Holly Whitt

Whitt’s innovative teaching idea, “Library Maker Space,” is designed to develop critical thinking, collaboration, and problem solving across the curriculum and all grade levels through project-based learning. The project involves creating a space in the school’s library that incorporates robotics, 3D printers, whiteboards, video game software, electronics, art supplies, a soundproof recording studio, and collaborative furniture. The dedicated space will allow students the opportunity to create robotics, models, movies, interactive books, and other products to explore and demonstrate what they are learning in the classroom. They will have the opportunity to work with peers, teachers, parents, and community mentors. It will foster a love of learning for the sake of creating, initiating trial and error, and experimenting as opposed to passing a test or submitting an assignment. The project will culminate with a “maker event” that will encourage community-wide participation and a growth model for expanding the maker movement to other schools in the area.