Education

Glowforge and Inkscape Basics: Getting Started

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I’ve taught hundreds of teens to use a Glowforge laser cutter to make keychains, earrings, cell phone cases, engraved tiles, and more. We use the free Inkscape software to make our vector designs. I’ll walk you through the basics of designing a teardrop dangle earring and loading it into the Glowforge app to cut. Then, we’ll walk through the app settings and the physical setup of the laser. Then, we’ll let the Glowforge do it’s thing and a beautiful earring will come out.

Origami Circuit Insects

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    Combine simple electronics with the centuries-old Japanese papercraft art of Origami. By adding LEDs and self-sticking motors we’re able to create 3D papercraft projects that move, light up, and blink! Explore art, design, engineering, and basic electronics as we craft together.

    In this workshop, we’ll start by making a light-up firefly and butterfly as we build series and parallel circuits. Then use motors to make a cute ladybug and creepy spider that will wiggle around your workspace. Soon you’ll have a whole collection of fun buggy buddies!

Clay Creature Capers!

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Grab a ball of clay and tune in for a mooshy good time with clay creature expert, Dave English! Clay Creature Capers takes your students on an imaginative hands-on adventure making clay creatures at home and creating our own fun stories! Clay Creature Capers offers an opportunity for creative self expression and inventiveness with endless opportunities for curriculum tie-ins. Clay pizzas can teach kids about fractions, clay animals teach a mix of biology and empathy, and stories about their clay creatures reinforce new vocabulary and sentence structure. Or sometimes it’s just about having fun! Clay Creature Capers can be molded to work for any age or ability.

Introduction to Engineering Design and Coding Using Tinkercad Circuits and Arduino Uno

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In this workshop, you will learn how engineers prototype projects starting in a CAD (Computer-Aided Design) program, test their project, and then (as an optional add-on) build and code the prototype.

You will build nine (9) prototypes in Tinkercad Circuits, code them, test them, and then as an optional extension build and code the actual prototype. You will learn the basics of coding in C/C++, electrical circuits, digital design, the physics of electricity, coding conditional statements, calibrating and using scientific sensors, and innovation.

The nine (9) projects are as follows
1) LEDs
2) Buzzers
3) RGB LEDs
4) LCD Displays
5) Servos
6) Temperature Sensor
7) Photoresistor
8) Gas Sensor
9) Distance Sensor

Each class will start with building the project in Tinkercad. If the students have the parts necessary they can stay on for the extended learning opportunity and build the actual project.

The student should have access to a computer with an internet connection to create an account on and access tinkercad.com.

The extended learning opportunity requires the Arduino IDE and the parts.

Holiday Math Crafts

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Explore math in a fun, hands-on way with Holiday Math Crafts! In this workshop, we’ll create beautiful snowflakes and stars was we learn geometry together. Then we’ll put the power of fractals to use as we make unique holiday cards. Engage the brain and decorate your home for the holiday season!

This workshop makes math exciting and entertaining. It’s a great way to build math confidence for any student. Want something different for your club or class? Interested in math enrichment for your homeschooling pod? This is the class for you! Taught by Maker Camp host and certified math teacher, Sandy Roberts.

We suggest that younger students have the help of a guardian or older student, to avoid frustration to help with the more challenging scissor work.

All participants will receive a free e-book with step-by-step instructions for further reference.

Holly Jolly Circuits

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It’s time to celebrate all those great winter holidays by creating fun, unique light-up paper crafts to decorate your home or give as gifts. Building paper circuits are a fantastic, hands-on way to learn electronics while crafting. Join Maker Camp host and STEM educator, Sandy Roberts, for this very special holiday class.

In this workshop you’ll make:
A one-of-a-kind light-up holiday card
An origami gift box that glows when you open it
A fun upcycled “candle” to decorate your home

All participants will receive a free e-book with step-by-step instructions as well.