STEM LAbs and Maker Spaces in Schools Why and How to get started This is NOT a Maker Space What is a Maker Space? WWhyWhyWhy Why a Maker Space? • These spaces facilitate authentic, hands-on, project based learning • They teach students how to think critically, be resourceful, persevere, and problem solve. These are skills that are difficult to teach in a traditional classroom. Georgia STEM Goals • Empower students to become innovators and technologically proficient problem solvers • Ensure that all students have access to the appropriate technology conducive to enhancing their learning experiences both in and outside the traditional classroom • Increase student 21st century skills and technological literacy by providing students with opportunities to use the technical tools of the STEM industry • Nurture partnerships that allow schools and the business sector to join efforts to improve students’ STEM-career opportunities • Increase the number of students pursuing carers in STEM-related fields and/or post-secondary STEM related education/training Challenges • • • • • Funding Space Mindset/Culture Logistics Project planning Resources • Local Maker Spaces • Other Teachers - in Robotics, Industrial Arts, Fine Arts • Parents • Community Members/Businesses Essential Elements • Faculty leadership, Administrative support • Building a Culture of invention and experimentation • Thoughtful marketing of the program internally and externally • Guidance and reinforcement of deadlines with student-led projects. Running the Space • Supervision • Scheduling • Purchasing the right tools and equipment • Training and careful supervision of tools Best Practices • Get the minimum gear • Create achievable projects for students/faculty • Actively share with the community to build awareness and enthusiasm. Favorite Activities • • • • • Solving problems in the community Team-based challenges Take-aparts Upcycling projects Robotics Making in Action Panel Discussion Beverly Lowe • • • • Member of the Cobb Maker Station on Historic Marietta Square Spends her days as an Office Manager As a mom, she is eager to encourage parents to be involved in helping their children learn at every opportunity. Makey Makey project was featured on Instructables.com. Tanju Bayramoglu • • • Maker, Father, Mechanical Engineer & Project Manager. Member of the Cobb Maker Station on Historic Marietta Square Helping Awtrey Middle School start their Maker Space Grace A. Belangia • • • Greater Augusta Innovation Academy The Clubhouse - Augusta Maker Space Speaker at MakerCon San Francisco, MakerFaire New York and SXSW For more Information: • MAKE Magazine - makezine.com (many other resources available through MAKE) • STEM-Engine - stem-engine.com - curated list of resources and projects • K-12 Fab Labs and Makerspaces - Google Group • Georgia DOE STEM Initiatives stemgeorgia.org • Georgia Tech Invention Studio – inventionstudio.gatech.edu Atlanta Maker Faire Education Conference • • • • October 3-4, 2015 Downtown Decatur Sign up for e-mail notifications Please complete our survey about what you’d like to see at the Faire for teachers