1. STEM LAbs and Maker Spaces in Schools Why and How to get started

2. This is NOT a Maker Space

3. What is a Maker Space?

4. These spaces facilitate authentic, hands-on, project based learning They teach students how to think critically, be resourceful, persevere, and problem solve. WWhyWhyWhy Why a Maker Space? These are skills that are difficult to teach in a traditional classroom.

5. Empower students to become innovators and technologically proficient problem solvers Ensure that all students have access to the appropriate technology conducive to enhancing their learning experiences both in and outside the traditional classroom Increase student 21st century skills and technological literacy by providing students with opportunities to use the technical tools of the STEM industry Nurture partnerships that allow schools and the business sector to join efforts to improve students’ STEM-career opportunities Increase the number of students pursuing carers in STEM-related fields and/or post-secondary STEM related education/training Georgia STEM Goals

6. Challenges Funding Space Mindset/Culture Logistics Project planning

7. Resources Local Maker Spaces Other Teachers - in Robotics, Industrial Arts, Fine Arts Parents Community Members/Businesses

8. Essential Elements Faculty leadership, Administrative support Building a Culture of invention and experimentation Thoughtful marketing of the program internally and externally Guidance and reinforcement of deadlines with student-led projects.

9. Running the Space Supervision Scheduling Purchasing the right tools and equipment Training and careful supervision of tools

10. Best Practices Get the minimum gear Create achievable projects for students/faculty Actively share with the community to build awareness and enthusiasm.

11. Favorite Activities Solving problems in the community Team-based challenges Take-aparts Upcycling projects Robotics

12. Making in Action

13. Panel Discussion Beverly Lowe Member of the Cobb Maker Station on Historic Marietta Square Spends her days as an Office Manager As a mom, she is eager to encourage parents to be involved in helping their children learn at every opportunity. Makey Makey project was featured on Instructables.com. Instructables.com Tanju Bayramoglu Maker, Father, Mechanical Engineer & Project Manager. Member of the Cobb Maker Station on Historic Marietta Square Helping Awtrey Middle School start their Maker Space Grace A. Belangia Greater Augusta Innovation Academy The Clubhouse - Augusta Maker Space Speaker at MakerCon San Francisco, MakerFaire New York and SXSW

14. MAKE Magazine - makezine.com (many other resources available through MAKE) STEM-Engine - stem-engine.com - curated list of resources and projects K-12 Fab Labs and Makerspaces - Google Group Georgia DOE STEM Initiatives - stemgeorgia.org Georgia Tech Invention Studio – inventionstudio.gatech.edu For more Information:

15. Atlanta Maker Faire Education Conference October 3-4, 2015 Downtown Decatur Sign up for e-mail notifications Please complete our survey about what you’d like to see at the Faire for teachers