Setauket Elementary School was excited to welcome students into its brand-new makerspace this fall. Located in the library, the makerspace is a dedicated room for students to collaborate and explore high-tech tools. It’s the first makerspace across the district’s elementary schools.
“Makerspace activities support 21st century digital technology skills to help students thrive in a technologically driven world,” said Setauket librarian Joannie Lauria. “It's a place to design, create and make with emerging technologies, such as the 3D printer and robotics. This hands-on experience is empowering for our youngest students!”
The space was previously a computer room, however with a new computer science curriculum adopted in the library department last year, Setauket decided it was the perfect opportunity to create a dedicated makerspace. Ms. Lauria worked with art teacher Michele Muzzonigro and sixth graders to bring the room to life with a mural.
Just this fall, students got to step inside the makerspace for the first time. Recently, fourth and fifth graders participated in a Halloween-themed activity with Ozobots. They worked in small teams to code a path for the robot to navigate as if it was “trick-or-treating.” In a timed challenge, students had to collect points, or “candy” at certain spots on the pathway.
Setauket Elementary Schools looks forward to providing students with additional hands-on activities to foster innovation and collaboration within the makerspace.
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Date Added: 11/2/2023