Tinkering Trojans Need a Makerspace

Thomas R. Pollicita Middle School is located in Daly City, California and is in need of programs and materials that expose students to the possibilities of future careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM). While the school districts to the north of us (San Francisco) and the school districts to the south of us (Silicon Valley) receive lots of funding and free resources for their students, we are often left behind due to our geography. 



We currently have two after school programs, but neither allows students to explore passions in STEM-related activities. It is our belief that we need to expose and inspire our students to pursue degrees in technology.  With 45% of our school population being Hispanic or Latino, a minority that is drastically underrepresented in the tech community, it is important that we give our students the tools necessary to be successful in the careers of the future (1).  Additionally, with 64% of our population receiving free or reduced lunch, we must provide STEM programs to inspire our students to reach beyond the opportunities that they are typically exposed to.


Thomas R. Pollicita has recently undergone a reconstruction; this has allowed us to plan for a dedicated Makerspace.  Having a dedicated space will allow us to provide an environment that is more flexible than a traditional classroom.  Within this space, our students will be able to engage in activities ranging from robotics and coding to general making and utilizing an engineering design process.  

(source: http://www.makerspaceforeducation.com/)

WISH LIST OF SUPPLIES
Makey Makey  
Sphero Robots
Raspberry Pi
LittleBits  
VR- Google viewer SDK for iOS
Microphones (for podcasting/movies/media creation)
Tripod for iPads (to record video)
Sewing Machines
General Consumables
Soldering/Circuit materials
Silhouette Cameo (e-cutting machine)  
Storage Cart

Thank you so much for taking the time to visit our page!


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Footnotes
1. Bui, Quoctrung, and Claire Cain Miller. "Why Tech Degrees Are Not Putting More Blacks and Hispanics Into Tech Jobs." New York Times. N.p., 25 Feb. 2016. Web.

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