stem labs and maker spaces in schools why and how to get started
TRANSCRIPT
• These spaces facilitate authentic, hands-on, project based learning
• They teach students how to think critically, be resourceful, persevere, and problem solve.
WWhyWhyWhyWhy a Maker Space?
These are skills that are difficult to teach in a traditional classroom.
• 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
Georgia STEM Goals
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
Panel DiscussionBeverly 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
• 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
For more Information: