Makerspaces are the hub of creative learning in schools. We’ve taken this STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and math) learning space beyond and created a live exchange with students in Israel to build understanding and connection. Thanks to our “Building Original Minds” capital campaign, it’s the newest space at Robbins Hebrew Academy (RHA) where our students put the four C’s (creativity, collaboration, curiosity and critical thinking) into action.
The Imaginarium is the latest renovated classroom space at RHA. Also called a makerspace, the Imaginarium provides the tools and materials to foster inventiveness, exploration and multi-disciplinary learning. Students draw on knowledge from science, engineering, design, music and language to build and test their ideas. There is a plethora of materials like Lego, cardboard, containers and crafting supplies – as well as concrete training including coding, robotics and electronics. The maker movement has taken the world by storm, championed by the belief that the personal act of making, modifying or mending is intrinsically worthwhile and also of value to society and the economy. Some observers call the maker movement the fourth wave of movements involving technology including the Luddite, Arts and Crafts, and Hacker movements.
Spearheaded at RHA by Jenny Sumerlus, technology integration specialist, the Imaginarium develops a comprehensive understanding of programming, information literacy, and design thinking. What makes RHA’s Imaginarium so unique is that it also links students in live time to Israel.
The Imaginarium has connected with a twin classroom in Israel through the Global School Twinning Network, broadening the use of this space to create a global connection to Jewish peers. Our STEAM program builds meaningful exchange and connects students with a school in Israel through the lens of robotics, coding and technology skills. Combining effective use of a Makerspace to bring “Israel Engagement” to life has been a rewarding experience for the whole school.
“Students across the Diaspora are connecting through chat, robotics, live conferencing about the commonalities in their lives – hobbies, personal interests and the technology in which 21st century students are fluent,” Sumerlus says. “A greater understanding of Jewish peoplehood and a real connection are being created within the Imaginarium, going far beyond the boundaries of being a makerspace alone.”
The impact of this teaching space and twin school program has been wide-reaching. Students are able to work to synthesize STEAM learning in a purpose-built environment with cutting-edge instruction from Sumerlus. At the same time, they are forging connections and building meaningful relationships in Israel, benefitting from the STEAM initiatives taking place in Israel’s classrooms. It is truly a win-win programme, using STEAM to catalyze a greater person-to-person understanding of Israel.
Needless to say, RHA students wait patiently to have their turn in the Imaginarium with Sumerlus. They experience fulfilment, shared purpose, a sense of discovery and are acquiring the tools critical to being successful citizens of the world. In just its second year, the future is very bright for the Imaginarium.
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