Character in ActionWASD Character in Action: Makerspace

WASD Character in Action: Makerspace

This summer Camp Parkside offered Makerspace to students going into 4th - 9th grades. One of the activities that is new for the summer is making Drawbots, which allowed students to use STEAM (Science Technology Engineering Art and Math) skills.

Throughout the lesson, the campers put together a small motor and used clay to attach  it to the motor gear. The students were able to experiment with balanced and unbalanced forces to test the speed and vibrations of the motor and did a variety of investigations with the clay while recording their observations and sharing with the group.

The next step was to build the base for their Drawbots using cardboard, velcro, and markers. Using what they learned previously about balanced and unbalanced forces with their clay exploration they built their Drawbots and made unique art.

“Some students chose to work together in pairs or solo but they worked together to share their experimentation findings,” stated Camp Parkside Makerspace Teacher Alison Kintigh. “They showed cooperation and respect in their collaboration of ideas and experiences with each other.”

Over the past several years, Wautoma Area School District staff members have collaborated with the guidance counselors to promote character education throughout all four schools. The WASD Character Education Committee believes it is important and necessary for staff, students, parents, and community members to help instill these values in the next generation.

Planning is currently underway for the second district-wide Character Day on Wednesday, October 12, and the committee is looking to get the community involved. Any volunteers or community organizations interested in working with the WASD Character Day Committee should contact Julie Petersen (petersenj@wautoma.k12.wi.us) or Courtney Vaughan (vaughanc@wautoma.k12.wi.us) for more information.