According to makerspace.org: “A Makerspace is a learning environment rich with possibilities. As new hardware and software tools for making, digital design, and fabrication are emerging, we’re working together — with teachers and community leaders — to place those tools into the hands of a wider audience. We’re building the infrastructure for more kids and adults to connect to a future in which they can personally change, modify or “hack” the physical world, creating things that were nearly impossible to do on their own just a few years ago. Making is about getting hands-on, using these new technologies and basic tools, to do real and personally meaningful work.”
Children learn best by experiences which they get by making. Making facilitates the process of high level thinking skills in children which is an integral part of the Common Core standards. It enables them to broaden their perspectives and gain a deeper understanding of the concepts.
Having incorporated the district’s first Makerspace last year, inspiring every site in the district to start their own, it has been not just immensely rewarding but fantastic to see how and experience student creativity in such an environment, while automatically dealing with behavioral, cultural & language related issues.
Participants will get ideas on incorporating various Making projects into their curriculum, including 3D design and printing, coding, robotics, circuitry, science & engineering projects; They will see completed student projects, ongoing projects, and talk about future possibilities. - Outline of the presentation: - Introduction to making in and outside the classroom. - How a Maker Space - Some do’s and don’t’s in creating a Maker Space - Examples of student projects, challenges and use of the Maker Space - Educational Tools & Activities available for a basic Maker Movement including costs: What is the biggest bang for the buck? - Resource listings for specific technology projects - Conclusion
