Check out Maker Promise for free support and resources in Maker Ed.
This event was the perfect opportunity to make the Ulmer Family Light Lab studios and resources available to the wider community. We welcomed teachers from a variety of public, charter, and independent schools in the Philadelphia area and beyond, as well as participants planning summer camps, building partnerships, and tech enthusiasts interested in trying new skills.
The Ed Camp model is characteristically an "unconference," meaning participants are encouraged to put up suggestions for workshops and discussions they are interested in facilitating or attending. The session board was populated that morning while attendees networked, snacked, and perused the fantastic Mobile Makerspace set up in the gym.
We had some old friends (also Light Lab Advisory Board members) from Maker Ed and Digital Promise sharing the awesome ways they are helping ensure maker resources can get into the hands of more teachers and students.
Digital Promise also offered an easy inexpensive circuit-building activity for testing and feedback. Their "yes and" improv project planning cards were also a big hit - a fun way to push your ideas by using other awesome maker minds to brainstorm. The registration table was filled with great maker swag. Educators love free stuff!
Maker sessions took place in all four studios of the Light Lab and expanded out into Lower School classrooms. Discussions included how to start up a makerspace, how to assess projects, and how to create buy-in from faculty. Other sessions zoomed in to allow teachers to try specific tools like micro:bit, a vinyl cutter, or a specific type of robot.
When wrapping up the day, attendees shared their favorite take-aways. Here are a few:
The Ed Camp model is characteristically an "unconference," meaning participants are encouraged to put up suggestions for workshops and discussions they are interested in facilitating or attending. The session board was populated that morning while attendees networked, snacked, and perused the fantastic Mobile Makerspace set up in the gym.
We had some old friends (also Light Lab Advisory Board members) from Maker Ed and Digital Promise sharing the awesome ways they are helping ensure maker resources can get into the hands of more teachers and students.
Digital Promise also offered an easy inexpensive circuit-building activity for testing and feedback. Their "yes and" improv project planning cards were also a big hit - a fun way to push your ideas by using other awesome maker minds to brainstorm. The registration table was filled with great maker swag. Educators love free stuff!
Maker sessions took place in all four studios of the Light Lab and expanded out into Lower School classrooms. Discussions included how to start up a makerspace, how to assess projects, and how to create buy-in from faculty. Other sessions zoomed in to allow teachers to try specific tools like micro:bit, a vinyl cutter, or a specific type of robot.
When wrapping up the day, attendees shared their favorite take-aways. Here are a few:
- Maker Ed doesn't have to be expensive (so important!)
- Trying out Wonder Workshop with Dash and Dot robots
- Exploring micro:bit
- Creating paper roller coasters
- Sharing effective forms of assessment
- Networking with other makers
- Making a vinyl sticker
When the tables were cleared, chairs folded, and bags packed, I stopped to chat with a colleague. She shared that she overheard a NYC teacher saying on her way out, "My soul has been fed."
That's what good PD does. It's why we, at FCS, were thrilled to play a part in Ed Camp Maker Promise.
This event marked the first (definitely not the last) time we have leveraged our new facility to help provide professional development to a large number of educators beyond our immediate community.
Big thanks to Maker Ed, Digital Promise, and Ed Camp Philly for asking us to host this amazing event. And to the army of makers who came with mobile materials, can-do attitudes, and muscle power to set-up/clean-up: You rocked it! We are grateful.
Are you ready to make the Promise and commit to being a champion for making? We are!
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