Webster's Dictionary defines tinkering as "to repair, adjust, or work with something in an unskilled or experimental manner". I love to tinker! Even as a kid I used to tear things apart just to see the insides, and sometimes to put them back together. The idea behind a Makerspace is to allow kids to make and explore... I had found some ideas on Pinterest about putting in a TinkerSpace in the Makerspace. The idea is to take old electronics that are headed for recycling and let the students explore them. But where would I get old equipment? Turns out one of our awesome 8th grade teachers was planning on recycling her personal computer from her house. She asked me to take the hard drive out of it, and where she could recycle it. I asked her if I could keep it for the students, and she said YES! Woohoo! The Tinkerspace was born! I set it out on the table with a box of tools (screwdrivers, wrenches, pliers) - it wasn't long before a couple of students asked me what the computer was for. When I told them, they dove right in! Within minutes they had the box opened up and were removing pieces. The best part is that they also grabbed another working laptop and were researching what the parts were called and what their functions were. It was a completely student-directed learning experience. YES. Now that the Tinkerspace is up and running, I am full of other ideas... how about old radios? Flashlights? Speakers? YES! Let's tinker!
What would YOU pull apart if you had the chance? Comment below!
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About the AuthorHi! Welcome to my blog! My name is Christine Hurley. This is my 17th year of teaching - I've taught Kindergarten, 4th grade, elementary media, and now I am in my 6th year of teaching middle school media! Archives
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