Page 24 - College Planning & Management, January 2018

Sponsored Content
PRODUCTS
that w
rk
NATIONAL OFFICE FURNITURE
Using Makerspaces to Explore and Learn
24 COLLEGE PLANNING & MANAGEMENT / JANUARY 2018 WEBCPM.COM
SOUTHRIDGE HIGH SCHOOL WANTED TO create a space that that would foster creativity and develop problem-solving
skills; a unique area that offered worksta- tions for hands-on projects, and spaces to brainstorm and collaborate. They envisioned a space where students could use a green screen for videography projects, and a table equipped with projection and technology capabilities. After conducting research, they decided on a makerspace. By definition, a makerspace is a place where students can gather to tinker, explore, and discover using a variety of tools and materials. Simply, maker- spaces are places that bring people together to enable acts of making.
Sarah Bardwell, media director for the Southwest Dubois School Corporation in Indiana, wanted to design a space where students could express their creativity and individuality, while boosting their confidence. Bardwell designed the makerspace within Southridge High School’s existing library, and outfitted the area with functional yet com- fortable solutions. The adjoining Southridge Middle School also uses the makerspace for their students.
Southridge High School chose National’s furniture to outfit their makerspace with progressive and highly functional furniture. The marker board, shelf, and tackable inserts for the Exhibit wall rail solution allow for stu- dent creativity and encourages brainstorm sessions.
The Mio collaborative table works seam- lessly with the green screen technology so
that students can transform themselves into various settings. Mobile Whimsy impromptu seating and Jiminy folding chairs offer flexibil- ity and the ability to huddle and move around the room from station to station. The bistro- height Strassa collaborative table and Ditto stools create an elevated working space that is functional for seated or standing students.
Although the concept of a makerspace is new to the student population, it is changing the way the students use school space. The “don’t touch” philosophy is gone and they have the freedom to be creative and are en- couraged to use the space before and during school hours. The students have embraced the ability to gather and have some fun while learning through hands-on problem-solving challenges.
“National made the space cool and invit- ing. Students are drawn into the space. It’s a comfortable place where they can hang out and be creative,” says Bardwell.
National Office Furniture has products
to outfit today’s evolving learning spaces. National delivers high-quality, stylish furniture at an exceptional value to meet the needs
of an entire educational facility. Schools and universities across the country have selected National to furnish casual student areas, meeting spaces, study areas, classrooms, and administrative offices. We pride ourselves
on offering personal attention and practical solutions for spaces to collaborate, learn, interact, and focus. Visit us at www.national officefurniture.com to learn more about how ourproductscanoutfityourspaces. CPM