In Spring of 2021, the Center for Math, Science & Computer Education (CMSCE) launched the certificate program designed to help educators and practitioners receive the education and resources necessary for developing competence and confidence to start, supervise, or use a Makerspace in a school, community center, or other learning space. The program is intended for participants to gain proficiency in maker-based learning activities or projects, including the development of curricula and assessments meeting common standards in STEM subjects. Participants will also explore how maker-centered projects can be leveraged as a vehicle for meaningful, discovery-based learning in mathematics, science, computer science, as well as integrated STEM/STEAM curricula.
The program was designed in hybrid format, in which face-to-face classes alternate weekly with asynchronous virtual classes. Face-to-face classes are held one day per week from late afternoon to early evening at the Rutgers Makerspace, following strict social distancing and other COVID safety guidelines. Partly due to COVID-19, we are now providing a 100% online option for students who are out of state or have unreasonable commutes, and/or for those who have access to a comparable makerspace or maker equipment. Our instructors will work with you to identify an individualized plan to complete coursework for the alternating weeks that were originally designed as face-to-face. A kit of materials will be provided for all students, which may be part of the solution. We suggest a conversation with at least one of our instructors to set up the 100% online option.
If you are wanting to take the Maker Cert noncredit you need to register for the courses before they are offered, starting with Design Thinking in the fall. Participants will receive a Division of Continuing Studies certificate upon completion of all 5 courses:
Participants will begin the semester learning about design thinking skills, habits of mind, ways of thinking, being reflective about how we think, and common language for design thinking in STEAM. They will be immersed in hands-on-minds-on activities that will help unlock creative potential. Participants will examine how industry leaders like Apple, Google, Samsung and GE apply and document the design process to obtain patents and protect intellectual property that brings the theory of design elements and principles to bare in the marketplace. The second half of the semester, participants will create and implement full design challenges, working in different materials, tools, machines and processes, and then a final design challenge with an engineering notebook/portfolio that assesses the design process and design thinking and application of the tools and safety and principles.
Participants will gain valuable knowledge about the maker movement and its integration into education. Guided by readings, online videos, and instructor facilitation, participants will gain hands-on experience designing and safely fabricating in 2D and 3D with makerspace tools such as laser cutters and 3D printers; and creating new products with electronics, textiles, and coding/Arduino. In collaboratively developing a new product or revising an existing one to solve a real-life problem, participants will demonstrate fluency in all phases of the design and fabrication process. They will also learn how to connect to the maker community, and how to create equitable maker-centered learning opportunities for all learners.
Participants receive lessons in developing and implementing curriculum and instruction in safety using guided practice, and assessments pertaining to each aspect of safety processes. Students will receive demonstrations, guided practice or assessments, and then demonstrate their ability to provide it to others (e.g., their students and other teachers).
Participants will learn how to design and support maker-centered learning experiences for all students. Participants will learn how to set up and supervise makerspaces to ensure safety and maximize student learning. They will receive valuable practice writing curricula and promoting pedagogical practices supporting the norms and practices of the maker community. They will also develop assessments that best evaluate the academic, professional, and personal gains made through maker-centered learning experiences, and that are aligned with common standards and rubrics in STEM education.
Working with a faculty or expert mentor, the Maker Educator Capstone is a rich opportunity for participants to apply the knowledge and skills acquired in the program to a specific area of content expertise and/or local learning context. Participants will design a significant maker-centered learning experience and present it to peers, colleagues, instructors and mentors in a Maker Certificate Showcase.