2. Maker Project: The purpose of this category is to illustrate the candidate's personal experiences as a Maker. This section provides the opportunity for candidates to highlight their "maker mindset" as well as the dispositions involved in making. Participation in a personal project will support candidates in experiencing the playful, growth-oriented, and collaborative nature of Making.
To meet the expectations for this section, candidates are expected to:
- Documented a maker project of their own design that includes the creation of an original artifact and an exhibition of work to an outside audience.
- Documented various stages of the artifact creation. Used evidence to show how the artifact was modified, re-conceptualized, or adapted in the face of challenges.
- The product shows a high level of individualization and represents an experience of clear personal significance.
- Created an original artifact that represents an experience of clear personal significance.
- Highlighted the use of multiple technologies, that may include but are not limited to technologies such as electronics, crafts, woodworking, programming in order to demonstrate a broad skill set.
- Provided evidence of the development of STEM expertise through the creation of this maker artifact.
- Indicated the use of community resources and collaboration with others.
- Crafted and published a reflection on the creation process that includes an explicit connection to their maker philosophy and UTeach experience and preparation.
Writing Prompts:
Some possible prompts to consider when writing this section include:
- How did you decide on/ develop this/these project/s? How does it connect to you personally?
- What skills and habits of mind did you learn when creating this/these project/s?
- What challenges did you encounter through your journey of making and how did you overcome these challenges?
- What are the revisions or next steps, if any, you have in mind for this/these project/s?
- How did this experience (or making in general) impact you personally and professionally?
Maker Project Resources:
- Invent to Learn Guide to Fun
- Project Ignite
- Sew Electric
- Introduction to design thinking from d-school at Stanford
- 50 Dangerous Things (You Should Let Your Children Do) - A great book from Tinkering mastermind Gever Tulley. It sets adults minds at ease and encourages kids and adults to relax, have fun, and learn a bit from “dangerous” activities.
- SparkFun - A great resource for electronic supplies as well as a resource for learning how to use those electronic supplies. SparkFun has been enthusiastically supporting Makers and Maker Education for a number of years. Their SparkFun Inventor’s Kits are a great place to get started with electronics.
- Adafruit - Another excellent resource for electronics with a focus on tutorials and education. Lots of fun projects and a very well-curated store. Look here for wearable electronics projects.
- Opendesk.cc - A fun source for furniture plans and inspiration. All plans are designed to be easily cut from plywood on a CNC router. Plans are free to download, modify, and build. They will also connect you with local manufacturers.
- Cardboard Fundamentals from Adafruit - Everything you need to know about working with cardboard.
