Becoming Dimensionally Capable: Seeing, Designing, and Making

(Debra Wilcox, The 3D Printing Store, Englewood, CO)

DATE | TIME: Thursday, August 2 | 2:00-3:00pm

ROOM: Tent

SESSION CAPACITY: 30

In every classroom in cities and small towns  there are ways to learn about our world and many of them can be shown, demonstrated, touched, or moved.  For all types of learners there is the discovery of holding or touching an object. The world of 3d visioning, scanning and printing makes all of this possible whether it is touching history by printing the Guttenberg Press or solar system exploration with a NASA Starlight Satellite model. The ability to make these things in classrooms, libraries or community supported spaces, invites discovery and engagement and such learning can be shared generationally between school aged students and their families. Learning and making things is an important way to connect kids and communities.

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Beyond the Bananas with Makey Makey

(Christopher Allen, tinkrEDU, Okemos, MI)

DATE | TIME: Friday, August 3 | 8:30-10:00am

ROOM: Classroom

SESSION CAPACITY: 25

Thinking about or already using Makey Makey in your classroom? Go beyond the banana piano or play dough game controller; in this hands-on workshop learn how to integrate scratch coding, making, and inventing to create musical artwork, make switches, and solve real world problems.  

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Creating Vibrant Learning Communities

(Catherine Fraise, Workspace Education, Bethel, PA)

DATE | TIME: Friday, August 3 | 8:45-9:30am

ROOM: DaVinci

SESSION CAPACITY: 35

What will education look like in the future and how can you transform spaces in the community to maximize opportunities and reduce the cost of quality educational experiences. Learn about membership-based learning environments catering to K-12.

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Daring to Dream - Building Maker Spaces in Our Community through Philanthropy

(Noelle Conover, Matt's Maker Space, Inc., Pittsburgh, PA & Michelle Murray, Mt. Lebanon School District, Mt. Lebanon, PA)

DATE | TIME: Thursday, August 2 | 4:00-5:00pm

ROOM: DaVinci

SESSION CAPACITY: 35

Matt's Maker Spaces are places where kids explore science, technology, engineering, arts & math (STEAM) through experiential and hands-on learning. Providing opportunities for kids to create and collaborate through hands on learning, the nonprofit organization was started in 2016 by Dave and Noelle Conover to remember their son, Matt, a lover of tinkering, creating and building, who passed away at the age of 12 from cancer. Wanting to give back to their community who supported them through the illness of their child, The Conovers provided funds to their home school district, Mt. Lebanon, to create maker spaces in the seven (7) elementary schools. Although the district wanted the spaces, the budget would not allow for them. Matt’s Maker Space is an example of a community coming together to provide needed maker spaces through the creative partnership with a family who wanted to give back. 

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Empower Your Students!

(Shaney Berzansky, Irvine Unified School District, Irvine, CA)

DATE | TIME: Thursday, August 2 | 9:00-10:00am

ROOM: Tent

SESSION CAPACITY: 60

Learn about specific structures and processes that gradually allow your students to drive their own learning through Design Based Thinking and intentional making. Using standards as a blueprint, students of all ages can engage in the steps of Design Thinking in any subject area. No fancy tools or spaces required! Come and learn how you can take steps to truly empower your students in owning their learning.

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Hands-on with the littleBits CODE KIT

(Jackie Tan, Lake Tahoe Unified School District, South Lake Tahoe, CA)

DATE | TIME: Friday, August 3 | 10:30am-12:00pm

ROOM: Classroom

SESSION CAPACITY: 25

Invention and coding come together with the littleBits CODE KIT. We will snap together circuits, craft masterful creations, and upload code to play fun games and activities. This is a low floor, high ceiling activity with step-by-step instructions for first-timers as well as more advanced options to change bits, alter code, and get super crafty. Chromebooks will be available to share or load the littleBits CODE KIT APP on your laptop.

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How Maker Education Can Help Teachers Integrate Subjects and Standards

(Jenn Beach, Hephaestus Education Studio, Oakland, CA)

DATE | TIME: Thursday, August 2 | 4:00-5:00pm

ROOM: Classroom

SESSION CAPACITY: 25

The content of the workshop will include hands-on examples of making simple machines and circuits within certain constraints that grades have regarding subjects and standards. These are often called maker challenges, however, instead of typical maker challenges, the problem may reflect a history, math, and science component. Grades included will range from K-8, and the standards completed will be outlined.

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How To Toon: Cartooning in the Classroom

(Joe Wos, Central Catholic High School & The Charles M. Schulz Museum, Pittsburgh, PA)

DATE | TIME: Thursday, August 2 | 10:15-11:45am

ROOM: DaVinci

SESSION CAPACITY: 35

Attendees will learn cartooning basics. Using simple easy to follow instruction, cartoonist Joe Wos will guide the class through the basic concepts of line, shape, character development, emotion, facial characteristics, storytelling and more. Joe will provide quick, easy, replicable lessons using lines, shapes, letters, and numbers.

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Integrated Making: A holistic approach to Digital Age learning

(Jeff Branson & Sam Patterson, SparkFun Electronics, Boulder, CO)

DATE | TIME: Thursday, August 2 | 9:00am-12:00pm & 2:00pm-5:00pm     Friday, August 3 | 8:30am-11:30am

ROOM: SparkFun Tech Lounge

SESSION CAPACITY: 25

The track (yes, track) seeks to provide a "deep dive" over multiple sessions. The goal is to provide attendees with sessions that interlock and provide an accessible experience. The sessions will delve into materials, design, digital tools, and an overarching lesson plan and design that is individual to each attendee. Attendees may choose to attend individual sessions or participate in the entire track. (Please note that if a particular session fills up, first priority will be given to individuals participating in the entire track.)

• Thursday, August 2

  • 9:00-9:30am: Introductions/Overview

  • 9:30-11:30am: Make Smarter Stuff—An introduction to Microbit-digital output, digital input, analog output, and capacitive touch

  • 11:30am-12:00pm: Curriculum ties, project showcase

  • 2:00-3:30pm: 3D Design—TinkerCAD and Puppets

  • 3:30-5:00pm: BlinkIt!—Paper circuits and rapid prototyping

• Friday, August 3

  • 8:30-9:00am: Creating Compelling Choices: Secrets of a successful choice-rich workshop

  • 9:00-9:30am: Lesson Design—All participants draft a lesson and workshop it

  • 9:30-11:00am: Guided Practicum—“Dealer’s Choice”

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Introduction to Processing

(Walt Hays, Analy High School, Sebastopol, CA)

DATE | TIME: Thursday, August 2 | 9:00-10:30am

ROOM: Computer Lab

SESSION CAPACITY: 20

Processing is an open-source computer programming language designed for learning to code within the context of the visual arts. The Processing language builds on the Java language, but uses a simplified syntax. This session will get you started using Processing, lay out the fundamentals, and help you make a plan for learning more. Takeaways include a custom piece of computer-generated artwork and lesson plans to start using Processing in your classroom.

 

Laser Cutting for all!

(Sven Gasser, Cabrillo Unified School District, Half Moon Bay, CA)

DATE | TIME: Thursday, August 2 | 2:00-3:30pm

ROOM: Digital Fab Lab

SESSION CAPACITY: 20

You will learn that lasers can solve all your problems! Laser cutting is very fast and cheap. Come to learn how this tool can be used across all curriculum and at all grade levels. You will be able to save money for your school and even raise money for further making! You will learn how to use TinkerCAD or more advanced software to cut whatever your little makers could ever need. There will be projects with premade files you can customize ranging from pattern blocks, algebra tiles/balance, digital sculpting, topographical maps, gear generators, and puzzles.

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Learning by Making for STEM Success

(Lynn Cominsky & Laura Peticolas, Sonoma State University, Rohnert Park, CA)

DATE | TIME: Thursday, August 2 | 2:00-3:30pm

ROOM: Classroom

SESSION CAPACITY: 25

Sonoma State University’s Learning by Making program trains students to design and construct their own experiments to make scientific measurements that are personally relevant, and that are critical to the future of our economy and our planet. Working with six public, high-needs rural high schools in Mendocino County, we have implemented the an NGSS-aligned, science-driven and computational-thinking integrated STEM  curriculum for 9th and 10th grade students. In this session,we will describe the requisite skill development, the hardware and software innovations that power the course, and the experiments constructed by the students. Assessment results have indicated improvements in performance in both science (7 points) and mathematics (4 points).  The Learning by Making curriculum satisfies Laboratory Science college entrance requirements for the UC and CSU systems and is funded by the US Department of Education’s Investing in Innovation program.

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Let’s Ada Lovelace this S#!@ Up

(Katie Henry & Bud Hunt, Birdbrain Technologies, Pittsburgh, PA)

DATE | TIME: Thursday, August 2 | 9:00am-12:00pm & 2:00-5:00pm

ROOM: Board Room

SESSION CAPACITY: 10

Let’s play with the intersection of programming and writing as tools for learning. We’ll take up some programming and writing tools, play together, and see what happens. This session doesn’t require expertise in any particular skill set other than curiosity. (Absolute beginners and all other skill levels welcome.)

 

Maker Educator Certificate Program

(Dan Blake, Sonoma County Office of Education, Santa Rosa, CA)

DATE | TIME: Thursday, August 2 | 11:00-11:30am

ROOM: Computer Lab

SESSION CAPACITY: 20

Working with maker educators from throughout the Bay Area and with support from Maker Media, Inc., Sonoma State University and the Sonoma County Office of Education have collaborated to create the Maker Educator Certificate Program, the first such program of its kind. The program offers a series of mini-courses designed for people seeking to lead maker activities in schools, clubs, community centers, libraries, and other organizations. Mini-courses are offered in a variety of formats: face-to-face, hybrid, and online. This presentation will provide an overview of the program, including plans to scale the program by offering the face-to-face classes in other parts of California.

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Making a MESH of the Internet of Things

(Andy Doolittle, Arroyo High School, &Takehiro Hagiwara, MESH, San Lorenzo, CA)

DATE | TIME: Thursday, August 2 | 9:00-10:00am

ROOM: Classroom

SESSION CAPACITY: 25

In this workshop, you’ll imagine, experiment, and build a real smart gadget for the Internet of Things without any special skills or coding. Empower your students to explore STEAM through invention and making. Make anything from a “fitness” tracking headband to an interactive candle and see firsthand how concepts like computational thinking, programming, electronics, the internet, and design come to life. We will have plenty of materials and Sony’s MESH blocks on hand as we guide you through all the ups and downs of making, including how to problem-solving, ideate, troubleshoot, and build within a project. Choose from pre-designed projects or build your own to broaden your understanding of the role of hardware in computer science and how physical computing can expose more students to STEAM skills.

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Making and Stories

(Anna Van Dordrecht & Kelly Matteri, Sonoma County Office of Education, Santa Rosa, CA)

DATE | TIME: Thursday, August 2 | 3:30-5:00pm

ROOM: Tent

SESSION CAPACITY: 60

Stories are integral to human communication and highly engaging. In this workshop, we’ll explore how to integrate stories (fiction and nonfiction) with maker challenges and how to inspire students to share their own stories through making.

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Making Green-Screen Videos

(Lisl Christie, San Miguel Charter Elementary, Santa Rosa, CA & Meghann Brock, Kaiser Permanente, Santa Rosa, CA)

DATE | TIME: Thursday, August 2 | 10:30am-12:00pm

ROOM: Classroom

SESSION CAPACITY: 25

Everyone has seen green-screen videos, in which speakers or actors are shown against different backgrounds.  But do you know how easy it is to make these videos, even for young children?  This session will provide attendees with the knowledge and inspiration to create green-screen videos in their own classrooms, with minimal cost or experience.  Participants will have the opportunity to record their own video against a green screen, then use a choice of different apps to change the background.  We’ll learn how to add titles, transitions, and music, and how to export and compress a video so it is easy to share.  Finally, we’ll discuss how to involve students throughout the video process, including choosing topics, writing and memorizing scripts, rehearsing and recording with classmates, and selecting backgrounds.

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Making, Coding, and Hitting the K-5 Standards: Tips, Tricks, and Idea Sharing

(Anna Blake, Elizabeth-Forward School District, Elizabeth, PA & Christina Bourassa, Napa Valley USD, Napa, CA)

DATE | TIME: Friday, August 3 | 8:30-9:30am

ROOM: Tent

SESSION CAPACITY: 60

Have you wondered how can I make a drone obstacle course fit into my grade-level standards and accomplish the elusive computational thinking aspects? At Elizabeth-Forward School District, we have developed the RoboOlympics that accomplish that task. By thinking outside of the box, let's look at the tips and tricks of fitting technology into the K-5 classroom. Looking at technology such as Parrot Drones, Spheros and BeeBots, we will discuss and explore how this technology can be used to develop computational thinking starting at the kindergarten level. Beyond simply coding using languages such as Scratch, Tynker and Swift, we will venture into exposing kids at a young age to concepts such as algorithms and loops. You will be walking away with ideas, and resources for your classroom or school district. Let’s share and learn together!

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MALT Learning - Making/Literature/Technology

(Maureen Frew & Scott Miller, Avonworth Primary Center, Pittsburgh, PA)

DATE | TIME: Thursday, August 2 | 9:00-9:45am

ROOM: DaVinci

SESSION CAPACITY: 35

This session will demonstrate to teachers how to combine making, literature and technology into one complete package.  Teachers will be able to use literature they currently use to put making and technology skills to use.

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PICTURE BOOKS IN THE MAKERSPACE – LITERACY AND CREATIVITY PAIRING

(Rene Hohls, Ventura County Office of Education, Camarillo, CA)

DATE | TIME: Thursday, August 2 | 10:30am-12:00pm

ROOM: Tent

SESSION CAPACITY: 60

This session will cover a wide range of picture books for grades K-8 and corresponding maker activities supporting various content and Common Core standards. Attendees will walk away with a list of recommended titles for school or classroom library use, a connected maker activity and the standards it supports, as well as resources to locate additional books and maker connections for future use. There will be a table activity and book connection at each table for a make-and-take opportunity.

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Region 1 Makerspace(ship): Making STEAM in Expanded Learning

(Melea Meyer,  Mendocino County Office of Education, Ukiah, CA & Katie Welch, Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Sonoma Co.)

DATE | TIME: Friday, August 3 | 10:00am-12:00pm

ROOM: DaVinci

SESSION CAPACITY: 35

Blast off with the Region 1 Makerspace(ship): a travelling STEAM workshop that explores project-based-learning and introduces some basic scientific concepts that parents, teachers, and child-care workers can use to ignite their student's imagination and drive to innovate.  Participants will also have a chance to see these concepts in action as they build a simple circuit, experiment with Little Bits and Makey-Makey, and  explore the possibilities of programming in Scratch. Find out why student-led-learning is more than just letting kids loose in a room with the right supplies and how you can successfully implement STEAM-based & student-led lessons into your classroom, after school program, camp, or homeschool. This workshop is best suited for those working with students from 2nd-6th grade, but topics relevant to both younger and older students will be addressed as well.

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The Languages of Materials 

(Ryan Kurada, University Elementary/Cotati-Rohnert Park USD, Rohnert Park, CA)

DATE | TIME: Thursday, August 2 | 2:00-3:30pm

ROOM: DaVinci

SESSION CAPACITY: 35

Participants will engage with a wide variety of recycled/reclaimed materials and digital tools as they plan for ways to integrate making across the curriculum in the early elementary classroom. At the conclusion of the workshop, participants will receive a sample materials request letter for parents.

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The Solar Carnival​​

(Tor Allen, Solar Schoolhouse, Sebastopol, CA)

DATE | TIME: Friday, August 3 | 10:00-11:30am

ROOM: Tent

SESSION CAPACITY: 30

The Solar Carnival is Coming to your school!  Create a new classroom project using solar cells, motors, fans, buzzers, and music.  Explore how your students can design and construct a mini Solar Carnival which consists of kinetic rides and carnival attractions all powered by the sun. Your students will apply their knowledge of circuits, solar and utilize some hands on building skills while making something magical! In this workshop you will create one “ride” and learn tips on introducing this project to your class. Participants will receive a teacher Guide and student instructions.

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Up-cycled Soda Bottle Cap - Your New Favorite Maker Project

(Graig Marx & David Piemme, Winchester Thurston School, Pittsburgh, PA)

DATE | TIME: Friday, August 3 | 10:00am-12:00pm

ROOM: Computer Lab

SESSION CAPACITY: 15

Some Maker-influenced educators may struggle to find uses for 3D printing in larger classes.  Many reasons for this exist including: finding relevant content, printing numerous parts, time needed to print larger parts, and issues associated with CAD modeling skill sets.  We hope this work shop provides you with a substantial and meaningful project example that you could tailor to your to your specific needs.  We hope you will leave with new ideas associated with design/engineering pedagogy, CAD modeling tips, and better understanding of the potential for 3D printing in your courses.  Did you ever wonder how you could reuse a soda bottle by redesigning the cap?

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