Wildcat Workshop
A Multidisciplinary Makerspace @ Marian Anderson
The Wildcat Workshop is a K-8 multidisciplinary makerspace at Marian Anderson (formerly Chester Arthur) in Philadelphia.
We make things using technology, computer science, and engineering. Along the way, we learn science, social studies, civic argumentation, storytelling, and digital citizenship. Learn more.
HIGHLIGHTS
In March, three students who participate in our WHY Media Lab program won first place at National History Day Philadelphia for their documentary on Chinatown. They will compete at the state competition in April.
In grade 4, students are working on Genius Hour projects. One group recently release episode 2 of their "Kids Talk Sports" podcast. Listen to the podcast and learn more about Genius Hour.
Students in the after school NSBE Jr. club are preparing an underwater rover for the Sea Perch competition. Learn more.
Students in the afterschool Science Fair Club are preparing projects for the Carver Science Fair at Temple University. Learn more.
In grade 3, we engineered automated watering systems with a micro:bit, servo motor, straw, and code. Learn more about our grade 3 projects this year.
In grade 6, we created stop motion animations with wooden dolls of culturally important dances. Learn more about our grade 6 projects this year.
In grade 1, we built and coded projects with LEGO Spike Essentials kits. Learn more about our grade 1 projects this year.
In grade 7, we created mosaic pixel art after researching mosaics in cultures around the world. Learn more about our grade 7 projects this year.
What We're Working On
DIGITAL CITIZEN BADGES
At Marian Anderson, our students learn to use digital tools in creative, collaborative, and constructive ways! Students can earn badges by showing that they know what it means to be good digital citizens.
Check in with a trusted adult about how often you use a digital device
Monitor how you feel when you are using a digital device
Balance the time you look at a screen with other activities, like talking to others and exercising
Use a password that has a combination of letters, numbers, capitalization, and special characters
Ensure that your password is difficult to guess
Keep password secret while sharing it with a trusted adult
Check with a trusted adult for advice
Monitor how you feel when you are engaging with media
Ask yourself, does this seem like it could be untrue or harmful to me or others?
In most cases, if you use text or an image made by someone else, ask for their permission to use it and give them credit
When searching for media to use in a presentation, apply fair use principles
Explain how computers work in terms of input, output, memory, and processing
Describe how some user actions can positively or negatively affect input, output, memory, and/or processing
Describe how and where information about you may be stored online
Reflect on what kinds of information should be shared online
Change sharing settings in Google Docs to share a file with a teacher and/or peer
Write clear, concise, and courteous emails
Post and respond on social media, websites, and shared documents with a desire to do good
Recognize, report, and refrain from cyberbullying
Identify reliable and reputable sources online
Use appropriate search terms and techniques
Use lateral reading to corroborate claims found online
Check with a trusted adult for advice