Proposal Title
MakerSpace environment in science education: Preparing for the challenges of an ever changing future
Session Type
Workshop
Room
FNB 2240
Start Date
4-7-2019 1:00 PM
Keywords
MakerSpace, Physics, Learning in Higher Education, Hands-on Experience, Innovation, Creating, Problem Solving, Collaboration
Primary Threads
Education Technologies and Innovative Resources
Abstract
MakerSpaces provide hands-on experiences for active learning, collaboration, problem solving, innovation and self-expression. They instill creativity and confidence for meeting the challenges that students may face in their careers.
Typically, MakerSpaces employ specialist staff, use 3D printers, computers, access to specialized tools and facilities to conduct coursework projects, individually or collaboratively. Our approach involves a variation, making use of existing faculty and staff support from the 2nd year Physics laboratory at the Department of Physics and Astronomy, a dedicated MakerSpace area and access to specialized machines (mills, lathes, water jet cutter, drill presses, etc). In the last two years students have been trained in using the MakerSpace for projects, as part of their lab experience. This has provided exposure to independent learning, being resourceful, engaging in teamwork, and learning to problem solve open-ended issues, as in an industry setting. We will share the outcomes from recent student experiences. In future we anticipate enhancing the use of the MakerSpace by creating a new Advanced Industrial Physics Project course, in which participating students will be selected through the Western Science Internship program to work on projects related to selected industrial partners.
Participants in this hands-on workshop will use 3D graphical design software (Fusion360) collaboratively to design and fabricate a MakerSpace initiative. Participants will be in groups of two or more sharing and interacting on ideas to create and design a 3D geometry of a key chain tag, adding the letters WCSE and their initials, using Fusion360. Their product will be 3D printed by the end of the conference. Participants (max number 24) are encouraged to bring their own laptops with Fusion360 pre-installed. For a free version go to
https://www.autodesk.com/products/fusion-360/students-teachers-educators
Some computers with Fusion360 pre-installed will be available for participants.
Elements of Engagement
Participants in this hands-on workshop will use 3D graphical design software (Fusion360) collaboratively to design and fabricate a MakerSpace initiative. Participants will be in groups of two or more sharing and interacting on ideas to create and design a 3D geometry of a key chain tag, adding the letters WCSE and their initials, using Fusion360. Their product will be 3D printed by the end of the conference. Participants (max number 24) are encouraged to bring their own laptops with Fusion360 pre-installed.
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial 4.0 License
MakerSpace environment in science education: Preparing for the challenges of an ever changing future
FNB 2240
MakerSpaces provide hands-on experiences for active learning, collaboration, problem solving, innovation and self-expression. They instill creativity and confidence for meeting the challenges that students may face in their careers.
Typically, MakerSpaces employ specialist staff, use 3D printers, computers, access to specialized tools and facilities to conduct coursework projects, individually or collaboratively. Our approach involves a variation, making use of existing faculty and staff support from the 2nd year Physics laboratory at the Department of Physics and Astronomy, a dedicated MakerSpace area and access to specialized machines (mills, lathes, water jet cutter, drill presses, etc). In the last two years students have been trained in using the MakerSpace for projects, as part of their lab experience. This has provided exposure to independent learning, being resourceful, engaging in teamwork, and learning to problem solve open-ended issues, as in an industry setting. We will share the outcomes from recent student experiences. In future we anticipate enhancing the use of the MakerSpace by creating a new Advanced Industrial Physics Project course, in which participating students will be selected through the Western Science Internship program to work on projects related to selected industrial partners.
Participants in this hands-on workshop will use 3D graphical design software (Fusion360) collaboratively to design and fabricate a MakerSpace initiative. Participants will be in groups of two or more sharing and interacting on ideas to create and design a 3D geometry of a key chain tag, adding the letters WCSE and their initials, using Fusion360. Their product will be 3D printed by the end of the conference. Participants (max number 24) are encouraged to bring their own laptops with Fusion360 pre-installed. For a free version go to
https://www.autodesk.com/products/fusion-360/students-teachers-educators
Some computers with Fusion360 pre-installed will be available for participants.