Rose Gibson and Susan Lane have been taking their students to the d.lab to play and create with the epic LEGO wall and to learn how to use real tools.

While the idea of giving 4-year-olds hammers may seem crazy--it certainly draws a crowd--this Montessori inspired activity is an example of the many philosophies that influence Maker/STEAM education.

For more on the relationship between Froebel (the inventor of kindergarten), Reggio Emilia, Montessori, Piaget, and the Maker Movement, read this wonderful article from Edutopia.

Monica Agostini's 5th graders have started learning Scratch, a programming language that enables students to make simulations, stories, art, and games (and more) all while collaborating and having fun. Once they've learned the basics, they'll be applying their coding skills with Makey Makey for an ELA project.

Meanwhile, Thomas Marino has been integrating design thinking in his 5th grade Social Studies unit on economics and entrepreneurship. At the bottom of this flyer, following the article, you can see pics and video of our Saber designers in action.

The future of education cannot be about giving students the skills to fill jobs; it must be about giving them the skills to create jobs. This requires more than technical skills - it requires empathy, context, and innovation. - Libby Falck, entreprenuer, designer, researcher

With so much attention on maker education, it's easy to forget that one of the cornerstones of the maker movement is ingenuity and the entrepreneurial spirit.

The article below explores the ramifications of making in the economy and highlights the need for our own students to explore these concepts through design and making.

Here's an excerpt from article...

Over the last decade, the quickly growing maker movement has enabled individuals and start-ups to bypass traditional industry to invent and produce bespoke goods on-demand...individuals can take product ideas from concept to funding to production to market on their own.