PlacenTinkers Makerspace

April 2025

Designing Kindness, One Robot at a Time

In our makerspace, we were inspired by The Most Magnificent Thing by Ashley Spires to create robots that encourage kindness in the world.  We used the Design Thinking process, beginning with empathy, to imagine how our robots could help others through kindness, support, and connection.. Using simple materials like cardboard, craft sticks, pipe cleaners, and lots of imagination, we brought our robot ideas to life. Each one was designed with a purpose—to brighten someone’s day, offer support, or inspire kind actions. When we were finished, we proudly displayed our creations in our Robot Museum for the whole school to see and celebrate!

PlacenTinkers are Thinkers!


About PlacenTinkers

In our PlacenTinker Makerspace, we are committed to fostering literacy in all its forms. Each session begins with a carefully chosen book that connects to the month’s theme or project, creating a bridge between storytelling and hands-on exploration.

Beyond traditional literacy—reading, writing, and research—our makerspace nurtures digital, coding, and invention literacies. By exploring technology, coding, and hands-on engineering, our young learners develop problem-solving skills and creativity, building a strong foundation for the future.

Here's where we've been!

By working together and collaborating, PlacenTinkers discovered that each one of us has valuable ideas. After all teams finished creating a unique tide pool prototype, we shared them with the class by projecting them onto our new Promethean Panel. Students donned lab coats (because of course, Marine Biologists are scientists) and each group presented their prototype and described the features that help them adapt to their Tide Pool Habitat.

Welcome to the world of PlacenTinkers! Our makerspace is a dynamic hub for exploration, design, creativity, and collaboration, all guided by the principles of Design Thinking. We take pride in our ever-evolving space, where tinkering and innovation come to life.

PlacenTinkers are Thinkers!

Design thinking loop

Makerspaces are dynamic learning environments where students collaborate, explore, and create using a variety of tools, materials, and technologies.

Design Thinking is a problem-solving approach that emphasizes empathy, experimentation, and iteration. It fosters a growth mindset, encouraging students to view mistakes as valuable learning opportunities.

When combined, Makerspaces and Design Thinking empower students to think critically, communicate effectively, and collaborate meaningfully. Through hands-on, experiential learning, students develop essential skills that prepare them for success in school, careers, and beyond.


PlacenTinkers in the news!  Please be sure to check out the article in School Library Journal which features our PlacenTinker Makerspace!

School Library Journal Article

 

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WINNIE CAREY M.Ed.
TECHNOLOGY INTEGRATION SPECIALIST
Holliston Public Schools
careyw@holliston.k12.ma.us