Learning and Discovery - the Maker Movement!

What is the Maker Movement you ask? It is a revolution of technology, creation and sharing. It is a perfect mix of education, curiosity, innovation and the satisfaction of being able to make something with your own mind and hands!  What an exciting opportunity for students and a step away from prefab toys and large scale commercially produced goods. "Making" can be a mix of technology or old fashioned materials and provides iterative learning. Some ideas for making: stop motion animation videos, crafts and textiles, a new toy from recycled materials, 3-D printing, cardboard print crafts, jewelry making and so much more.

Three Dr. A.R. Lord Families will win family passes to the upcoming Vancouver Mini Maker Faire that is being held at the PNE Forum on June 6 and 7.  http://makerfaire.ca  Tickets are courtesy of the Vancouver Maker Foundation and the Parent Advisory Council. All students will be placed in a free random draw and winners will be announced over the next 2 weeks! The Maker Fair will have a lego lounge, maker creations and our very own Templeton Secondary STEM Program will be showcasing their work. They'll also have presentations and workshops including one on Maker after-school programs and curriculum proposals, and who can resist a Minecraft in education!

Grade 2 Students Present at the VSB Digital Fair

On Wednesday, April 29th,  Three grade 2 students from Ms Phongmany's class represented Dr. A. R. Lord at the VSB's Digital Fair at John Oliver Secondary School. Lots of elementary and high schools sent students to showcase how they are using technology in their learning. We saw robots, 3D printing, movie making that demonstrated gymnastics moves, digital books about the life cycle of a salmon, green screen social studies projects, and many, many more interesting projects. 

Our students showed their science animal books created by using the "Book Creator" app for the iPad which allowed them to create their own beautiful iBooks. They answered questions from students, parents and other visitors. The Digital Fair was great fun and really inspiring, look for it again next year.
To learn more about creating your own eBook:  Book Creator app on iTunes

Technology and iPads for Dr. A.R. Lord Students

There is no doubt that technology is changing the way in which students learn.  Digital active, personalized and collaborative learning are part of the classroom.  

Dr. A.R. Lord Elementary is part of the Templeton Hub of Schools and has access to shared mobile technology carts which are equipped with iPad minis. $18,000 was donated last year to the VSB by the Chinatown Rotary Club for this program. See Link: VSB News iPad Carts