Digital Makerspace and STEM Tasks

Description

Makerspace time goes digital with these fun and engaging design challenges. We all want our students to master technology tools and use them to create original works. Digital Makerspace tasks are designed to allow students to explore digital tools while creating something using the steps of the design process. The best part is that nearly every topic and subject area can be incorporated into these challenges, so they can be used as a part of your daily academic activities, not as an extra thing to fit into your schedule.

Save 20% with the Technology Back Up Plans set

Updated July 2020 to include a Virtual Classroom Makerspace! This means that your students don’t need to print anything out to complete the activities. Perfect for distance learning or working with limited supplies in the classroom. You can add your Bitmoji to the Virtual Classroom for a personal touch.

Table of Contents:

1-6: The Process

7-8: 2 versions of the design process posters

9: Rubric

10-25: Digital tools posters

26-67: Subject area posters and task cards

68: Terms of use and credits

How it Works:

There are 16 digital tools used in this resource. If you’re a traditional STEM teacher or Media Specialist, think of each tech tool as a “material” for building such as popsicle sticks or construction paper.

Display the digital tool posters so students can scan the QR code or type the bitly link. The posters also give students ideas about what type of things can be created with each tool.

The task cards are categorized by subject area. There is a main subject area poster with ideas about what can be created. Display these for students to see. The ¼ page cards have topics for each subject area with a visual reference. There are blank cards in each color so you can make your own if you want to.

I also recommend displaying the design process poster as well as the self-grading rubric so students can visualize their process.

When working with very young students or as a whole class assignment, choose the subject area and topic for them as well as give some design constraints for guidance. You can make this as open ended or specific as needed for your situation.

When students are finished:

∙Create a class eBook in Google Slides where students each get one slide to insert their final product.

∙Create a Padlet and have students upload their final product.

∙Have a “gallery walk” where students have their final product up on their screen while they walk around to see classmates’ creations.

∙Have students present their final product to the class

*************************************************************************

If you’re interested in connecting with other technology teachers, check out the Technology Teacher Talk Group on Facebook.

Connect with me on social media!

Facebook, Pinterest, Blog

Reviews (5)