News from TechTerra Education
Celebrating Making and STEM in the ECU Pitsco Makerspace
This past month TechTerra Education had the great honor of returning to East Central University in Ada, OK. We spent time in Ada last summer providing training to teachers across Oklahoma, Texas and Kansas in ECU’s brand new STEM lab. This summer it was our pleasure to return with Makerspace and STEM training. We also had the chance to be a part of the ECU naming celebration for their space, now the Pitsco STEM Makerspace at the Innovation for Teaching and Learning Center.
Our training kicked off with a hands-on electronics activity using Chibitronics circuit stickers and copper tape.
Dr. Mark Jones, ECU Professor, assists a group in coding
Bill Holden, star of Pitsco’s Dr. Zoon’s STEM video series
Dr. Harvey Dean and his wife, Sharon Dean
SXSWedu 2017 Panel Picker Proposal -- TechTerra Education Needs Your Vote
To vote for our proposal -- called "Hands-On! Explore Tech and Nature Together!" -- please go here.
We would be honored to have your vote!
Coding and Circuitry -- What a 5 Year Old Can Teach Me
My 5 year old Griffin loves playing Daddy’s games on his Kindle. My hubby was an underground cable jointer in England before we moved to the US. I suppose it makes sense that many of hubby's "games" involve playing with circuitry. He has attempted to explain all the in’s and out’s (play on words intended) of circuitry to me for many years. He would say it’s easy. I would always nod and feign interest. I never really got it until I saw Griffin playing those games. In many ways the circuitry games look very similar to the coding games his daddy plays. What is the connection? I had to look deeper.
Daddy teaching Griffin simple electronic circuitry with a battery and "wand." Griffin easily understood open and closed circuits this way.
At Camp Tech Terra this summer, Griffin had some wonderful opportunities to explore coding and a bit of circuitry. Now he can’t wait to go back and “play” again. Santa may have to give him a more hands on Chibitronics Kit for Christmas.
Portable Laser Engraver for STEM? Yes We Can!
We recently enjoyed a demonstration of the AP Lazer SN1812 desktop laser engraver. For those who thought laser engraving projects could only be found in high school shop class, think again! This model of laser is small, lightweight, transportable, and tackles large projects allowing it to be utilized at most grade levels.
What we love about this laser is that you set up the saw horses, place the laser on top, connect the laptop and are quickly able to get started with great projects. When you are done, you pack it onto the cart and roll it away like a piece of luggage allowing for it to be secured as necessary.
How might students benefit? By combining the logical and creative processes, students understand mechanical parts, how they work together, and what functions they serve in creating the final project look and feel. They learn how working from intangible software tools through 2D laser engraving, and they can create 3D projects by using critical thinking and creativity. The list of materials that can be used is large, including glass, acrylic, plastic, wood, leather, fabric, paper, and coated metals, promoting a wealth of possibilities for building creative skills and performing a variety of science, engineering and math experiments.
Check out this Youtube link to see the laser in action.
We can't wait to get started with our first laser printer. Stay posted to see our curriculum and camp projects!
About TechTerra Education
The TechTerra curriculum, inspired and informed by Maker Education and Project Based Learning, was developed by Susan Wells, a national leader in mobile-integrated education and public school educator.
In addition to offering professional development training, school solutions, and tool solutions, TechTerra Education’s Camp TechTerra, held during fall, spring and summer sessions, offers programs for students ages 5 to 14 that bring together the seemingly disparate elements of technology and nature to help young people better understand the natural world through coding, storytelling, and digital devices.
Contact
Contact TechTerra Education at:
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