In the Makerspace , students are introduced and exposed to visual arts that connect with the materials in the space . For example , students can look at Lego brick artist Nathan Sawaya ’ s famous recreation of Van Gogh ’ s Starry Night while they build a structure to protect their village , or students can recreate special effects on the green screen using the same technology used in the major motion pictures of today while filming hurricane forecasts .
Looking Ahead
The evidence is everywhere in Mableton that we are truly moving Full Steam Ahead as regards to our transition this year . Our hope is to provide our at-risk student population with the opportunity to receive a well-rounded education that will no doubt set them up for success later in life . I truly believe that the teachers see the difference with student engagement , they see it in their excitement when we mention that we are going to the Makerspace or STEAM Garden , and their learning is much more authentic .
Looking ahead , the staff and students are excited to share their STEAM experience with visitors from all over the state of Georgia . We are opening up our doors on three occasions for walk-throughs so others can learn and develop ideas of how to implement at their schools .
A kindergarten student codes a BeeBot to geometric shapes and warm and cool colors in the Makerspace .
Students are working hard to learn the basic foundation of reading , writing , and math integrated with STEAM , while our staff works tirelessly on effective STEAM integration that will cement student learning of content . For everyone at Mableton , we are gearing up for our state certification visit in March in which we hope to showcase why our school is the # UltimateLearningExperience for all .
Alana Davis is the Innovation Specialist at Mableton Elementary School and works with Grades K-5 to integrate STEAM learning in and out of the classroom . She has teaching experience in Kindergarten , 3rd , 4th , and 5th grades . She is currently involved in the CCSD Teacher Leader Academy and the STEAM Innovation Academy . She is not only a great leader in the classroom but has also become a great leader for other teachers , and in her community . Her teaching has been featured in a highlight video twice for Cobb edTV programming , and has published articles for the Georgia Science Teachers Association .
STEAMed Magazine
9
January 2017 Edition