We've been hearing a lot about the Maker Movement recently. But what is the Maker Movement? Adweek hits it on the head: The maker movement, as we know, is the umbrella term for independent inventors, designers and tinkerers. A convergence of computer hackers and traditional artisans, the niche is established enough to have its own magazine, Make, as well as hands-on Maker Faires that are catnip for DIYers who used to toil in solitude. Makers tap into an American admiration for self-reliance and combine that with open-source learning, contemporary design and powerful personal technology like 3-D printers. The creations, born in cluttered local workshops and bedroom offices, stir the imaginations of consumers numbed by generic, mass-produced, made-in–China merchandise. In other words, the Maker Movement is home to the do-ers, the inventors, the designers of our generation. The people who use creativity to create and do.
Makers benefit from a space that has the tools to spur their creativity - whether it's a Fab Lab or a Makerspace - this space is designed to give people the tools to "figure it out." Most are filled with the tools of the trade, from 3D printers, lasers, robotics, and more. These people are looking for efficiencies, and driving creators and manufacturers forward with new innovation. Have you developed or used a Makerspace? What makes a successful Makerspace? Share your tips in the comments section.
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Pitsco's latest curriculum, Expeditions, is creating a lot of positive buzz in STEM circles: the curriculum is more flexible, more rigorous, and better aligns to state and national science standards. The ITC (In the Cloud) classroom management system allows for immediate updates. The curriculum is more flexible than modules -- teachers can choose to implement as a rotational or whole class solution (or a combination of both!) The excitement is palpable -- people are excited to see this curriculum for themselves, and understand how it will best fit into their classrooms. This video shows a sample lesson of Engineering Rockets, and guides the user through a short introduction. What did you think? Keep asking questions -- at Moss, we're excited that YOU are excited. We want to help you understand this new curriculum, and how it can improve your district's STEM outcomes.
What more information? Check out this blog post (with FAQs). And contact your Education Specialist for more information -- we're here to help! Hands-on activities are important for every class, but paramount for science classes. The biggest challenge teachers have in incorporating class activities is the amount of set up time it takes to prepare for class. Labs can take up to 90 minutes – each day – to set up, which is costly for teachers.
Labdisc makes it possible to incorporate hands-on instruction while saving teachers in set up time without sacrificing quality instruction. The Labdisc is the only all-in-one wireless laboratory which teachers can apply in instruction. An all-in-one science lab in the palm of your hand, Labdisc is an important classroom tool:
Labdisc can integrate technology into science class with this affordable solution, and replaces science-class consumables with one easy-to-use tool. FANUC America is inviting all FANUC CERT schools to design the next Project Based Learning (PBL) kit!
The FANUC Advanced Automation Challenge provides a unique opportunity to show us your innovations. FANUC is asking Tomorrow's Innovators to highlight the utilization of robotic automation and technology through Project Based Learning that exemplify STEM learning outcomes. Show us your creative ideas using Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math to problem solve real-world challenges and strengthen your STEM knowledge. Great prizes at stake, including: 1st place: (1) FANUC MliA Tabletop robot and (1) $1500 scholarship award 2nd place: (2) Teach Pendants and Conversion Kits, (10) Academic ROBOGUIDE Licenses*, and (1) $500 scholarship award 3rd place: (10) Academic ROBOGUIDE Licenses* and (1) $500 scholarship award Click here for submission guidelines, as well as the official submission form: “We begin to change the world when we stimulate long-term prosperity using technology. There is not a problem that’s large enough that innovation and entrepreneurship can’t solve.” – Naveen Jain This quote wasn’t written specifically about Fab Labs, but it could have been. Entrepreneurship, innovation and technology are all at the heart of any Fabrication Lab. - Interior Concepts Learn more about why Fab Labs are an essential part of STEM education, and how you can implement one in your school. Visit Interior Concepts blog post for inspiration: <Source: Interior Concepts>
"Education has grasped 3D printing in a tremendous way. Teachers around the world are incorporating this technology into their classrooms to inspire students, and to enhance comprehension and learning. Whether students use 3D printing in science, math, arts, or shop classes, the results are the same: they want to learn more; they want to do more. We’ve collected another 10 stories from educators about their incorporation of 3D printing into their classrooms, or learning spaces. By keeping up with technological advancements, they are preparing their students for the future." Afinia has compiled a series of stories about how educators are innovating in the classroom with 3D printing, and we are excited to share it with you! At Moss, we believe 3D printing is a vital component of a well-rounded STEM education, so we love it when we have the chance to share stories of teachers who are using it in the hopes we will be able to inspire others. How do you use 3D printing in your classroom or district? If you have a story to share,you could be featured in the next edition of the eBook! Contact Afinia to share your story with them.
It’s 2015 – the “future” that Back to the Future dreamed about almost 30 years ago. While we don’t have hover boards or self-lacing tennis shoes, we have made some important advances – especially in the classroom. No class has changed more over the last 30 years than Career and Technical Education. In 1985, Career and Technical Education would have been known as “wood shop” or “metals” or “shop class.” In 2015, CTE classrooms have taken a decidedly different spin – and are a vital part of today’s education. So, what will CTE education look like in the next 30 years? Emphasis on Technology In the next 30 years, CTE will rely more heavily on technology – whether computer coding, robotics, or drafting work, technology will play a significant role in technical education. Hands on will always be important, but the way we deliver hands on education are changing today. In 30 years, we will rely more on 3D virtual reality for our education, where students will be able to learn a wider variety of subjects with a single piece of technology. (The future is closer than we think - check out zSpace for next level technology!) New Innovation In the next 30 years, 3D printing (or additive manufacturing) will be more prominent when designing and developing new models. Students will be familiar with computer design, and have a greater understanding of how math and visual design work together in the design process. Educators will place a greater emphasis on building knowledge and skills early. In the future, math skills will not only be taught in math class, but taught in the CTE wing as well. As a result, students will have a greater understanding of the hands on applications of math (and other STEM subjects). A Greater Umbrella Gone are the days when “CTE” refers only to wood shop. As Career and Technical Education transforms, so do the classes in the CTE wing: CTE can refer to computer programming, to welding, to Business and Marketing, Family and Consumer Science, or Renewable Energy education. In the future, CTE will take on a greater emphasis in career planning and education, making education more customized and efficient for all students. Many schools are already encouraging students to take classes in the CTE wing because it encourages K-12 students to prepare for careers after high school. Through the Test of Time Some technologies are tried and true – and the skills will always be relevant. Skills like welding, laser cutting and engraving, and industrial certification training will stand the test of time. These skills will remain relevant, even though techniques will evolve as the need for these skills changes. Do you need help bringing your CTE programs into the future? Are you looking for ideas to bring your current program into the 21st Century? Our Secondary Education Specialist is here to help – Contact Dan Sorenson for tools and ideas. In what ways is 3D design and printing beneficial to student learning? Based on what teachers from around the globe are saying, working with 3D:
“You go into high school and everyone is talking to you about, well, you have got to go to college to be successful and you have to go to a four-year university, you will be nothing without a bachelor’s degree. It really puts so much pressure on your shoulders to do well at everything you do. And in high school, that was a really hard thing to deal with.” - Keihen Kitchen, student Like many students, Kitchen was looking for real, hands-on career opportunities. She was encouraged to attend a four-year university when a two-year technical school gave her the opportunities and the skills she needed for success in the engineering field.
She found an ideal program for her needs at Cuyahoga Community College in Cleveland, a school that uses Amatrol to teach industry-ready skills. They work closely with the local industries when developing coursework, and turned to Amatrol for the programs that aligned with the needs of the local workforce. Students like Kitchen are benefiting from being job ready with a two-year degree. Community Colleges and Technical Schools are filling an important niche in today’s workforce by offering targeted skills training programs that align with local business need. It’s a win-win for students and local industry alike. When the right curriculum is in place, whether welding programs, skills training or otherwise, students join the workforce prepared for the local job market. Students know they have stackable credentials, and employers can feel confident in the knowledge base of their new hires. Remind students that there are many paths to success. Read the full transcript of the program here: |
AuthorYou have questions about STEM education? You're not alone! We're here to share ideas and provide thought-provoking commentary. Let us know your thoughts! Sign Up for Email Updates For Email Marketing you can trust. Categories
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