As learning begins to expand beyond the traditional textbooks and classroom, area schools are working smart and fast to keep up with the times.To prepare students for the workforce and technology-driven world, the Warren County R-III School District is putting new learning tools into the hands of its pupils.With the help of a local business owner, three schools have started “maker spaces,” where students can engage in design, engineering and robotics-related learning.Jennifer Grooms, owner of Borgasorus Books, has wrapped and donated around 10,000 books for the school district in each of the past seven years. Recently, Grooms took her contributions to the school’s libraries a step further, donating $5,000 toward a development of maker spaces.“These are little areas in the library where they house items to stimulate the kids’ science minds and focus on those STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) learning objectives,” said Grooms.Initially, she had put her focus on Daniel Boone Elementary, where her own children attend school. But she was soon made aware that Rebecca Boone Elementary and Black Hawk Middle School were also in need of enhanced learning spaces.“When we heard about their need, we decided to help build that up,” said Grooms. “Space and time are a commodity for everyone, so we met with the librarians at each school to see what their needs were.”Grooms teamed with Heather Scruggs, owner of Dairy Queen in Warrenton, to donate over $5,000. She also donated a new 3-D printer to Daniel Boone Elementary.Shelby Graves, media specialist at Rebecca Boone Elementary, is particularly excited about the enhancements new tools will bring to the learning in her building.“I am looking forward to seeing my students use this space to create and collaborate with a focus on STEM and literacy,” said Graves. “Now that we have a 3-D printer, my students can design and print out various three-dimensional objects.Students are using hands-on building techniques, as well as learning coding through iPads and computer software.“With the addition of several different types of robots, such as Cue, Dash and Dot, Ozobots, and a Robot Mouse, students can also learn how to code,” said Graves. “The maker space will also include a variety of craft supplies for the purpose of design and creativity.”With the maker spaces now being an exciting new part of each library, students can link what they learn through books with the opportunity to learn hands on. It’s a way to better prepare them for an evolving workforce that requires proficiency in technological advances.Grooms says she is also hopeful the implementation of maker spacers will increase students’ ability to perform well on the state standardized tests.“Our students have under-utilized potential that we hope to develop,” said Grooms.Warren County R-III School District logo