Month: February 2016

ISTE | Infographic: Create a school makerspace in 3 easy steps

This is an updated version of a post that published on June 24, 2014.

As maker education gains steam, many educators are looking for ways to incorporate making and tinkering into their schools and classrooms — often on a shoestring budget.“Kids are saying they want to learn more about technology and science, but they also want to experience it creatively and use it personally,” said Dale Dougherty, founder of Make Media, which produces Maker Faire and Make Magazine. “One of the ways we can do that is create more makerspaces for kids.But what makes a makerspace? Dougherty and other maker movement advocates have identified several common elements of successful makerspaces:

  • They promote learning through play and experimentation.
  • They’re cross-disciplinary, with elements of art, science and craftsmanship.
  • They offer tools and materials that encourage students to create rather than consume.

Makerspaces can be elaborate learning spaces equipped with sophisticated tools and supplies, but they don’t have to be. To find out how easy it is to create a makerspace with limited space and resources, take a look at the infographic below then read on for more information.

Source: ISTE | Infographic: Create a school makerspace in 3 easy steps

The Makery

A PLAYGROUND FOR MAKING WITH TECHNOLOGYThe future needs people who can creatively Make.At The Makery youth and adults are encouraged to be curious, to tinker, to experiment, and to make with technology.  We are a place where communities can gather to play with the creative power of digital design and fabrication, electronics, physical computing, engineering, art and creative coding.

Source: The Makery

Einstein’s Workshop – STEAM Classes for Kids

We are dedicated to inspiring children and adults in their exploration of science, technology, engineering, art, and Math (STEAM). We provide the scaffolding necessary for students to explore, grow, and gain confidence at their own pace–developing fluency in the science and engineering concepts they need to succeed in our tech-driven society. Our friendly and intuitive approach offers hands-on learning opportunities in classes, workshops, and in our drop-in exploration space.

Source: Einstein’s Workshop – STEAM Classes for Kids – Our Mission

BlocksCAD

BlocksCAD Easy, Open-Source Solid CAD for Everyone!

BlocksCAD is a drag-and-drop 3D Computer Aided Design and modeling tool designed for use by elementary-age children. It is simple enough to learn in a few short hours of instruction, but still has the features, flexibility, and power of a professional-level program. It was developed at Einstein’s Workshop, a hands-on learning center and kids makerspace in the Boston area.

Source: BlocksCAD

What Colleges Can Gain by Adding Makerspaces to its Libraries | MindShift | KQED News

Libraries are one of the fastest-evolving learning spaces. As many resources move online, and teachers require students to collaborate more and demonstrate their learning, librarians are trying to keep up. Some are evenspearheading the changes. Public libraries have led the effort to provide access to 21st century technologies and learning resources, but now university and K-12 libraries are beginning to catch up. Makerspaces are one way a few groundbreaking libraries are trying to provide equal access to exciting technologies and skills.

Source: What Colleges Can Gain by Adding Makerspaces to its Libraries | MindShift | KQED News

BlocksCAD – Educational 3D CAD Software for Kids! – Home

BlocksCAD is a drag-and-drop 3D Computer Aided Design and modeling tool designed for use by elementary-age children. It is simple enough to learn in a few short hours of instruction, but still has the features, flexibility, and power of a professional-level program. It was developed at Einstein’s Workshop, a hands-on learning center and kids makerspace in the Boston area.

Source: BlocksCAD – Educational 3D CAD Software for Kids! – Home

MAQR

What if tools had QR codes on them that opened short how-to videos on how to use the tool? Curious students could try learning how to solder, or sew on a button, or operate a centrifuge on their own, freeing the teacher to focus on students’ ideas rather than skills. MAQR is a free, searchable archive of QR-coded how-to videos for makerspaces, classrooms, laboratories, etc. Anyone can register and submit. If it catches on we could soon have an extensive collection of QR codes to put around our spaces. A side benefit is that making the videos is a great assignment for students. It’s one way to really learn a skill and an information-organizing challenge to boot. MAQR doesn’t store video – it just organizes and generates QR codes for videos you put up on youtube, vimeo, or dailymotion. You can assign tags to your videos to help others find them. MAQR is a work in progress – I expect I’ll be adding a rating system so the best-liked videos float to the top. If needed I’ll add master categories – science, art, music, etc. Suggestions and especially submissions are welcome. Josh MerrowRiverdale Country Schooljmerrow@riverdale.edu

Source: MAQR

Sew Electric

To Sew Electric and the marvelous world of electronic textiles! This website and its companion book will show you how to make your own soft, colorful, and wearable electronics. You’ll play with fabric, light, and sound to build a glowing bracelet, a singing stuffed monster, a fabric bookmark, and a fuzzy cloth piano. Along the way, you’ll learn how to sew, design electronics, and write computer programs.

Source: DIY PROJECTS