Two Carroll teachers are taking a popular do-it-yourself attitude and turning it into a learning opportunity for students. The Maker Movement originated in 2005 with the launch of MAKE Magazine, a DIY publication. Two Carroll Community School District staff members, Kelli Schulz and Kelly Borchers, came up with the idea for students to get involved, called Maker Squad, while talking after school.
Students learn at their own pace and on their own time, so they really get the most out of the learning. The focus is on STEAM, or science, technology, engineering, art and math. Six stations are available for students to do everything from computer programming and building robots to making a piano out of carrots. The two teachers started the program in January and say turnout has been incredible from the start and is still growing.
Both the students and the teachers do this on their own time every Monday after school from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. in the Carroll Middle School Media Center. The Maker Squad meetings allow for students to leave early or come late, and no registration is required. The instructors have plans to host a Maker Day event later this year.
