Help Westborough’s Elementary Schools Refresh and Expand Maker Space Supplies for Every Student, K Through 6th Grade!

The ultimate science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics (STEAM) experience for all K–6 students across Westborough

WETF and the Westborough Public Schools are excited to announce a new campaign to refresh and expand maker space supplies and equipment across all four elementary schools, Hastings, Armstrong, Fales (K–3), and Mill Pond (4–6). This campaign will ensure that every elementary student in Westborough has access to updated, age-appropriate, high-quality materials for hands-on STEAM exploration, creative problem-solving, and collaborative learning.

All three elementary schools, Hastings, Armstrong, and Fales, have maker space materials in place, and Mill Pond’s dedicated makerspace was established through a successful WETF campaign in 2018. Over the years, supplies have been used up, equipment has aged, and new educational tools have emerged. This campaign will bring fresh supplies, updated equipment, and new materials to every school so that all students, from Kindergarten through 6th grade, benefit from a modern, well-stocked maker space experience.

Your donation will go toward the purchase of supplies, materials, and equipment that have been carefully identified by teachers and administrators across the district to support current and future academic plans. Your generosity will give students the tools to explore, create, innovate, and learn, today and for years to come. Thank you!

What's a "Makerspace"?

Definition: Makerspace
mak·er·space

/ˈmākərˌspās/
noun
A place in which students can gather and use assorted materials to explore current interests and discover new ones, collaborate with peers to enhance their learning, problem-solve to master new understandings, innovate and create new concepts and projects, and become self-directed seekers of “meaning-making.” It’s a place where learning, exploring, creativity, and fun are all wrapped up into one experience!

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Creating with Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, & Math

Why Now?

• Supplies get used up. Consumable materials like craft supplies, building kits, and electronics components need regular replenishment to keep maker spaces active and engaging.
• Equipment ages. Tools and technology from earlier, some dating back to 2014–2018, need updating. New educational products offer better learning experiences.
• Every school deserves access. Not all schools have had equal access to maker space materials. This campaign creates equity across the district for grades K–6.
• Hands-on learning matters more than ever. As screen time increases, maker spaces provide essential opportunities for tactile, collaborative, real-world problem solving.

What Is Needed?

Below you will find the supplies, materials, and equipment needed for our maker spaces, organized by category. Click on each category to see the items included in this campaign.

“I am excited to offer the ultimate STEAM experience for students in the MPS Makerspace which incorporates flexible opportunities to learn new skills, discover new interests and talents, and explore creativity. Makerspace experiences challenge students to learn coding or electronics, create art or movies, or build structures and inventions. The possibilities are student-driven and endless!”Suzanne Kenny , Principal, Mill Pond School

Demo Videos From Hastings Makerspace Pilot Program

Mill Pond students engaged in various activities during the initial pilot of Mill Pond Makerspace program that began in September 2017 with seed funding from Westborough Education Foundation (WEF). We are now ready to use the knowledge gained from the pilot program and expand into a full implementation of the Mill Pond Makerspace with help from your donations.

“What I liked most about it (Makerspace) was that there were several different choices to meet my students' wide range of interests. I also loved that they were using different parts of their brain and getting to be creative in ways that they don't always get to at school. A few of the students were working collaboratively at the catapult station which is always a skill I love to see them practicing!”Tara Gestrich , 5th grade teacher, Mill Pond School

“Makerspace cheers up my Monday.”Anna E. , Student, Mill Pond School

“Ozobots make school fun!”Mia O. , Student, Mill Pond School

“The excitement and creative energy of this Makerspace is palpable when you watch students in action with the materials. This project captures the intellectual challenge, and team oriented project based focus that we know is an essential part of today's learning environment. Who wouldn't want to dive into exploring this amazing array of materials and the open-ended challenges they provide!”Amber Bock , Superintendent Westborough Public Schools

Unleashing Students’ Imaginations as well as Their Directing & Performing Talents