What possibilities do you see with the maker movement in your own practice? Additionally, what challenges might you most expect?

I can see myself trying to implement the maker movement into my curriculum and already have a some ideas.  First, I would love to, as mentioned in anther blog reflection, try to get students to work to create solutions for the challenges of the Chesapeake Bay.  I feel that students could use their imaginations and writing skills to create a way to share their findings in order to find a solution to the bay’s issues during a unit in social studies.  I also think that it could be utilized in science for students creating their own ideas to solve scientific problems such as how to make a plant grow better.

The drawbacks to these types activities can be too much choice for students.  I have learned through years of experience that too many choices for seven year old children can leave them overwhelmed.  During a writing project on animals, I allow students to choose from any animal in PebbleGo, a BCPS purchased information database.   I do not give student choice on where they get their information.  It is just too much for them to figure out, although the option is there if students are willing and able to figure out how they work.

Overall, I would love to implement any of the frameworks in my classroom!