Making in School
PS 84 is continuing to develop a rigourous, hands-on curriculum. Bringing awareness to the Maker Education mind set has helped educators enhance their project-based classes.
Cohort Member
Jazlyn Mena
with support from Lester Acevedo
Why did you choose a career in education?
I chose a career in education because I learned very early on that getting a good education disrupts the cycle of poverty. As someone born and raised in Washington Heights, I've experienced being labeled as both a special education student and a gifted one. As an educator I strive for all students to feel included and to receive quality, student-centered instruction.
What hobbies or other interests have your brought to your classroom?
As someone who is interested in all aspects of Making, my classroom is filled with materials for arts and craft designs, circuitry, digital art, LEGO creations and recently 3-D printing.
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How do you plan on bringing Making to your students this year?
One way I plan on bringing Making to my students this year is by engaging in quick stem challenges to spark their creativity and collaborative skills. Another way I plan on bringing Making into all my units of study is by incorporating an open-ended design aspect into most lessons.
Liza Aponte
with support from Dr. Evelyn Lolis
Why did you choose a career in education?
My mother always said that no one can take away what you've learned. As a first generation child of immigrant parents, I watched how hard they had to work to at low paying jobs to give us what we needed. It was instilled in me that getting a good education was the way to a better life. As I got older I saw some of my friends who struggled in school being encouraged to drop out and get a GED; and then I saw how hard they struggled in life. I decided that wanted to go into education and help instill in my students, especially students of color, the same belief in education as the way to a better life and opportunities.
What hobbies or other interests have your brought to your classroom?
I enjoy baking, scrap booking, and crafting.
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How do you plan on bringing Making to your students this year?
First grade students built insects using recycled materials, and third grade students will be creating a machine that incorporates simple machines.
PS 84 - Lillian Webber
District 3 - Upper Westide
Pre-K - 5
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Making Space
The development of Maker Education curriculum at PS 84 has ramped up this year with the development of STEAM Maker Space. Moving into the new space was a challenge Ms. Mena was happy to face. From her wall of 3D printers to here tools section, she has set up her room to be as flexible and accessible as possible.
Making Experiences
After an essential unit on digital citizenship, Ms. Mena and Science teacher Liza Aponte worked with students to create an Invention Convention, an open-ended exploration into issues in the school community. The STEAM Maker Space is flexible and can accommodate a variety of projects and approaches. Focusing on the design process students invented something, such as a special gating system for the garden in the front of the school, that would help to improve the community.
Making Ideas:
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Exploring new ideas is challenging but in looking back over her experiences so far this year Ms. Mena already has plans for next year.
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Gathering materials from students she sees weekly can be daunting but she recruits classroom teachers to communicate with students and families on the Maker Space needs.
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Stop Motion animation is a project she is eager to take on.
