Incline Education Fund (IEF) raised over $100,000 to create a Makerspace at Incline Elementary School (IES).
In 2020, teacher Trina Kleinhentz was having amazing success teaching robotics and coding concepts to a small after-school group of Incline Elementary School students. Despite limited resources, the early IES Lego Robotics club was up and running quickly and was able to compete in the First Lego League Challenge and win a number of awards. They have done so each year since (although they missed the competition in 2022 due to weather).
IEF was approached to help grow the program and launched a campaign that raised over $100,000 to create a full makerspace learning laboratory. We were able to purchase new technology equipment including a variety of robotic equipment, coding and building sets, ipads, and a printer. Every K-5 student now takes a robotics and coding class as part of their regular curriculum. The program utilizes Gifted & Talented instruction strategies to teach children how to think critically and creatively as well as how to communicate and collaborate.
The IES MakerSpace was a key driver behind the recent OSIT STEM Designation of Incline Elementary as a STEM school (link to News to come 5/17)
“IEF made the MakerSpace project come to life. Now, we have a full suite of exciting new tools. The kids absolutely love it and are learning critical thinking skills at an early age that will help prepare them for middle and high school classes.”
Trina Kleinhenz, Makerspace Teacher Incline Elementary School
