Maker Spaces / STEM Design Challenges
Purpose of Design Thinking in Maker Education
In a maker classroom, no two projects look alike. Giving students a real life problem to solve, as an intentional reason to use design thinking, changes the quality of the learning. Students are not learning because the teacher simply told them information they are required to remember, students are learning because they need and want to solve a problem to make the world a better place. Stanford’s d.school has developed design thinking, which is a codification of the artistic or scientific way of thinking:
Check out this site: MakerSpace for Education This website is a comprehensive reflection of extensive research in the field of makerspace in education. They researched historical background and pedagogies along with educational trends and current classroom application in order to present a complete and balanced picture of makerspace in education. Find instructional strategies, resources and ideas to create maker challenges in your classroom. Visit: http://www.makerspaceforeducation.com/ |
Upcycling & a Low-Tech Maker Space
What if you could get started making tomorrow and didn't need all the fancy tools to join this movement? Making starts with a mindset, and a few simple materials are all that you need to get started. There are resources all around you, materials hidden in plain sight, tools just waiting to be used for a creative purpose. And with a little dose of ingenuity, you'll have your students making in no time. The Dollar Store has many inexpensive items that you can use to get started. Apply for a PTO Grant for the funding! |
Edutopia Articles; Get in the Maker Space Mindset!
Starting a School Maker Space from Scratch
Some excellent tips for getting started, what materials to purchase, grant opportunities and other ideas to access funding for supplies, ideas for design challenges, curriculum integration ideas and great PD suggestions.
Capture the Learning; Crafting the Maker Mindset
Great information about teaching creativity and the power of design thinking.
Engaging Students in the STEM Classroom Through "Making"
Reviews what is 'making,' how it is related to STEM education, where to find making activities for your classroom,
Starting a School Maker Space from Scratch
Some excellent tips for getting started, what materials to purchase, grant opportunities and other ideas to access funding for supplies, ideas for design challenges, curriculum integration ideas and great PD suggestions.
Capture the Learning; Crafting the Maker Mindset
Great information about teaching creativity and the power of design thinking.
Engaging Students in the STEM Classroom Through "Making"
Reviews what is 'making,' how it is related to STEM education, where to find making activities for your classroom,
PBS ZOOM
PBS ZOOMsci has tons of experiments with engineering, construction and design challenges. Students can engage in cool science experiments in a variety of categories and engage your students in fun and motivating ways to practice and develop their problem solving and critical thinking skills. Each experiment includes directions, list of materials, and student discussion prompts. Plus, students can post their results and engage in discussion with other student scientists. |
Topics:
Chemistry Patterns Engineering & Design Water Forces Sounds The Five Senses Structures Life Science |
Click here to learn more about how to create these STEM challenges. |
Download a sample set of practice Design Challenges...