Making, Tinkering, and Engineering in the Classroom
By Sylvia Libow Martinez & Gary Stager
Using technology to make, repair, or customize the things we need brings engineering, design, and computer science to the masses. Fortunately for educators, this maker movement overlaps with the natural inclinations of children and the power of learning by doing.
"The Bourn Idea Lab is our school's digital fabrication studio, where girls (and teachers!) come to tinker, build, and prototype. We have a laser cutter, a 3D printer, programmable microcontrollers, vacuum former, vinyl cutter, 3D mill, and assorted hand tools. Oh, and lots and lots of cardboard. "