Design and Makerspace Student-Centered STEM Workshop

In the Design and Makerspace STEM Workshop, students and teachers are guided through three hands-on workshop modules designed to engage students, inspire creativity, and encourage metacognition throughout the day. The first two modules of this STEM Workshop – Hand Tool Skills and Working with Circuits – will instruct participants on how to safely and effectively use the tools and components within the Makerspace. They will then work collaboratively to solve a unique design challenge in the final module.​

​Module 1: Hand Tool Skills​
The goal of the Hand Tool Skills workshop is to empower every student to use Science Discovery's selection of tools safely, creatively, and efficiently. During this 75-minute module, students will familiarize themselves with drills, saws, adhesives, using 3D printed components, and Makerspace safety rules to create a project and build skills needed for the Design Challenge module.

Module 2: Working with Circuits​
This module will guide students through the basics of electrical engineering. Participants will create closed, open, series, and parallel circuits while working with switches, LEDs, and other components. Once the basics have been mastered, students will explore the use of alternative power sources and control mechanisms to change their circuit. Finally, they'll use what they've made to create and send coded messages.

Module 3: Design Challenge​
In the final 90-minute module, students will have the opportunity to put their newfound skills to the test and employ what they learned in the first two modules. For the Design Challenge module, each team will be charged with creating one product or solution to a problem – all while adhering to special requirements that need to be considered in the team's final design.

Program logistics:

  • STEM Workshops can accommodate one to three full classes (90 students).
  • The Science Discovery team will arrive at your school the evening before, or early the morning of programs to set up all teaching materials and activities.
  • The workshop can run in a single, or multiple classrooms.
  • Ideally, two and three-class workshops will have access to an auditorium or multipurpose room for a group introduction and wrap-up activities.
  • Programming can accommodate full-day and period-based schedules with three 45-75 minute modules.
  • Sample schedule (75-minute modules):
    • 9-9:45am: Introduction
    • 9:45-11am: Module One
    • 11-11:45am: Lunch
    • 11:45am-1pm: Module Two
    • 1-1:15pm: Break
    • 1:15-2:30pm: Module Three
    • 2:30-3pm: Wrap-Up

Intrigued by this topic but looking for a different format? Consider Science Discovery's Immersive Professional Development STEM Experiences - a unique PD model featuring day-long, activity-based programs for teams composed of one teacher and five students.

For additional information or to begin planning your Design and Makerspace STEM Workshop, contact us via email.