Southdown Kicks-off Year with a Challenge

Southdown Primary School third graders kicked off the new school year in the building’s makerspace with an exciting hands-on challenge.

“A makerspace is a collaborative work space inside a school for making, learning, exploring and sharing that uses high tech to no tech tools,” according to the website, makerspaces.com. “These spaces help to prepare those who need the critical 21st century skills in the fields of science, technology, engineering and math.  They provide hands on learning, help with critical thinking skills and even boost self-confidence. Some of the skills that are learned in a makerspace pertain to electronics, 3d printing, 3D modeling, coding, robotics and even woodworking.”

“Using only paper, tape, scissors, a pencil, and straws, students worked together to design and build towers,” Principal Jill Amott-Erwig. “This activity sparked creativity, problem-solving, and teamwork as they explored different strategies to make their structures strong and tall. It was a wonderful way to begin the year with innovation and collaboration!”

Southdown Primary School is a place where children flourish in an academic environment of respect, encouragement and high expectations. The faculty and staff is extraordinary; comprised of early childhood specialists who value and encourage children to explore, create and make meaning from the world around them. Learning is child-centered and tailored to the unique needs of all students.