Students at Partnership Middle School, Armstrong Junior High School and Starkville High School have put their creativity to work to plan and produce products for in-school Merchandise Stores through each school's MakerSpace. They worked with teachers last fall to brainstorm, design and produce products using the technology and equipment they have learned during their time in MakerSpace.
In December, Armstrong Junior High's Library Media Specialist, Emily Russell, and members of the MakerSpace team gave a sneak at the button pins students are producing for the AJHS store and a demonstration of how they are made. The button maker and materials needed to produce the pins are available as part of the MakerSpace activities located in the AJHS Library Media Center. Students have also designed Yellow Jacket earrings and are fine-tuning production.
"The MakerSpace Merchandise Stores give students meaningful, hands-on learning experiences that blend creativity, problem-solving and real-world skills," said Camelia Robinson, one of the district's Literacy Technology Specialists housed at Discovery Center. Mrs. Robinson oversees execution of the grants that fund eight MakerSpaces across the district.
"By designing and producing merchandise, students apply concepts in design, technology, and budgeting while learning to collaborate and think like entrepreneurs," she said.
Early this Spring, the Merchandise Stores will open for business with sales to students and parents, and MakerSpace participants will work to market their products, maintain inventory and track purchases. Mrs. Russell says the students are excited to see their ideas become reality and that this real-world approach is a real motivator. The AJHS MakerSpace team is brainstorming ways to make their peers aware the products are available and to increase excitement about the Merchandise Store.
Through the technology available in the district's state-of-the-art MakerSpaces, students gain knowledge and experience with a variety of processes including sublimation, laser engraving, 3D printing, vinyl printing, podcasting, music and video recording, in addition to softer-skilled technology like the button makers, and other craft components. Students have access to the spaces through school clubs and coursework.
Projects like the Merchandise Stores help students connect the dots between available technology and how it can be used in actual real-world applications. With an entrepreneurship model, they also see the integration of marketing, business concepts and soft skills.
"Our Media Centers and MakerSpaces are becoming active hubs for innovation, providing students with opportunities to bring their ideas to life and enhance their learning in authentic ways," Robinson said.
