The Workshop
La Honda Elementary School Principal Liz Morgan has already begun a vigorous Maker Program underway at LHE. The following suggestions are only to enhance those opportunities and perhaps provide new ones to students from other schools (in our district or perhaps from outside). I imagine some of what might happen in the Workshop would depend on the expertise of paid staff or volunteers, but here are some ideas that we could start with...
(BTW, above, you're looking mostly north in the above photo, a bit east. LH is both NE and up in altitude, Pescadero is SE of downtown. Below is a bench by the pond in La Honda...)
La Honda Elementary School Principal Liz Morgan has already begun a vigorous Maker Program underway at LHE. The following suggestions are only to enhance those opportunities and perhaps provide new ones to students from other schools (in our district or perhaps from outside). I imagine some of what might happen in the Workshop would depend on the expertise of paid staff or volunteers, but here are some ideas that we could start with...
- A Bicycle Shop. As Safe Routes to School Coordinator for the district a few years ago, I looked into this possibility and there are lots of opportunities. Not only are there many local bicyclists, but there are several organizations that might help - the Silicon Valley Bicycle Coalition, the Bicycle Church, Bay Bike Share, SPOKES, etc.
- Drone & remote-control vehicle Shop. The current popularity of drones and the on-going popularity of remote-control vehicles (consider the rocketry program at PHS) should make this a successful program.
- Electronics & small motor Shop. While perhaps not entirely appropriate for elementary-school-aged students, not only is this a career pathway and a hobbyist's dream, but the applications are all over the map.
- Woodworking Shop. A classic among vocational programs, there are actually a large number of community members who would love to participate in such a program. I've experienced a beautiful symbiosis between old folks who love woodworking almost as much as they love sharing their passion with young folks. It's a natural community catalyst.
- Finally (for now), a Computer and Coding Shop is another natural given our proximity to Silicon Valley. Students could start by just taking apart old computers, learn how to build new ones, and eventually write the codes to run them. The resources here in La Honda, let alone over the hill, are vast!
(BTW, above, you're looking mostly north in the above photo, a bit east. LH is both NE and up in altitude, Pescadero is SE of downtown. Below is a bench by the pond in La Honda...)