Re-use!
Having already begun the year, I had no budget money left for my STEAMlab, which fueled my resourcefulness
and innovation, repurposing, begging, borrowing, stealing . . . I started to look at my recyclables with new eyes: a
tiny bird nest would fit perfectly in that blueberry box . . . that leftover container would make a great tray for
pinecones . . . the collection began! In addition, as teachers always do, I purchased some sturdy plastic containers.
I saved the cardboard classpack marker boxes with their convenient divided compartments-perfect for a moveable
nature lab! Curiosity cabinets inspired antique shop foraging: wooden utensil boxes, printer’s trays with countless
spaces for treasures of all sizes! I rearranged a corner of my classroom boasting built-in shelves and a bulletin
board, slid an extra table in place and stocked it with my so-far finds.
STEAMed Magazine
8
October 2016 Edition