K-12 Maker Project Tutorial: Light-Up Acrylic

Light up your classroom with laser cut edge-lit acrylic art!  We’ve created a simple design that makes a good starter project and is easy to customize. We’ll show the recommended tools and materials, demonstrate each step of the build, and explore some possible academic content tie-ins that can inspire you to create a meaningful classroom project!

Thursday April 14th 4pm-5pm

K-12 Maker Project Tutorial: Clothespin Characters

Check this project out - 3D print an articulated character or thing, then animate it with the motion of a clothespin.  Want more?  Let's add an LED circuit and see it light up when it moves.  We’ll explain the 3D design techniques, show the mechanical assembly, and go through the electric circuit.  This is a great starter project that can build skills and ideas for an engaging classroom project!

Wednesday April 27 4pm - 5pm

K-12 Maker Project Tutorial: Paper Lanterns

Set the mood in your classroom, or for warm summer nights, with paper lanterns. Cut out shapes or text on any kind of paper, and fold it up into a bag.  Then illuminate it with light from inexpensive LED tea-lights. We’ll demonstrate vector art techniques and show you how to create the lanterns on the Cricut or other craft cutter. This starter project can be adapted for holidays and events throughout the year.

Tuesday May 10th 4pm - 5pm

Registration for our 2022 PD offerings are NOW OPEN! We're excited to share our plans for Summer and Fall PD sessions. Learn Maker Tool Skills or Master Making in the Classroom with us, on site at MIT or online!

Maker Tools Skills Workshops
Full-day workshops on Maker Tools or Project Design

Spend a day learning with the team of K-12 Maker educators at the MIT Edgerton Center - we're all Maker experts and veteran teachers.

Each workshop is a full-day exploration of a Maker tool or Maker design process, such as 3D printers, laser cutters, electronics or micro:bit.  You'll leave with starter projects and resources, and know how to carry out projects in your classroom.

SCHEDULE & INFO   |   REGISTER NOW!

Master Making in the Classroom
A 4-day series of workshops, spaced over 10 weeks, with online support from facilitators and peers

You’ve got a couple of 3D printers, some workbenches, hand tools, and a new space - what do you do with it all? Learn to design and deliver custom Maker projects that boost your students’ confidence, competence, and engagement with STEM - no matter what subject you’re teaching!

Join a community of practice over the course of a semester, and learn how to

• Design Maker projects for any K-12 academic or special classes 
• Support other educators doing Maker projects
• Prototype your next project in our fully equipped Makerspace

We are thrilled to share that we are now offering Maker PD Packages - a year of coaching and professional development that is customized to meet your needs!

Maker PD Packages starting at $10,000 include planning, goals and needs identification, custom training and materials, connection to a network of K-12 Maker Educators, and more. ​

Here’s how it works:
We meet with you to discuss your vision, identify goals, and explore how Maker projects and technologies bring your vision to life. We’ll walk you through our PD strands and resources, including  Makerspace design, resources to make the case for Making, Maker tool skills training, Maker project design process, teacher practices, and lots more. We will work with you to choose the strands that meet your specific needs and create a custom program.

Makerspaces and Tools

• Set up, revive, or advance a makerspace with appropriate tools and materials in an effective layout.
• Customize an operations plan with safety and supervision protocols.
• Train teachers and students on the fabrication tools and software techniques.

Maker Project Design & Teacher Practices

• Design meaningful projects that integrate STEM concepts with academic content.
• Learn and hone classroom practices that engage students and promote multidisciplinary 21st century skills.
• Tackle challenges and celebrate successes with your peers in our regular training sessions.
• Get timely coaching from MIT staff and our community of Maker Educators.
• Create tools that shift the work and the benefits of assessment to students.
• Empower your students with personal insights and teamwork strategies.

Student Projects with Maker Training 

• Host an exciting skills-building class or camp and get your students building a Maker mindset and up to speed with Maker tools.
• We provide the curriculum and lead the training along with your staff, equipping you with resources and skills to run the activity on your own.​

Contact us at k12maker@mit.edu to learn more or get started!