Join colleagues for a day of hard fun and problem solving — where computing meets tinkering and design. The workshop begins with the case for project-based learning, making, tinkering, and engineering. You will view examples of children engaged in complex problem solving with new game-changing technologies and identify lessons for your own classroom practice. Powerful ideas from the Reggio Emilia Approach, breakthroughs in science education, and the global maker movement combine to create rich learning experiences. This workshop is suitable for all grades and subject areas. Participants will have the chance to tinker with a range of exciting new low- and high-tech construction materials that can really amplify the potential of students. Fabrication with cardboard and found materials, simple electronic circuits, wearable computing, Arduino, robotics, and computer programming are all on the menu. You will learn: • How new tools and technology can reinvigorate Project-Based Learning • Best classroom practices for integrating maker technology • How to plan engaging projects and use authentic assessment strategies • How to choose the technologies with the maximum learning impact • How to make the case for making, tinkering, and engineering Bring a laptop and your imagination!
