"No teacher can do it all. Running a classroom, delivering instruction, and giving timely feedback are huge tasks by themselves. The good news is that responsibility for learning doesn’t have to fall solely on the teacher’s shoulders. This responsibility can be shared with students through collaborative technology. In fact, the outcomes are better if the teacher is willing to adopt collaborative technology in the classroom."

BY LAURA ASCIONE

I love bringing physical computing into my classrooms:

Physical computing means building interactive physical systems by the use of software and hardware that can sense and respond to the analog world. Physical computing is a creative framework for understanding human beings’ relationship to the digital world. In practical use, the term most often describes handmade art, design or DIY hobby projects that use sensors and microcontrollers to translate analog input to a software system, and/or control electro-mechanical devices such as motors, servos, lighting or other hardware (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Physical_computing).

. . . but as with all use of educational technologies, I believe that it should be used intentionally to assist learners in developing and expanding their content knowledge and life skills.

At 13, Jordan Reeves’ Maker cred is already impressive. She created her own 3D-printed, unicorn horn-shaped, glitter-shooting prosthetic that fits her left arm, which ends just above the elbow. Her Unicorn Project inspired Jordan and her mom Jen to start a non-profit, Born Just Right, to help other kids with limb differences learn to improve their lives with making too.

Jordan’s also a founding member of the STEAM Squad, a diverse group of some of the most accomplished girls involved in science, technology, engineering, art, and math today (which also includes Mythbusters Jr. co-host Allie Weber).

She has shown off her work at Maker Faire, AIGA, Parson’s School of Design, and many other venues across the country. And her experience with design has given her a chance to consult and offer insight to large brands across many different genres.

This is all to say that perhaps my coolest experience at Toy Fair New York this year was getting to meet Jordan and Jen and tag along when they finally got to see the fruits of their long-brewing collaboration with Mattel — the latest additions to their Barbie Fashionista line, which includes dolls with different body types, hair textures, skin tones, and now has dolls in wheelchairs and a doll with a prosthetic leg.

by
Eli Zimmerman

At this stage of the edtech revolution, most educators are focused on using tech to enhance lessons rather than on the tech itself. But many times, tech is only integrated at specific points in the classroom or with a specific tool as determined by the teacher. At St. Albans City School in Vermont, SETDA’s 2018 Student Voices Award Winner, educators encourage the students to find places in their everyday work to incorporate digital resources, especially from their makerspace. In the edWebinar “Students Leverage Technology Tools and Makerspaces to Personalize Learning,” Grace Borst, innovation specialist at St. Albans City School, and several of her students explained how they’re using technology for assessment, service work, and more.

St. Albans City School has a dedicated makerspace open to all students from preK-8. In addition to class assignments in the space, open lab time is also available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Students use this time for school and personal projects where tech might not be required but could add value. Although they miss class for open lab, the teachers recognize the benefits of letting students explore technology to help them achieve their personal and educational goals.

Here are some examples the student presenters shared about how they’ve used technology at St. Albans.

"Interested in integrating Scratch into your classroom this Fall, but aren't sure where to start? Here's a recap of our Scratch Across Every Subject Series!"

I’ve been curating everything I can find to help teachers learn about Google Expeditions and Google Cardboard, and I have created the Ultimate Google Cardboard and Expeditions Resource Guide for Teachers. I am not an expert on virtual reality or Google Cardboard and Expeditions, but I am a connected educator and I have found some amazing resources to help you learn more about these amazing tools. This guide contains the basics, how to get started, resources for buying devices and headsets, as well as troubleshooting help, YouTube tutorials, blog posts, lesson plans, apps and more! I am a learner first, so as I learn and curate resources, I will share them with the Shake Up Learning readers.

Makerspace or STEM projects for kids don’t have to be complicated or expensive.  In fact, some of the best projects use recycled or repurposed items like cardboard or soda bottles which means nothing to buy.

Below, we’ve compiled some of our favorite projects that are great for makerspaces.

"Lego isn’t just a toy, it is a mindset! If you’re serious about the Lego lifestyle, you can’t just build on your floor, or on any old table. No, you need a devoted table for your lego goodness. Caleb from You Can Make This Too, takes us through the process of making this cool looking Lego table for his home."

"This puppy petting machine is perfect for any good boy ... well almost any.

This first dog in this videos seems to be enjoying the elaborate back scratcher, getting so relaxed they even let out a yawn. But the smaller pup needed one more hand than this machine could provide. Perhaps the owners should have made a sign that reads, "you must be at least 22-inches to go on this ride." 

Rube Goldberg would be proud."

A successful school makerspace needs an enthusiastic maker community, school-wide participation, and staff support. Challenge-based learning projects in the makerspace have many benefits for students, and can engage and get them excited about new projects. In “Challenge-Based Learning in the School Library Makerspace,” Diana Rendina, Media Specialist and Writer, Tampa Preparatory School, Tampa, FL, presented tips for design challenges and shared experiences from working in the makerspace during her time at Stewart Middle Magnet School in Tampa, FL.

By Terry Heick

Don't throw away those cardboard tubes when the roll is gone!

In this project tutorial, we’re going to be making 6 different Halloween paper circuit creations.  Using parallel and simple circuits, you’ll be able to bring these templates to life with copper tape, LEDs and batteries.

Once you learn how to create these projects, you can use the concepts learned to make your own haunted paper circuit creations.

Project Time: 15 minutes (Each Project)