UC Ground Floor Makerspace offers summer intensive for K-12 STEAM teachers
Educators get two weeks of hands-on training in state-of-the-art facility
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.
Innovation Lives Here
The University of Cincinnati is leading public urban universities into a new era of innovation and impact. Our faculty, staff and students are saving lives, changing outcomes and bending the future in our city's direction. Next Lives Here.
Related Stories
UC IT students recognized for co-op achievement
April 12, 2021
University of Cincinnati School of Information Technology students excel in real-world work experiences
CNBC: Students push for more financial education
April 19, 2021
Students are joining the cause for more personal finance education. University of Cincinnati economist Julie Heath, who helped to develop the SmartPath curriculum, is quoted in a CNBC article, saying schools can start teaching financial education early; by age 7, a lot of kids’ attitudes about consumption are set or beginning to form.
2021 University Recognition Ceremony honors student achievements
April 13, 2021
The University of Cincinnati recognizes students each year who have made significant service, leadership, and academic contributions to the UC community. These students exemplify the spirit of what it means to be a Bearcat.
UC Day of Giving a success
April 28, 2021
University of Cincinnati Day of Giving’s 24-hour challenge was a tremendous success this year, raising $2,219,197 with 3,232 gifts. The fourth annual UC Day of Giving raised its most money to date with alumni, donors, students, faculty and staff joining together to support UC and UC Health.
WLWT: Indian Hill Elementary School commits to financial literacy
April 29, 2021
UC partners with Indian Hill Elementary School to teach elementary school children economics
'To make him proud was high on her list'
April 1, 2021
Alex Lewis lost her 82-year-old grandfather to Covid-19 just five weeks before her dream school showed up on the front steps of Roger Bacon High School to tell the senior that she has been admitted to the University of Cincinnati College of Nursing as part of a touching Decision Day surprise effort this year.
Over 100 Mental Health Champions graduated this spring
April 28, 2021
On April 15, 2021, over 100 faculty and staff across the University of Cincinnati graduated to become official Mental Health Champions, a now Healthy UC initiative. These dedicated colleagues successfully completed three trainings focused on creating connections and community, supporting students and co-workers with resources, and investing in their own personal wellness. Trainings were hosted by fellow colleagues who became facilitators in Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR), Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS), and the Be Well UC employee wellness program. All Mental Health Champions actively demonstrate their commitment to building the culture of positive well-being at the University.
McDonald’s CEO headlines UC's Alpaugh Awards
April 27, 2021
President and CEO of McDonald’s Chris Kempczinski, a Cincinnati native son, was a perfect match to give the virtual keynote speech during UC’s Alpaugh Family Economics Center 2021 Awards ceremony.
WCPO: 'The economy’s not equal'
June 4, 2021
UC's Alpaugh Family Economics Center reveals the harsh realities of income inequity for Black women.
UC staff have elected their 2021-23 Staff Senators
June 8, 2021
Join us in congratulating the 2021-23 new Staff Senate members! Elections were held in early May, and new senators will begin their two-year term in July 2021. All UC staff are encouraged to be part of the enthusiasm and excitement for our new senators by attending the Staff Senate online meeting via WebEx, June 30, 9-11 a.m.