Makers Empire's FREE Summer Program for American Schools
US school teacher? The Makers Empire Summer Program is an exciting STEM program for K-8 students. Help develop your students’ design thinking skills and build their creative confidence using Makers Empire’s research-backed and accredited 3D design tools and resources.
Is this program for me?
The Summer Program has been designed specifically for US teachers.
For teachers new to Makers Empire, the Makers Empire Summer Course helps you quickly gain some new skills so you can confidently use Makers Empire’s 3D program with your students to teach STEM and Design thinking in a fun and engaging way.
For teachers experienced with Makers Empire, the Summer Program offers an opportunity to explore the new Makers Empire Challenge Courses in depth and/or to team up with a buddy (or two!) and help support your colleagues’ learning journey.
Does it cost anything?
No. This program is free for all US schools over the Summer, regardless of whether your school or district is already a Makers Empire customer. There is no limit to the number of teachers and students who can participate. Plus, participating teachers will receive a certificate and training can be counted towards PD requirements.
“I have worked with several design software but Makers Empire is the easiest to use… One of the best things students learned is that it is okay to not get the “right” answer the first time, or second time. Students know that “failing” is part of the design process and problem solving. Students have expanded their problem solving skills to think more outside of the box… Before, my students were limited in their STEM applications due to financial issues and materials available. Now each student is able to have an account for their designs and can work at their pace which is meeting them on their individual need. Through this, my after school STEM club has gained interested to where students had to be put on a waiting list.”
Casey Corn, STEM Teacher
Chesnee Elementary School, South Carolina, USA
What kind of lessons would students do?
Teachers can choose from a variety of easy to assign curriculum-aligned challenges to engage their students:
- Grades 1-2 – Fairytales
- Grades 3-4 – Animal Adaptions
- Grades 5+ – Mission to Mars
You can also create your own lessons if you like!
“I love Makers Empire software. It is great to use with elementary age students… I love teaching students how to design for 3D printing. It’s so fun watching them problem solve to create a certain shape by adding or taking away.”
Karen Owen, Technology Teacher
Grace Christian Academy, Tennessee, USA
How much time is required to run the Summer Program?
- Teacher Session: Intro to Makers Empire (10 min) / Get ready for your first class (15 – 30 min) / Q&A (20 min)
- Stage One: Log in & Basic Training (40 min)
- Stage Two: Welcome to 3D Challenge Course (40 min)
- Stage Three: Welcome to 3D Challenge Course, Global Design Comp and more… (40 min)
- Stage Four – Challenge Lesson (Mission to Mars etc) – (120-150 mins)
- Add more lessons if you like! We can help with ideas.
How would I monitor and assess student work?
You can manage, view, monitor and assess student work through the Makers Empire teacher dashboard.
“The lesson plans provide authentic learning experiences that help our teachers integrate 3D printing and encourages our students to print with a purpose. We appreciated that the Makers Empire trainers were dedicated educators, with former classroom teaching experience. They helped our teachers understand how to use the printers and program but most importantly how to thoughtfully integrate the application in the classroom.”
Dr Andrew A Taylor, Director of Technology
Byram Hills Central School, New York, USA
What do I need to take part in the Summer Program?
- Students would need access to computers or devices to use the downloadable Makers Empire 3D design app. The Makers Empire 3D design app runs on 3D Chromebooks (with app), Macs, Windows, Ipads and Android tablets.
- The Makers Empire Teacher Dashboard, where teachers manage and monitor student work, can be run on any computer or device.
- A 3D printer is optional – you absolutely do not need a 3D printer for your students to gain valuable skills and a growth mindset through using Makers Empire’s 3D design app.
- A little resilience, as would be needed when learning any new program. Rest assured that you will be well supported by the Makers Empire team.
Is this educational?
Yes! Makers Empire is recognised by peak educational organisations worldwide, including Education Alliance Finland, Common Sense Education and the Educational App Store.
The Makers Empire design curriculum aligns with the NGSS, Australian Curriculum, the UK curriculum, the International Baccalaureate and the National Curriculum of the UK.
Plus, a landmark 12-month research study by Macquarie University found Makers Empire’s approach is highly effective at developing children’s creativity, critical thinking, design thinking and digital skills.
“From the beginning, the students had no trouble. They absolutely loved it… The students’ favorite part was going from the computer screen to something they can hold in their hand…It’s always better if you can give students an authentic reason to communicate.”
Sandra Wiseman, Library Media & Technology Integration Specialist
Woodsdale Elementary School, West Virginia, USA
What can we do after we finish the Summer Program?
With the new and improved Daily Challenges, each of the 365 daily design challenges in the Makers Empire app are linked to specific days in the calendar year. You can now set your students challenges related to international holidays, iconic celebrations and noteworthy trailblazers, as well as challenges designed to stretch students’ problem-solving skills in specific subjects across the curriculum.
To accompany this revamped app section, Makers Empire has created a searchable Daily Challenge Library for teachers with additional information about the daily challenges so you can plan your lessons and term schedules with daily challenges in mind.
How do I sign up to the Summer Program?
Simply fill in this form and we’ll be in touch with the next steps required to be part of the Summer Program.
We look forward to supporting you and your students during the Summer Program and helping you discover the power of Makers Empire’s engaging Challenge Courses.
