthanne Parker (Music.) The three collaborate on inventive activities for Enrichment’s accelerated learners, and the makerspace will expand their integrative approach to include all students at Hackett. In time, a rotation schedule will allow every teacher at the school to have access to the makerspace, encouraging instructors to use the equipment and supplies in ways that reinforce individual class concepts. Mr. Krauss is bringing his art students into the makerspace this month.
The grant money - a ten thousand dollar ‘Pursue Your Passion’ award from Chris Guido’s employer RSM - is already making an impact. Newly purchased items are in-use in the classrooms, including ten new chrome-books. Meanwhile, new tables, storage units, and a 3D printer are being set up in Room 216.
Last month, Ms Barca explained the progress as we toured the unfinished spaces. “We are getting closer,” she smiled, standing amid neatly spaced rows of boxes in Room 216. In addition to securing the funding, Chris Guido has also been donating sweat equity. Over the summer, he organized a group of volunteers from RSM to move these boxes out of 3rd floor storage, sorting existing supplies for future use. “They were here all day, and these rooms get hot!” Ms Barca shared.
Now each box is organized by type — one with Slinkies, another twine. There are boxes for rubber bands, balls, toothpicks, rocks salvaged from former geology kits. The list seems endless, and so do the possibilities. Alongside these analog supplies, there are hi-tech tools like Sphero robots and Lego Mindstorms that incorporate coding and programming skills. Since our first meeting, the bulk of the boxes have been moved across the hall to Ms Barca’s former lab in 217; that classroom will be a flexible space, allowing for expanded material storage and workspace overflow.
For the final push, Ms Barca enlisted help from parents and organized “kid power” through her Tech Club. Chris Guido is still logging in hours, too, determined to see the makerspace to completion. In his winning grant proposal he wrote, “I am a product of the Philadelphia Public school system. My parents both instilled in me a strong sense of civic responsibility and giving back whenever one has the ability to do so.” The makerspace attests to his ability and willingness to contribute to his neighborhood school — long before his own daughter starts at Hackett in 2020.
Combining technology and the arts comes naturally to Deborah Barca, who is one of the on-site organizers of the makerspace. Ms. Barca teaches computers and technology at Hackett — where she has worked since 2009 — and leads the Enrichment program alongside Robert Krauss (Art) and Ruthanne Parker (Music.) The three collaborate on inventive activities for Enrichment’s accelerated learners, and the makerspace will expand their integrative approach to include all students at Hackett. In time, a rotation schedule will allow every teacher at the school to have access to the makerspace, encouraging instructors to use the equipment and supplies in ways that reinforce individual class concepts. Mr. Krauss is bringing his art students into the makerspace this month.
The grant money - a ten thousand dollar ‘Pursue Your Passion’ award from Chris Guido’s employer RSM - is already making an impact. Newly purchased items are in-use in the classrooms, including ten new chrome-books. Meanwhile, new tables, storage units, and a 3D printer are being set up in Room 216.
Last month, Ms Barca explained the progress as we toured the unfinished spaces. “We are getting closer,” she smiled, standing amid neatly spaced rows of boxes in Room 216. In addition to securing the funding, Chris Guido has also been donating sweat equity. Over the summer, he organized a group of volunteers from RSM to move these boxes out of 3rd floor storage, sorting existing supplies for future use. “They were here all day, and these rooms get hot!” Ms Barca shared.
Now each box is organized by type — one with Slinkies, another twine. There are boxes for rubber bands, balls, toothpicks, rocks salvaged from former geology kits. The list seems endless, and so do the possibilities. Alongside these analog supplies, there are hi-tech tools like Sphero robots and Lego Mindstorms that incorporate coding and programming skills. Since our first meeting, the bulk of the boxes have been moved across the hall to Ms Barca’s former lab in 217; that classroom will be a flexible space, allowing for expanded material storage and workspace overflow.
For the final push, Ms Barca enlisted help from parents and organized “kid power” through her Tech Club. Chris Guido is still logging in hours, too, determined to see the makerspace to completion. In his winning grant proposal he wrote, “I am a product of the Philadelphia Public school system. My parents both instilled in me a strong sense of civic responsibility and giving back whenever one has the ability to do so.” The makerspace attests to his ability and willingness to contribute to his neighborhood school — long before his own daughter starts at Hackett in 2020.
November 2018 [text by Cindy Stockton Moore]
Chris Guido stands in the new Hackett makerspace - November 2018.
