La Makerspace
La Makerspace
Bringing Tinkering, Invention, and Creativity to Public School
@ La Escuelita Elementary, Oakland, CA
Bringing Tinkering, Invention, and Creativity to Public School
@ La Escuelita Elementary, Oakland, CA
Rockin' out - Makerspace style
Projects
Imaginative Play Lab
Bringing joy back to the classroom
Our kindergartners develop motor skills in our Imaginative Play Lab, leaping across River Stones and mashing up kinetic sand. We also focus heavily on sharing and communication skills. Coordination, precision, physicality, fun!
Science Integration - Electricity workshop
Making things move, light up, whir, and ding...with electricity!
2nd-7th graders have come to Makerspace this year to tinker with electric circuitry...and figure out the science behind lightswitches, computer keyboards, LEDs, and buzzers!
Toys, Toys Everywhere
Make your own fun!
There has been a void of great toys at La Escuelita, but have no fear - our 2nd-7th graders are inventing new ones! Students have been using the same techniques that professional designers use to brainstorm ideas, make plans, draw blueprints, collaborate on a team, and build model toys.
Technology Workshop - Coding and Keyboards
What can you do with a programming language?
We believe that all students at La Escuelita should develop the agency to design and create in the digital sphere. This year, 4th-7th grade students have tinkered with Makey Makeys and Scratch computer programming to design unique keyboards and coded animations. Watch out, Silicon Valley, here comes LE!
Engineering Challenge
Saving us from zombies since 2015.
Can you build a bridge made out of paper and tape that can carry 10 pounds of blocks? Sounds like a tough challenge, but our 1st graders were up to the job.
Storytelling, Documenting, and Reflection
Because all Outstanding Makers keep a record of their travels
Each student at La Makerspace keeps their own record of their inventions, and reflections on their own making process. We believe it is vital for all makers to be meta-cognitive about what it takes to be an outstanding designer, engineer, and inventor.
Behind The Scenes - And Based On A Book!
Props and costumes based on Greek myths
Hades, Heracles, Zeus, and Poseidon...Makerspace style! Based on Ms. Carmen's bilingual 2nd grade class' study of Greek myth, we've made all the props and costumes to put on a play!
What's Happening at La Makerspace?
Who we are
The lovely volunteers and staff who are making this project a reality
Kerri Frederick
La Escuelita EEIP Teacher
Kerri Frederick is the EEIP Teacher at La Escuelita. (EEIP = Elementary Enhancement and Intervention Program) She believes in the importance of play... and looks for opportunities that will help bring tinkering and designing and Making to the students of La Escuelita.
Rei Jackler
Makerspace Manager
Rei is an Oakland arts educator, design teacher, writer, and maker nerd. She holds a Masters in Teaching from Stanford. In Oakland, she has taught humanities at Oakland International High School, theater at Howard Elementary, and design with Chapter 510. Rei loves making of all kinds: knitting multi-colored scarves, writing fantastical short stories, and baking with a lot of chocolate. She can't wait to enliven the maker spirit at La Escuelita through work with La Makerspace!
Erik Pirmann
Americorps VISTA
Erik graduated from Central Bucks High School South in Warrington, PA, and wants to attend the University of Chicago next year. During his VISTA year, he wants to expand La Makerspace to include the entire community. He is passionate about making both inside and outside of the classroom, and tinkers for fun on the weekends. He is finishing up his first novel, a superhero story set in Victorian London. He drinks too much coffee.
Ahmad Jackson
Youth Intern
Ahmad Jackson is a tenth grader at Metwest High School, and spends Tuesday afternoons making alongside the La Escuelita Makers. It brings a lot of happiness to his life.
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