Integrating Content Standards
You may choose to integrate any of the English/Language Arts, Math, or Science and Engineering practices into a Makerspace learning activity. The International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) standards have also been included as this is the student-centered direction Makerspaces will take us.
The NGSS Science and Engineering Practices (SEPs) are best integrated when students engage in the steps of the Engineering Design Process when completing engineering design challenges. Documentation of these steps through the use of sense-making or engineering notebooks will help make each of the Science and Engineering practices explicit. Graphic organizers like this might help when working with younger students.
Step 1 Define the Problem: SEP Asking Questions and Defining Problems Step 2 Brainstorm and Research: SEP Obtaining Evaluating and Communicating Information Step 3 Develop and Choose the Best Idea: SEP Engaging in Argument from Evidence Step 4 Building Models and Prototypes: SEP Building and Using Models Step 5 Test and Improve: SEP Planning and Carrying Out Investigations and SEP Analyzing and Interpreting Data Step 6 Communicate Results in Engineering Notebooks: SEP Constructing Explanations and Designing Solutions and Using Mathematics and Computational Thinking |
The Common Core State Standards might be integrated through use of the ELA and Math Practices when students participate in the Engineering Design Process or Design Thinking Process
The ISTE Standards for Students are designed to empower student voice and ensure that learning is a student-driven process. ISTE Standards could be easily integrated into creative projects guided by the Design Thinking Process. Documentation of the steps in this process will help to make any of the ISTE standards explicit. Graphic organizers like this might help when working with younger students.