Makers Empire has certainly hit the ground running in 2023 – our team have spent much of the last two months criss crossing Australia to deliver our national Kids in Space program in every state and territory of Australia!
Kids in Space is just one of the many custom education outreach programs and schools industry programs Makers Empire runs throughout the year. We’re delighted to partner with government departments, education & training organisations, community organisations, Catholic education offices, corporate sponsors, trusts and foundations to deliver custom programs to meet their learning objectives whilst also helping students improve their spatial reasoning skills, develop their creative confidence and Design Thinking skills and reduce STEM anxiety.
Makers Empire also runs our own popular managed projects/pilots for customers/non-customers. Each term, groups of schools explore a new in-app Challenge Course aligned to the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.
Check out what’s in the Makers Empire’s Australian calendar so far for 2023 (there’s more in the pipeline!). Get inspired, register your school’s interest for upcoming programs, learn about our custom schools industry and education outreach programs and get involved!
Celebrating Chinese-Australians for All: FREE
All Australian primary schools are invited to participate in a free education program by Makers Empire in partnership with the National Foundation for Australia-China Relations that promotes unity and multiculturalism. Celebrating Chinese-Australians celebrates the contributions and achievements of the Chinese community in Australia – both past and present – via a new, interactive Challenge Course in the Makers Empire 3D design app as well as a national competition. Makers Empire 3D Printer Packages worth $3,500 for schools as well as gift cards and cool Makers Empire merchandise and tokens are up for grabs. Learn more and register now.
Natural Disasters Managed Program/ Pilot for All: FREE/$
All primary and elementary schools are invited to participate in Natural Disasters. How can we prepare for and respond to problems caused by natural disasters such as bushfires, earthquakes, floods and volcanoes? In this managed term project/pilot designed for groups of schools, students and teachers explore the Natural Disasters Challenge Course. Students will develop an understanding about different types of natural disasters and create designs to help. This course aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goals #11 Sustainable Cities and Communities and #13 Climate Action. School customer? Sign up for future managed programs now. Not yet a school customer? Sign up for future managed term pilots now.Â
Kids in Space Education Program for 65+ Schools
The Andy Thomas Space Foundation in partnership with the Australian Space Agency and Makers Empire is delivering Kids in Space, a pioneering, space-themed, technology-based, design thinking project for 65+ schools across each Australian state and territory. With over 3,000 primary students and 300 teachers involved, this innovative program will allow younger students to engage with the nation’s growing space ecosystem. Participating schools receive a 3D printer, professional development for teachers, access to a custom designed space-themed virtual challenge course comprising videos, quizzes, tutorials, and Design Thinking challenges. Learn more.
Careers Under Construction Program for 14 Schools
Following a successful program last year, the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) SA and Makers Empire are teaming up again to deliver the Careers in Construction program to 14 schools. Teachers and students will learn about careers and pathways in the construction industry. Students will then design sustainable solutions for construction related problems. Learn more.
STEM Learning by Design Program for 12 Catholic Schools
Catholic Education SA (CESA) and Makers Empire have partnered to deliver a STEM Learning by Design program to 12 Catholic schools. Teachers will be provided with professional learning designed to teach them how to use 3D modelling and design technologies in integrated ways across the curriculum, in order to support their students to design solutions to STEM related problems. Learn about our Learning by Design course and customised programs for groups of schools.
Celebrating Chinese-Australians for All: FREE
All Australian primary and middle schools are invited to participate in a free education program by Makers Empire in partnership with the National Foundation for Australia-China Relations that promotes unity and multiculturalism. Celebrating Chinese-Australians celebrates the contributions and achievements of the Chinese community in Australia – both past and present – via a new, interactive Challenge Course in the Makers Empire 3D design app as well as a national competition. Makers Empire 3D Printer Packages worth $3,500 for schools as well as gift cards and cool Makers Empire merchandise and tokens are up for grabs. Learn more and register now.
Strong Structures Program for All: FREE/$
All primary and elementary schools are invited to participate in the Strong Structures managed program/pilot. What makes a structure strong? How many cars can a bridge hold? How tall can a tower be before it becomes unstable? How can we build things that stand the test of time? In this managed term project/pilot designed for groups of individual schools, students and teachers explore the new Strong Structures Challenge Course. Grade 5-7 students will be challenged to think like architects and civil engineers and design strong, sustainable structures for a range of purposes. This course aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goal #11 Sustainable Cities & Communities.  School customer? Sign up for this managed program now. Not yet a school customer? Sign up for this managed term pilot now.Â
Space to Dream for SA Schools: FREE/$
For the fourth year, Makers Empire is once again partnering with the South Australian Commissioner for Children and Young People to deliver the Space to Dream competition to South Australian (SA) school students.  Using Design Thinking skills and Makers Empire, students are challenged to design a toy for a child their age moving to Mars. Activities run over term 3 but schools have to be registered by term 2. Teacher or school leader? Learn more. Â
Water Warriors Program for 12 Schools
Following a successful 2022 program, primary schools in South Australia are invited to register their interest to join a new water education program for 12 schools sponsored by SA Water. The Water Warriors program, being delivered in terms two to four this year, helps students learn more about water as a precious and renewable resource, and explores cultural knowledge of Aboriginal people, water management, and ways to build more excellent, healthier communities South Australian school? Learn more and register your expression of interest now.Â
STEM & Additive Manufacturing Program for 6 Schools
Following last year’s successful pilot, Queensland’s Department of Regional Development, Manufacturing and Water is teaming up again with Makers Empire on a pioneering STEM and additive manufacturing program for six schools in South West Queensland. Teachers will be introduced to industry examples of new and emerging applications of advanced manufacturing. They will learn how to use innovative maker-based pedagogies to teach 3D modelling, design thinking and design technologies, in integrated ways across the curriculum, in order to support their students to design solutions to STEM related problems. Learn about our custom industry schools programs.
Careers Under Construction Program for 14 Schools
Following a successful program last year, the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) SA and Makers Empire are teaming up again to deliver the Careers in Construction program to 14 schools. Teachers and students will learn about careers and pathways in the construction industry. Students will then design sustainable solutions for construction related problems. Learn more.
Kids in Space Education Program for 65+ Schools
The Andy Thomas Space Foundation in partnership with the Australian Space Agency and Makers Empire is delivering Kids in Space, a pioneering, space-themed, technology-based, design thinking project for 65+ schools across each Australian state and territory. With over 3,000 primary students and 300 teachers involved, this innovative program will allow younger students to engage with the nation’s growing space ecosystem. Schools receive a 3D printer, professional development for teachers, access to a custom designed space-themed virtual challenge course comprising videos, quizzes, tutorials, and Design Thinking challenges. Learn more.
Historical STEM Program for 5 Schools
The National Trust is partnering with Makers Empire to deliver a new customised education program to five schools in the Moonta, South Australia region designed to increase understanding and awareness of the significance of the Moonta Mines. Students and visitors to the mines will complete a new Challenge Course focusing on the Moonta Mines. Students designs made using Makers Empire will then be 3D printed and displayed in a month-long exhibition at Moonta to coincide with the 100th year anniversary of the mines being closed. Learn about our custom education outreach programs.
STEM Learning by Design Program for 12 Catholic Schools
Catholic Education SA (CESA) and Makers Empire have partnered to deliver a STEM Learning by Design program to 12 Catholic schools. Teachers will be provided with professional learning designed to teach them how to use 3D modelling and design technologies in integrated ways across the curriculum, in order to support their students to design solutions to STEM related problems. Learn about our Learning by Design course and customised programs for groups of schools.
Celebrating Chinese-Australians for All: FREE
All Australian primary schools are invited to participate in a free education program by Makers Empire in partnership with the National Foundation for Australia-China Relations that promotes unity and multiculturalism. Celebrating Chinese-Australians celebrates the contributions and achievements of the Chinese community in Australia – both past and present – via a new, interactive Challenge Course in the Makers Empire 3D design app as well as a national competition. Makers Empire 3D Printer Packages worth $3,500 for schools as well as gift cards and cool Makers Empire merchandise and tokens are up for grabs.  Learn more and register now.Â
Well Being: Being Well Managed Program for All: FREE/$
All primary and elementary schools are invited to participate in the Well Being: Being Well managed program/pilot. How can you keep your mind and your body well? What can you do to improve your well being? How can you help others? In this managed term project/pilot designed for groups of individual schools, students and teachers explore the new Well Being: Being Well Challenge Course. This Challenge Course explores strategies for keeping our minds and bodies healthy and asks grade 3-6 students to design solutions that contribute to healthy happy communities. This challenge course aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goal #3: Good Health and Well-being. Sign up for this managed program now. Not yet a school customer? Sign up for this managed term pilot now.Â
Inclusive Aurora Space Education Program for 8+ Schools
Following a successful pilot program in 2022, Makers Empire is again partnering with the Andy Thomas Space Foundation (ATSF) to deliver the Aurora Program, which is part of the ATSF’s Inclusion Initiative. The Aurora Program offers engaging and accessible space education opportunities designed specifically for students and young people living with a disability. This program is now accepting registrations of interest from South Australian schools interested in participating in this year’s program, planned to take place in term 3-4, 2023. Learn more and register your interest now.
Eyre Peninsula Kids in Space Program for 15 Schools
The Andy Thomas Space Foundation are teaming up with Makers Empire again on a space-themed project for regional schools around the Eyre Peninsula in South Australia. The project will introduce an exciting space-related STEM curriculum to 15 schools in the region, and make the wonders of space exploration more accessible. In addition, it will provide professional development for teachers, engagement with parents, information and communication channels for the local community and space-related projects happening in the region. Learn more and register your interest now.Â
Water Warriors Program for 12 Schools
Following a successful 2022 program, primary schools in South Australia are invited to register their interest to join a new water education program for 12 schools sponsored by SA Water. The Water Warriors program, being delivered in terms two to four this year, helps students learn more about water as a precious and renewable resource, and explores cultural knowledge of Aboriginal people, water management, and ways to build more excellent, healthier communities South Australian school? Learn more and register your expression of interest now.Â
STEM & Additive Manufacturing Program for 6 Schools
Following last year’s successful pilot, Queensland’s Department of Regional Development, Manufacturing and Water is teaming up again with Makers Empire on a pioneering STEM and additive manufacturing program for six schools in South West Queensland. Teachers will be introduced to industry examples of new and emerging applications of advanced manufacturing. They will learn how to use innovative maker-based pedagogies to teach 3D modelling, design thinking and design technologies, in integrated ways across the curriculum, in order to support their students to design solutions to STEM related problems. Learn about our custom industry schools programs.
Naturally Brave Resilience for 10 Schools
Following two successful Bushfire Brave programs, Bushfire Kids Connect is expanding on its partnership with Makers Empire with a new program alongside Growing with Gratitude, a mental wellbeing education program provider. The Naturally Brave Resilience Program is designed to help students in communities that have been impacted by natural disasters such as flooding and bushfires. This project combines 3D technology with developing skills in STEM and resilience (self-awareness, ownership, gratitude, kindness, empathy and service). Students will complete an in-app challenge course based on natural disaster awareness and wellness, whilst teachers will complete professional development and training with Makers Empire. Learn about our education outreach programs.
Kids in Space Program for 65+ Schools
The Andy Thomas Space Foundation in partnership with the Australian Space Agency and Makers Empire is delivering Kids in Space, a pioneering, space-themed, technology-based, design thinking project for 65+ schools across each Australian state and territory. With over 3,000 primary students and 300 teachers involved, this innovative program will allow younger students to engage with the nation’s growing space ecosystem. Participating schools receive a 3D printer, professional development for teachers, access to a custom designed space-themed virtual challenge course comprising videos, quizzes, tutorials, and Design Thinking challenges. Learn more.
Historical STEM Program for 5 Schools
The National Trust is partnering with Makers Empire to deliver a new customised education program to five schools in the Moonta, South Australia region designed to increase understanding and awareness of the significance of the Moonta Mines. Students and visitors to the mines will complete a new Challenge Course focusing on the Moonta Mines. Students designs made using Makers Empire will then be 3D printed and displayed in a month-long exhibition at Moonta to coincide with the 100th year anniversary of the mines being closed. Learn about our custom education outreach programs.
Climate Change Managed Program/ Pilot for All: FREE/$
All primary and elementary schools are invited to participate in the Climate Change managed program/pilot. The Earth’s climate is changing. Human activity is causing temperatures to rise around the globe. Science can help us understand why this is happening and the actions we need to take to protect the Earth. In this managed term project/pilot designed for groups of schools, students and teachers will explore a Challenge Course. Grade 5-7 students will think about changes they can make in their daily lives that will help slow global warming and design innovative solutions for addressing this global problem. This course aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goal #13 Climate Action. School customer? Sign up for this managed program now. Not yet a school customer? Sign up for this managed term pilot now. Â
Inclusive Aurora Space Education Program for 8+ Schools
Following a successful pilot program in 2022, Makers Empire is again partnering with the Andy Thomas Space Foundation (ATSF) to deliver the Aurora Program, which is part of the ATSF’s Inclusion Initiative. The Aurora Program offers engaging and accessible space education opportunities designed specifically for students and young people living with a disability. This program is now accepting registrations of interest from South Australian schools interested in participating in this year’s program, planned to take place in term 3-4, 2023. Learn more and register your interest now.
Eyre Peninsula Kids in Space for 15 Schools
The Andy Thomas Space Foundation are teaming up with Makers Empire again on a space-themed project for 15 regional schools around the Eyre Peninsula in South Australia. The project will introduce an exciting space-related STEM curriculum to schools, and make the wonders of space exploration more accessible. In addition, it will provide professional development for teachers, engagement with parents, information and communication channels for the local community and space-related projects happening in the region. Learn more and register your interest now.
Naturally Brave Resilience Program for 10 Schools
Following two successful Bushfire Brave programs, Bushfire Kids Connect is expanding on its partnership with Makers Empire with a new program alongside Growing with Gratitude, a mental wellbeing education program provider. The Naturally Brave Resilience Program is designed to help students in communities that have been impacted by natural disasters such as flooding and bushfires. This project combines the latest 3D technology with developing skills in STEM and resilience (self-awareness, ownership, gratitude, kindness, empathy and service). Students will complete a customised in-app challenge course based on natural disaster awareness and wellness, whilst teachers will complete professional development and training with Makers Empire. Learn about our education outreach programs.
