Vermont Fest 2024

This hands-on workshop will provide educators with the tools and knowledge needed to integrate 3D printing technology into any curriculum, enhancing student engagement and bringing learning to life. Participants will explore how 3D printing can be used across different subjects like math, science, history, and art. By the end of the session, educators will walk away with actionable lesson ideas and the confidence to implement 3D printing in their own classrooms.

Leverage the power of 3D platforms and virtual makerspaces to create opportunities for all students to dive into emerging STEAM careers with real-world STEAM projects. Learn how to design authentic learning activities where students engage in high-fidelity prototyping and learn spatial reasoning, computational thinking and data analysis. This presentation highlights how virtual Makerspaces, specifically Maker's Empire, Tinkercad and Qweebi paired with 3D printing and CAD tools, can break down barriers for students in under-resourced schools or remote areas by providing them with the same hands-on, innovative learning experiences as those in physical Makerspaces.
Reimagining Learning and the Classroom
* Virtual Makerspaces increase access to STEAM by eliminating space and cost issues! They allow for diversity in student choice by making it possible for different students to do different projects simultaneously in class! Virtual Makerspaces are more inclusive by offering ways to adapt the software to students with different needs!
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
* I prioritize Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion by introducing 3D design platforms transcending socio-economic barriers, offering free access for children of all backgrounds. As a woman in computer science, I also can offer teachers my a unique perspective to help teachers integrate emerging tools for every student K to 12.

Explore strategies to bring invention design into your learning space (both in and out-of-school) with an introduction to the Young Inventors' Program and Vermont Invention Convention. This K-8 project-based curriculum is divided into grade level units, meets core standards, including the NGSS, and provides hands-on STEM activities to take students on an invention journey through the design process, culminating in a showcase of original inventions that may lead to local and national competitions, including the Vemront Invention Fair on February 8, 2025. Learners will have an opportunity for expression and creativity as they develop and practice higher-order thinking skills. This workshop will provide you with all the resources you need to bring the Young Inventors’ Program to your classroom, after school progrmak, library or other learning enviroment – all for FREE!

This interactive workshop aims to equip participants with essential principles of design for effective visual communication using Canva for Schools (a free for schools). Attendees will learn to create visually appealing materials that demonstrate and model effective communication skills. While Canva also offers tools to create slide decks, videos, websites and more, we'll focus on using the Canva toolbox to design effective posters/flyers/infographics to print or share digitally. Presenter will also share experience acquiring and managing a wide-format printer in the school library setting.