Erica Walter

Walter’s innovative teaching idea, “Innovate in Ford’s Makerspace,” is focused on creating a makerspace in the Morris E. Ford Middle School library, enabling students to learn 21st century creative skills. A makerspace is known as an innovative, ‘do-it-yourself’ space where students can gather to create, invent, and learn. With the space at Morris E. Ford Middle School, students in grades six through eight will have access to resources, materials, and the technology necessary to engage in rich learning opportunities. The space will provide an interest-based learning environment for students to explore, design, innovate, and collaborate with one another while using a variety of technologies and tools. These opportunities will inspire creativity, allowing for open-ended exploration to design and create projects such as 3D prints, simple machines, as well as basic arts and crafts. The makerspace will create a culture of innovation within the library embracing the idea of a holistic approach to developing eco-literacy, while teaching students the importance of a growth mindset.