The large pine trees that snuggle the Evergreen campus provided shade from the bright Seattle sun as we sat and spoke about curriculum this afternoon. Mini-workshops like soldering (taught by a student), Google Glasses, and Makerspace Curriculum were all highlights of my day. I sifted through books, and investigated shelves, cataloged tools, and figured out how the green screen space was installed. My goals of the day were to examine how low and high tech could be mixed, and to examine space. I am reading a book at the moment called The Third Teacher in which the authors discuss ways to change school space- not by curriculum or projects... but by sunshine (to improve test scores) or reframing roles like seeing Janitors as Guardians and Caretakers (which I love!).
Today I looked for the unexpected genius of the little things in the BIGidea Lab space. Things like creating a google doc cue for 3D printer and laser cutter projects, or utilizing wall racks to store flattened cereal boxes (which I was told are "gold" in the BIGidea Lab). And the glue gun rack.... swoon... <3 <3 <3.
Space tells us a lot about culture, it provides context for who we are as people. Space tells a story about its inhabitants. There is a reason home decorating shows and magazines are so popular, we inform the world about our beliefs, our nature, and our choices through that which surrounds us. If you were to walk into my home you would immediately realize I love art, books, animals, and I have a huge tolerance for creative clutter. These things would be obvious to one and all.
At the BIGidea Lab it is clear they love choice, organization, student centered activities, and fun! This is an atmosphere of discovery and joy. It's obvious.
Today I looked for the unexpected genius of the little things in the BIGidea Lab space. Things like creating a google doc cue for 3D printer and laser cutter projects, or utilizing wall racks to store flattened cereal boxes (which I was told are "gold" in the BIGidea Lab). And the glue gun rack.... swoon... <3 <3 <3.
Space tells us a lot about culture, it provides context for who we are as people. Space tells a story about its inhabitants. There is a reason home decorating shows and magazines are so popular, we inform the world about our beliefs, our nature, and our choices through that which surrounds us. If you were to walk into my home you would immediately realize I love art, books, animals, and I have a huge tolerance for creative clutter. These things would be obvious to one and all.
At the BIGidea Lab it is clear they love choice, organization, student centered activities, and fun! This is an atmosphere of discovery and joy. It's obvious.
"Space is the body language of an organization."(1)
The journey we are undertaking to design the Ferris Hall EC3 Design "space" is an evolution of an organization. It takes many voices, help from students, teachers and the OES community to make the representation of us-- it is an ever evolving language, the space that is OES, and it is a beautiful one. We want this space to be the "body language" of our school. A place of equity and inclusion where our values and beliefs are paramount. Where principles guide us in meaningful learning, a space of innovation and inquiry, where the voice of our students speak through the activity of making- because sometimes space speaks louder than words.
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