On November 21 in the afternoon, we are hosting a Professional Development “Field Trip” for interested STEM IA teachers. The 2 sites chosen for this event are FUSE33 and the University of Calgary School of Engineering’s Maker Multiplex.

Big Ideas: Makerspaces foster innovation through hands-on experimentation. Participants in Maker spaces have the opportunity to be creative and apply personalized learning strategies to make changes to existing concepts or develop their own ideas, methods or products. (from: What are the benefits of a Maker Space?)

Driving Questions:
– What are Maker Spaces?
– What kinds of tools, facilities and facilitation are found there?
– How do these spaces differ from traditional art rooms or specialty shop classes?
– What habits of mind are encouraged or nurtured here?
– What does the learning look like, sound like, feel like?
– How might we bring these ideas into our own spaces and practice?

Deliverables:
– Photography
– Collegial discussions around ‘Making’, instructional design, learning spaces and more.
– Connection to personal professional growth plans.

Details (steps)
1. EMAIL DAN MCWILLIAM with your interest in attending the event. **Participation is limited by subs available. ONCE YOU GET THE OK (first come first serve).
2. Complete the Professional Development Funding form to access your personal PD funds. Email this to Dan and Admin for the rubber stamp AND
3. Book your sub through the app.
4. Let Dan know you’re booked and good to go.

There will be more “Field Trips”. If you have a theme, Big Idea or Driving Question that could make for a great professional learning event, let Dan know.