Our biggest challenge in this new century is to take an idea that seems abstract – sustainable development. Kofi Annan Over the years I have tried often how I can work in a fablab or a makerspace sustainably, the answer came last year when I discovered the DIY-Bio movement. What is DIY BIO? “Is a… Read more »
Tag: makerspace
FabLearn Fellows – Winter 2020/2021
So there’s a lot happening behind the scenes with the FabLearn Fellows! The new cohort is starting to meet, virtually, of course. New blog posts and videos will be coming soon. We are in the very early stages of planning Volume 3 of the Meaningful Making book series. And the previous cohorts of FabLearn Fellows… Read more »
Brainstorming: Makerspace AI
MakerEd superstar Jaymes Dec posed an interesting question, “What does an AI augmented makerspace look, sound, or feel like?” Here is some of my brainstorming. The Makerspace AI monitors the environmental conditions including airborne particulates, sound levels and machines in operation and recommends or enforces use of personal protection equipment such as safety glasses, ear… Read more »
Makerspace Starter Kit 2018
The Makerspace Starter Kit has been updated for 2018! Now in handy business card size for your next MakerEd workshop or professional development event. In three, ready-to-print formats that you are free to customize. Makerspace Starter Kit Card (.zip) Fold your Makerspace Starter Kit in half to create a tent. Place your Makerspace Starter Kit in… Read more »
Mini MakerEd Workshop Kit
Problem: How do you deliver an effective MakerEd workshop with minimal materials and cost? Solution: A mini MakerEd workshop kit that costs under $3 per participant and uses simple materials for participants to explore maker education concepts. Background: The biggest sin a Maker Coach can commit is to give a MakerEd presentation without any thought to hands-on… Read more »
Simple Parts – Part III – Communication through Drawings
Reflecting – Looking at Drawings from Part I Task 1 Start with students back in groups from part 1. Return their drawings in the group folder from the first class. Have students take out just ONE drawing from their folder. Give students 3 minutes to try and re-create the shape from their drawings done during… Read more »
Simple Parts – Part II – Empathy and Communication
This activity is done in partners. You may choose to have students choose their own partners, or students may be required to find partners within the groups they had for Part I. The main setup for these activities is that partners must not be able to see each others’ work, and it is helpful (though… Read more »
Simple Parts – Part I – Reiteration and Defining the Problem
Introducing the Materials Show students the materials and explain classroom procedures for getting them, and also clean-up expectations. (eg. 1 person from each group come up, or 1 group at a time, or distribute buckets of materials to each group, etc.) Have the students in groups. CHALLENGE Build the tallest freestanding structure you can… Read more »
Design Lessons Using Simple Parts – Introduction
Introduction I have been experimenting this year with teaching concepts like empathy, reiteration, creative thinking, communication and collaboration, through a series of activities that use simple parts (or what my kindergarten colleagues often call “loose parts”). These activities lead nicely into an exploration of technical drawings and 3D design. They are written as if they… Read more »
Real Tools – Real Life – Real Learning
Don’t Run With Scissors There is a lot of discussion in the FabLearn community about tools, not only new tools like 3D printers and CNC machines, but also about finding great hand and power tools for children. As I have been pondering tool use in the classroom, I have come to several conclusions: Tools need… Read more »