September 05, 2012, by Lisa Brahms
MAKESHOP is a rich and supportive informal learning environment for children and families to engage in authentic making experiences with the “real stuff”—materials, tools, processes and ideas—of making. A partnership of the Children’s Museum, the University of Pittsburgh Center for Learning in Out of School Environments (UPCLOSE), and Carnegie Mellon’s Entertainment Technology Center (ETC), MAKESHOP embodies the Museum’s dedication to nurturing and furthering informal learning opportunities and research-based understanding at the intersection of the digital and the physical.
MAKESHOP provides Museum visitors open-access to digital media resources and physical materials to produce a robust place for curiosity, exploration, creativity and innovation. A dedicated facilitation team, comprised of skilled makers, artists and educators with specialties in the areas of digital media, sewing and flexible materials, electronics, woodworking and informal learning introduce visitors to the diverse materials and processes of making, as they help visitors translate their visions into tangible products.
Making MAKESHOP™
A Workshop for the Field September 20-22, 2012
Join us and your colleagues from museums across the country to learn about the design, development and practice of MAKESHOP™ at the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh. Discuss practical ways to integrate authentic and supportive making experiences for children and families into your museum. Meet and mingle with our city’s dynamic maker community, and experience Pittsburgh’s annual Mini Maker Faire!
We will explore ALL aspects of MAKESHOP™, including:
- Space design
- Facilitation techniques
- Scaling authentic making experiences for young children and families
- Learning goals and outcomes
- National networks and community partnerships
Become a part of the movement to provide rich making experiences for children and families!
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