Boys & Girls Clubs of St. Joseph County Mobile Makerspace Featured in the South Bend Tribune
Our friends at the Boys & Girls Clubs of St. Joseph County, Indiana, were recently featured in an article in the South Bend Tribune,
Their Mobile Makerspace, highlighted in the article, brings hands-on learning to kids across the county. As the Tribune reports, "In the parking lot of the Boys & Girls Clubs of St. Joseph County sits a bright blue RV, resplendent against the South Bend late-fall sky." This RV is more than just a vehicle; it's a beacon of innovation and learning.
The Mobile Makerspace project, in collaboration with 1st Maker Space, combines mobile technology and creative innovation to bring hands-on learning opportunities to the community.
The article highlights the project's aim to engage the community and provide educational outreach, encouraging children and young adults to explore the world of science and technology in a fun, interactive way.
David Ebersol, one of the masterminds behind the creation of the RV, is quoted in the Tribune: "My philosophy is that every kid should leave with something in their hand." This philosophy underlines the tangible impact of hands-on learning.
It's a tech hub and a launchpad for young inventors and problem-solvers. Jacqueline Kronk, the Boys & Girls Club's CEO, tells the Tribune that this RV is their way to "foster a curiosity of learning among marginalized populations, especially those we cannot see every day."
The Mission of 1st Maker Space
As an educator, you're at the heart of 1st Maker Space's mission: to empower today's students through hands-on learning experiences, fostering creativity, critical thinking, and a problem-solving mindset. You're not just teaching; you're shaping innovators and makers of tomorrow.
This empowerment is achieved through STEM education, a key focus of 1st Maker Space. The South Bend Tribune article echoes this, noting the RV's equipment includes "laser engravers, virtual reality headsets, woodcutting machines, and several 3D printers and pens."
As you partner with 1st Maker Space, you're not just teaching students but equipping them with the skills needed to navigate and shape the future.
Harnessing the power of hands-on learning, makerspaces play a pivotal role in modern education, fostering students' creativity, innovation, and practical problem-solving skills.
Marilyn Nash, maker manager at Success Academy, praises makerspaces for their ability to engage students who usually struggle with behavior at school: "I love seeing students who come into the makerspace and are so focused and can learn."
The Boys & Girls Clubs of St. Joseph County have envisioned a future expansion that involves fostering more community partnerships to broaden the reach of their innovative programs. Their goal is to enhance student engagement, making learning more interactive and enjoyable.
Read the full article from the South Bend Tribune, available here for more details.