The University of Cincinnati Ground Floor Makerspace and the Greater Cincinnati STEM Collaborative (GCSC) are piloting a professional development opportunity for K-12 STEAM teachers in the greater Cincinnati region.
The Makerspace Intensive begins Monday, June 5, and runs weekdays through Friday, June 16, in the 1819 Innovation Hub.
The free program includes equipment trainings, discussions and individual and group work sessions. Participants were chosen through an application process. They will earn up to 40-60 professional development contact hours and a stipend for completing all program requirements. After the intensive ends, they will be given six weeks of free Makerspace access.
"Here in the UC Makerspace, we define 'making' as including design, challenge-based learning, crafts, tinkering, inventing and performing maintenance and repairs. These activities develop initiative, resiliency, problem-solving and collaborative work skills. These are all part of the 21st century skills that are in demand by employers," said Ben Jones, Makerspace director. "We believe that the process of making can be transformative, helping individuals gain confidence in solving problems that matter."
Sean Kelley, director of the Greater Cincinnati STEM Collaborative, said the partnership with the Makerspace is a strategic extension of the work the collaborative does with teachers, students, families and community partners to engage young people in hands-on experiences that lead them to explore STEAM education and career pathways.
"As an original member of the MakerUSA Learning Network, GCSC is committed to accelerating social mobility and community-driven innovation by expanding these pathways for underserved students into maker careers and entrepreneurship," Kelley said. "Beginning with the teaching professionals in the classroom with these students is the natural first step."
Featured image at top: The Makerspace Intensive will give K-12 educators hands-on training in a 12,000-square-foot space featuring prototyping and fabrication tools. Photo provided.
