Schools
Makerspace Unveiled at Elmsford's Grady Elementary School Library
Students to have access to project- and problem-based learning experiences as a result of new library addition
A section of the Alice E. Grady Elementary School’s library has been transformed into an exciting Makerspace and innovation lab area, which officials from the Elmsford Union Free School District celebrated Dec. 14 with a special ribbon cutting ceremony.
The innovative technology-based instructional initiative was made possible through a partnership with the Southern Westchester BOCES School Library System, which is also working with libraries in seven other local school districts to encourage creativity, curiosity, collaboration and empowerment among students.
The space includes a variety of tools that students will be using, including Keva Planks building blocks, Makey Makey invention kits, Spheros robotic toys and Little Bits electronic kits, in addition to a new camera broadcasting station and a green screen.
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The walls of the lab will be painted with “idea paint,” which will allow students to draw their plans and write their ideas right on the walls.
Grady Library Media Specialist Kim Sparber, who spearheaded the project, said the Makerspace is not just for students, but rather for the entire educational community.
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Superintendent Dr. Joseph Ricca said faculty members throughout the district are working to continue to transform instructional experiences, from the traditional to the project-based and problem-based learning experiences that are needed for a future of success in an innovation landscape.
The Maker team at Grady includes Ms. Sparber and instructors Anthony Carolini, who teaches fifth grade, and Mary Ellen Pickens, a third-grade teacher.
In his remarks to students and others attending the event, Dr. Ricca said, “This is just the beginning of these types of experiences for you. You’re going to be playing, learning and creating in a way that allows you to ask more questions, to become curious and to create the ideas of tomorrow, and that’s what the world is about today.”
“It’s not about answers anymore or how much you know. It’s about asking the big questions and leading through innovation to solve the problems of tomorrow.”
