Technology
Hillel's Makerlab was the first of its kind in our area, offering students a unique space to explore their creativity and innovation. Though it is referred to as "Makerlab," the term encompasses much more than just a physical location. In Makerlab, students are encouraged to create, explore, and invent anything they can imagine.
At the start of the 5th-grade year, students propose their own Makerlab projects, including a timeline and a list of materials they will need. Many of the materials are readily available in the Makerlab, but sometimes students bring their own. Once a project is completed, students are eager to propose the next one.
The Makerlab facilitator reviews each proposal, either approving it or guiding the student to refine it into a more achievable goal. Students are then responsible for researching the necessary methodology and figuring out how to bring their ideas to life. Some projects are completed in a single day, while others may take months to finish.
In the past, students have created a variety of projects, including computer games, digital musical instruments, videos, fully functioning soda dispensers, periscopes, 3D-printed objects, laser-cut creations, stickers, electric model cars, robots, and many more.
Beyond the 6th grade, all students in grades 3-8 have the opportunity to experience the wonder of Makerlab, exploring topics ranging from internet safety to rocketry and robotics, and everything in between!
Encouraging Creativity and Imagination
We provide students with opportunities to explore various mediums and materials they may not have encountered before. This approach encourages them to think beyond traditional methods and fosters an environment where creativity and innovation are at the forefront. By allowing students to experiment with new tools and techniques, we help them express themselves in unique ways, cultivating a mindset that values creativity and out-of-the-box thinking.
Self-Directed Learning
We equip students with the skills to "teach" themselves in an era where information is readily accessible through technology. By guiding them in how to efficiently find, evaluate, and use information, we help students become independent learners. This empowers them to solve problems and complete projects effectively, developing critical thinking and research skills that are essential in today’s fast-paced, information-driven world.
Teaching Resilience and Perseverance
We emphasize the importance of "failing forward" by recognizing that most projects do not succeed on the first attempt. Students are encouraged to iterate, debug, and adjust their work, which helps them develop resilience and perseverance. By learning to adapt and persist through obstacles, students are better prepared for real-world challenges, gaining valuable skills in problem-solving and adaptability that will serve them throughout their lives.
Maker Lab through the Years
Digital Literacy: Building Skills for the Future
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1:1 Computing: Introduction to using Chromebooks and GSuite
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Digital Citizenship:
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Securing data online
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Cyberbullying prevention
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Cyber safety
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Protecting privacy
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Technical Skills:
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Keyboarding
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GSuite applications:
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Word processing
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Spreadsheets
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Beginning programming
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Dash robotics
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