Happy 45th Birthday Maker Movement! @ISTE 2016

robotBirthday2A day of hard fun is in store for one and all!

In 1971, our friends Cynthia Solomon and Seymour Papert published a paper that changed the world. “Twenty Things to Do with a Computer” not only explored computers as objects to think with and vehicles for self-expression, this seminal paper advocated for 1:1 computing, coding across the curriculum, and gave birth to the modern maker movement.

Ten years later, in 1981, Papert published the most important book ever written about computers and learning, “Mindstorms: Children, Computers, and Powerful Ideas.” This book raised the bar on how people perceived children’s relationship with computers and their ability to construct knowledge.

On June 26, 2016 (one day before ISTE 2016), Constructing Modern Knowledge will proudly celebrate the 45th birthday of the maker movement and the 35th anniversary of Mindstorms. The day promises to feed the heart, head, and tummy.

Date: Sunday, June 26th 2016
Time: 9AM – 3PM (You will have plenty of time to get to the ISTE opening session)
Location: Maggiano’s Little Italy (Denver Pavilions)
500 16th St. Denver, Colorado  (3 short blocks from the Denver Convention Center, site of ISTE 2016)
Price:  $125 includes 6 hour workshop, breakfast, lunch, coffee, and soft drinks – half the cost of ISTE workshops, plus amazing food all day long!

Register today – space is limited!

This very special event will feature the following activities:

  • A presentation by Dr. Gary Stager on the legacy of Twenty Things To Do With a Computer and Mindstorms
  • Computer programming activities in Turtle Art, along with visible teaching strategies highlighted for teaching coding to diverse student populations
  • Physical computing projects inspired by “Twenty Things…
  • Understanding the Internet of Things
  • Programming a variety of drones, robots, and appliances via Tickle on the iPad
  • Sylvia Martinez will facilitate participants evaluating current practice in light of the historic documents with an eye towards inclusion and equity
  • Leave with an action plan and next steps for moving forward

Bring a laptop (PC or Mac) with the ability to install software. We could also use some iPads with the Tickle app installed. We will supply the rest, including breakfast, snacks, and lunch!

Workshop leaders:
3d-invent-to-learnSylvia Martinez and Gary Stager, Ph.D. are the authors of Invent To Learn: Making, Tinkering, and Engineering in the Classroom, called the “bible of the classroom maker movement”. Whether you are a veteran PBL and maker educator looking to take your classroom (or school, or district) to the next level or are just starting to investigate the maker revolution, Sylvia and Gary create an exciting, supportive learning experience just for you.

This workshop is suitable for all grades and subject areas.

Register today – space is limited!  (Note: You do not have to be attending ISTE to register.)