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Learning by Design Course

Helping Teachers to Engage Students in STEM

Makers Empire’s 20-hour Learning by Design course encourages learning across STEM disciplines by supporting teachers to engage students in exciting, challenging learning, connected to solving real-world challenges.

Makers Empire has delivered its Learning by Design course to around 850 public, private and Catholic schools and tens of thousands of happy teachers in every state and territory of Australia. The course is designed to be delivered to groups of schools (minimum 10 schools per group) to maximise learning and provide teachers with a peer network for support and inspiration.

When your school decides to take part in a Learning By Design course, you can be confident that your educators will have an exceptional professional development experience.

Learning by Design Partners

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Makers Empire Andy Thomas Space Foundation Schools Program-17
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Makers Empire Andy Thomas Space Foundation Schools Program-11
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Teachers participating in Learning by Design will:

  • Complete two full days of professional development
  • Address American, Australian and international Design & Technology curriculum and standards
  • Develop pedagogical approaches that enable students to develop deep technological knowledge and critical, creative Design Thinking skills
  • Be supported to design innovative learning programs that provide authentic, meaningful contexts for students to engage in STEM and maker-based learning using 3D design and printing
  • Activate the potential of 3D technologies to develop and enhance students’ 21st-century learning skills

Students participating in the Maker Pedagogy Network Project will:

  • Address the new NSW Science and Technology K-6 Syllabus with a particular focus on Design and Production
  • Develop their creativity and important critical thinking, Design Thinking and digital skills
  • Learn how to solve real-world problems with Design Thinking

Learning by Design Course Inclusions

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT (PD)

  • 20+ hours of accredited professional learning
  • 2 face-to-face PD days (or online alternative)
  • 1 showcase day (or online alternative)
  • 2-hour online, on-demand PD course
  • Project management and reports
  • For 2+ teachers per school

MAKERS EMPIRE TOOLS & RESOURCES

  • Easy to use 3D software
  • Class management tools
  • 150 curriculum-aligned lesson plans
  • Built-in student assessment
  • Training
  • Ongoing support
  • 12-month subscription for all teachers and students in a school

OPTIONAL 3D PRINTER BUNDLE

• 1-2 FlashForge Adventurer 5M Pro 3D printers
• 6 rolls of PLA filament
• Online hardware training
• Online hardware support
• Shipping included

Backed by Australian University Research

Macquarie University research study

Makers Empire’s Learning by Design course was the subject of a Macquarie University research study on makerspaces in primary school settings.

The research study examined how maker activities using 3D design and 3D printing technology could enhance learning and teaching outcomes.

The research study report reveals the compelling benefits of this type of learning for primary educators and showed that makerspaces can be highly effective at developing children’s creativity, critical thinking, design thinking and digital skills.

Students were highly engaged with the 3D technology, and the idea of solving genuine design challenges – it helped boost their confidence and resilience when dealing with setbacks, particularly for those less capable students.

Teachers became more comfortable with technology, and more collaborative and flexible in their teaching.

All of the 24 classroom teachers who participated in the focus group expressed a desire to integrate 3D design-based makerspaces into their future classes.

 

Videos from previous Learning by Design showcase days

Testimonials from Teachers

"This was the best PD that I have been involved in for ages... This whole project has been inspiring for teachers and students in empowering students to become changemakers. Our students were so engaged and excited about solving a real-world problem... The fact that they could see they could help someone through their own design, meant their learning was authentic and valued."
"I think the lesson plans are fantastic for teachers - especially those who may find the hardest part being the inspiration/ideas on where to start...The Makers Empire app is a MASSIVE value add to the learning. We could have taught children how to design an iPad stand, learn what makes a structure strong, what are strong ‘shapes’, how to keep an item balanced etc etc etc - but the ability to create their design in 3D AND then print it makes the learning so much more obtainable and relevant/real."
“I would like to say thank you to the team. It has been a wonderful opportunity to be involved in this project and something my students have learnt a lot from. The support along the way has been very helpful and prompt, and that has made working with technology (which can be frustrating) more pleasurable."

Videos from previous Learning by Design showcase days

Register Your School's Interest in Learning by Design

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