Image from Flickr, Source Charles Williams, No Changes Made I had a great conversation with an educator earlier this summer who was working on creating a makerspace at her school. We discussed many ways to encourage creativity and innovation in a makerspace. Since this is a high school setting, we talked about how fun it could be to include a Macgyver quote on the wall. I mean, Macgyver is the ultimate makerspace man, right? He could make just about anything out of a paperclip!
This got me on a path of thinking about other makerspace role models. My thoughts immediately go to other 80’s and 90’s pop culture icons who were known for making inventions that inspired us. Remember Data, from the Goonies? He invented a lot of crazy contraptions out of common items. His inventions were so impressive that they’ve even dedicated a website to it - relive the Pinchers of Peril! Kids can also learn a lesson about failure from Wile E. Coyote, Super Genius, as he plans out his designs and often has to build and improve upon his original prototypes. An important makerspace reminder: FAIL, First Attempt In Learning.
As I was reliving the media memories of my youth, I wondered, “Where are the girls at?” I stretched my brain and came up empty of a girl or woman who was showcased as an inventor, creator or super genius in my beloved sitcoms and movies.
So, I turned my thoughts to icons of today and wanted to introduce you to the ultimate and awesome makerspace role model.
This got me on a path of thinking about other makerspace role models. My thoughts immediately go to other 80’s and 90’s pop culture icons who were known for making inventions that inspired us. Remember Data, from the Goonies? He invented a lot of crazy contraptions out of common items. His inventions were so impressive that they’ve even dedicated a website to it - relive the Pinchers of Peril! Kids can also learn a lesson about failure from Wile E. Coyote, Super Genius, as he plans out his designs and often has to build and improve upon his original prototypes. An important makerspace reminder: FAIL, First Attempt In Learning.
As I was reliving the media memories of my youth, I wondered, “Where are the girls at?” I stretched my brain and came up empty of a girl or woman who was showcased as an inventor, creator or super genius in my beloved sitcoms and movies.
So, I turned my thoughts to icons of today and wanted to introduce you to the ultimate and awesome makerspace role model.
Image from Flickr, Source Windell Oskay, No Changes Made
Meet Super Awesome Sylvia.
She is an enthusiastic tween who is sharing her love of science and making with the world through social media. She started with a YouTube Show showcasing different projects she has made, which led her to become an author! She an excellent example and role model for the students of today to inspire them in their maker journey.
Super Awesome Slyvia could be a student in your class, who inspires you and their classmates to embrace their creative and unique self. As you prepare for the start of the next school year, I hope you take steps to lay the foundation for making for your students, by providing opportunities and experiences and time for them to explore their maker side.
Who inspires you? Is there someone I’ve forgotten? Let me know in the comments section.
~Amber Bridge, Technology Consultant, Grant Wood AEA, (@abridgesmith)
For more posts like this, please subscribe to our blog! You can also connect with us on social media if you Like us on Facebook, Follow us on Twitter or add us to your circles on Google+.
Super Awesome Slyvia could be a student in your class, who inspires you and their classmates to embrace their creative and unique self. As you prepare for the start of the next school year, I hope you take steps to lay the foundation for making for your students, by providing opportunities and experiences and time for them to explore their maker side.
Who inspires you? Is there someone I’ve forgotten? Let me know in the comments section.
~Amber Bridge, Technology Consultant, Grant Wood AEA, (@abridgesmith)
For more posts like this, please subscribe to our blog! You can also connect with us on social media if you Like us on Facebook, Follow us on Twitter or add us to your circles on Google+.
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