Makerspace brings PBL+ STEM to Life at Anderson Prep Academy
Anderson Preparatory Academy (APA) is bringing project-based learning and STEM to life through three new makerspaces. APA is a military academy for young men and women that is in Anderson, Indiana. The curriculum at APA focuses on both liberal arts and sciences through a project-based approach to develop future leaders. Makerspaces were a part of the strategy to bring STEM to life, and APA chose 1st Maker Space to design, install, and service the makerspaces back in 2019.
When I first met Jessica Hornocker, the K-8 Director of Academics at APA, she had a small makerspace in the back of her classroom. “I knew makerspaces worked because I saw my students become engaged when they were able to experience the makerspace corner and tinker with the different materials. It was really powerful to see the difference it made in my students, so I wanted to bring that experience to life for students across APA.”
1st Maker Space first drafted a proposal for APA back in 2019. The proposal included 3D models of a makerspace design for the Elementary, Pre-Academy, and Academy and included furniture, equipment, STEM and Maker Kits, as well as curriculum and professional development. APA launched the elementary makerspace first in 2020 and developed the following two spaces in 2021. APA was awarded the STEM Acceleration Grant back in 2019 to develop an elementary makerspace. Expanding the makerspace movement throughout the district is a unity strategy for students and staff to create cohesion. You can view all three makerspaces on our portfolio page here.
“Developing the makerspaces launched STEM at APA. Before the makerspace, teachers didn’t have the resources. Teachers were still becoming familiar with PBL and needed professional development to boost their confidence. Having the (maker)space has encouraged teachers to think outside of the box to engage students in their own learning. I had an idea for developing this space, but 1st Maker Space showed me what that vision could become. They are still supporting our development, and I look forward to our long-term partnership.”
The makerspaces at APA can be checked out by any teacher during the school day for a hands-on lesson via a Google Calendar. Each makerspace has a Certified Maker Manager that went through the 1st Maker Space Maker Manager training program in 2020, and each Maker Manager helps incorporate the makerspace into the curriculum. The Pre-Academy, APA’s middle school, also has an elective period after lunch, and one of the electives is the makerspace. There is tremendous value in allowing students to both tinker and do long-term projects in the makerspace. Both are essential to develop problem-solving skills because tinkering creates curiosity and ignites students to solve a problem that they have ownership over.
1st Maker Space also provided curriculum and professional development to give educators across APA an opportunity to experiment with and learn about the new technology and how to teach in a STEM learning environment. “Coordinating a makerspace is different than a traditional classroom,” said Amber Hudson, Education Director for 1st Maker Space. “Our professional development with APA focused on hands-on experiences of the Dash and Dot Robots, TeacherGeek kit builds, and more. Teachers got to experiment and brainstorm new lesson ideas.”
APA also partnered with Magnify Learning to bring an intensive focus to PBL across the district. Magnify Learning hosted a 3-day workshop called “PBL Jumpstart” to create a PBL unit in the teacher’s specific grade level and content area. APA is now receiving coaching throughout the year to help encourage and equip their teachers as they combine PBL and their makerspaces. Next summer, they will engage in a PBL Advanced workshop to take their learners deeper into authenticity, adult connections, and assessments. With makerspaces at their ready, the teachers and learners can take their abstract critical thinking and make it come to life to solve real world problems. APA has a comprehensive plan to increase the learners’ skills and talents while they figure out their passion areas. The combination of makerspaces, a Project Based Learning instructional model, and a culture of positive relationships will create many authentic STEM learning experiences for learners to improve their college and career readiness skills.
In the future, APA is planning on hosting Maker Expos and Open Houses to showcase student projects and get parents involved. Now more than ever, APA is looking forward to bringing hands-on learning to life for every student.