UC’s Makers in Ed program elevates local STEAM educators

This program, hosted at UC’s state-of-the-art Ground Floor Makerspace in the 1819 Innovation Hub, aims to enhance the capabilities of local educators in hands-on STEAM learning.

Jamie Back, a high school computer science and engineering teacher at Cincinnati Country Day School, sought to elevate her "making" skills, so she turned to UC's annual Makers in Ed professional development intensive.

As a former engineer and current director of her school’s makerspace, Back already had a solid foundation in hands-on learning but wanted to refine her knowledge and gain new insights into using these tools effectively.

“I loved being an engineer but felt like I wasn't giving back,” she said. “Teaching computer science and engineering, as well as directing our makerspace, allows me to spark creativity in young minds during a crucial time in their development.”

To kick-start this initiative, UC partnered with the Greater Cincinnati STEM Collaborative, focusing on K-12 educators across the region. The intensive provided a deep dive into the latest making technologies, offering teachers the skills to inspire innovation in their classrooms.

The impact extends to younger students as well. Amanda Sopko, a gifted intervention specialist for third, fourth and fifth graders at Indian Hill Elementary School, found the program transformative for her students.

"Attending Makers in Ed empowered me to create ancient strategy games using our school's 3D printer and laser cutter, integrating student feedback to make the learning experience more engaging,” Sopko explained.

“This approach not only fosters creativity but also prepares students for future challenges by teaching them to navigate and overcome obstacles — a crucial skill for gifted learners who may not often face difficulties in traditional academic settings."

After attending Makers in Ed last summer, Sopko then presented at the program in June. "I presented on 'how I use making in the classroom and how I transferred those skills over to working with students,'" she says.

Sopko emphasized the importance of the maker mindset, which involves iterative problem-solving and resilience. “Hands-on making teaches students to approach challenges creatively and persistently,” she says. "We push students out of their comfort zones, nurturing flexibility and a hands-on approach to learning that transcends disciplines.

“This mindset is crucial for their future academic and personal growth.”

The two-week program also provides participants with six weeks of free access to the UC Makerspace, allowing them to further hone their skills and apply what they learned. For these educators, Makers in Ed isn't just professional development; it's a catalyst for educational evolution.

Benjamin Jones, director of the UC Makerspace, emphasized the ongoing support provided to participants.

“Teachers had the opportunity to work one-on-one with our staff, ensuring they left confident in their new skills,” he said.

As Jones looks ahead, the program's success paves the way for future collaborations and expanded community impact. Through Makers in Ed, UC is not just shaping educators — it's shaping the future of education itself, one innovation at a time.

Follow the link for more information or to register for next June’s Makers in Ed intensive.

Featured image at top: 2023 Makers in Ed participants proudly wore hats bearing the name of the event. Photo/Greg Glevicky/1819 Innovation Hub