The Maker Showcase is when the current graduates of the UTeach Maker program get to share what they have accomplished with the program and all their projects they have worked on.
This was our opportunity to really show what we learned and MADE! Before we began we got to participate in the UTeach Maker Playground. We were able to see the projects current and past makers were working on. Krystal and I took part in Alex's needle work station. I practiced various patterns on the canvas and eventually stitched a K to represent my name. After the playground we moved on to our presentations. I loved being able to share how I incorporated making into my classroom curriculum and my life. I was also able to see Krystal's showcase that was remarkable! I constantly am learning from her and so glad that we were able to present to each other. Her stamps reflected talent and creativity. After presenting we were given an amazing graduation gift, 3D printed lanyard with a Micro:Bit, from our team, Patrick, Blaze and Maisha. Finally, Krystal and I were presented with our UTeach Maker Endorsement plaques! Which I of course showed off to my students the next day at school. |
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During our normal UTeach monthly meet-up, Dr. Rodriguez and Mr. Harron challenged us as makers to use Microbit to create our very own "inch-worm". Microbit is a small programmable computer. In combination with a micro servo, cardboard and a few pieces of duck tape we were able to make our inch worm, but we had a problem... it didn't move. After thinking about the mechanics for awhile, my partner and I were able to come to the conclusion that the hinge providing the inch worm its mobility was too wide. We shorted it only 30 seconds before our final show, and... slow but steady our inch worm successfully inched its way across the UTeach workroom. Working with the microbit I realized its abilities for the classroom. It is a great and affordable way to start Making in the classroom.
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We were able to meet up with Maker Educators from all over the country at the SXSW MakerEd meet up. After eating delicious food, Krystal and I moseyed around meeting various Makers.
We came across Demetri who was a part of MakerPromise, a program that is challenging educators to commit to give opportunities for students to use making. He also spoke to us about Arcade Circuits, which I later got to take a sample home. It's a simple and easy maker challenge for students to learn circuits. As we continued to work our way around the room we were able to meet up with Maria and Nancy from PBS. We discussed how to use media literacy in our curriculum. Students would be creating different forms of media that helps them critically think about the concepts presented in class. One thing I thought would be great from this is to have students create portfolio's in science. We don't often think about using portfolio's in a science class but this could help teachers see improvement over the course of a year. |
After making our way around the room some more we talked to Eric from the Exploratorium in San Francisco. Eric talked to us about how he works with teachers around California to incorporate lessons with the Exploratorium museum. These activities are called Science Snacks and they aren't just any lessons, they are all hands on experiences for students. After exchanging ideas for different science topics we got Eric's contact information and headed around the room again.
Krystal and I then introduced ourselves to Jeff from SparkFun Electronics. It was such an honor to talk to Jeff and learn all about how SparkFun got started. He even provided Krystal and I with lots of resources to get coding started in our classrooms. He gave us the information to access the SparkFun Guide to Processing. Finally as the night came to a close and Krystal and I were both lucky enough to walk away from the Maker meet up with prizes. Thanks to Nacy from PBS I got a full kit of Circuit Arcade from Makerpromise and Krystal got a book called Youth Makerspace Playbook with resources for creating lessons. |
UT recently added a Makerspace to the fine arts building. The UTeach cohort visited the Makerspace and we were able the equipment now available to all UT students. They have several 3D printers, laser cutters, sewing machines, as well as a vinyl cutter. They even have a section decked out with the latest computers and software for video game and graphic design.
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At our very first UTeach Maker Meeting we were given the challenge to design a light up UTeach Maker sign. Each group of Makers were given 2 letters to build and orientate the lighting for. We had to measure so that the wire could string through every letter in the sign but not be visible from the front. We each put our letters together to do this portion and cut the holes for stringing the lights. Once we attached our letters we were able to align the lights so that they would shine bright through the paper foreground. It was a great challenge and in the end we were so happen with the way it turned out!
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On May 23rd I attended UTeach Institute Conference to participate in two panels, the UTeach Graduate and Induction panels. During the panels I answered questions about how the UTeach program has helped me and how I have created meaningful, engaging and diverse curriculum in the classroom. Participating in the panels was a great way of talking to educators in programs from all over the nation about incorporating making into the classroom. I was also to learn from the other graduates on the panels. It was great to be able to hear how they are doing at their schools and how they have spread the ideas behind the UTeach program.
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On May 5th and 6th this year I attended Austin Maker Faire to explore what other makers have been doing this year in Austin, Texas. This is the first year that Austin Maker Faire will be partnered with UTeach Maker to help show off how educators and their students are incorporating making into their schools around Austin. I was able to see student projects from various schools including Ann Richards and Magellan International School.
I visited with the representatives from ATX Hackerspace which is an industrial makerspace were Austin residents can pay a membership fee to have access to a variety of tools and space for making. I thought this would be a great future investment for myself to continue to purse cosplay and making. I was also able to talk to some fellow cosplayers and prop makers from the Central Texas Droid Builders. I was able to see a Belt Sander that the builders use for their armor making. This will be a great resource for my future prop making. |