[ISLMA-Share] STEM Collaboration Ideas

[Email list for the Illinois School Library Media Association]

Currently, I mainly collaborate with teachers on research projects and literacy-related activities. I’m looking for new ways to partner with teachers to include STEM opportunities.  The schedule at the junior high isn’t all that conducive to a drop-in makerspace, as students only have 20 minutes for recess in the day, and very few stay after school. However, if I propose projects that align with the curriculum, then I may be able to develop STEM offerings through partnerships with teachers. Perhaps it would be through a project done in their class, or a once-a-week “genius hour” that the teacher allocates class time for.

Can anyone share ideas of ways that you have partnered with core curriculum teachers on STEM projects? 

Has anyone with similar schedule constraints found ways to bring students into their makerspace?

I am thankful for the wonderful professional community that we have with each other! Happy Thanksgiving!

Daphna Neirick
Library Information Specialist
Wilmette Junior High School
neirickd at wilmette39.org