A student learns about circuitry by using tools in UMW’s LearnerSpace
Thirteen students ages 8 to 14 participated in a unique summer program using tools contained in the UMW College of Education’s LearnerSpace, a new maker space for education on the Stafford campus. The College sponsored this first-time camp and COE Professor George Meadows worked with program personnel and the students during the week-long camp from August 5 to 9.
Campers worked with a number of the resource materials in the LearnerSpace, including 3D printing, coding video games, simulations and interactive stories, and learning about microelectronics and circuitry through various devices. One student composed a musical arrangement of ‘Lean On Me’ entirely using computer code. Kids also launched rockets constructed from paper, challenged each other in creating squishy circuits made with conductive dough, and even made use of sewing machines, needles, conductive thread, and LED’s to make electronic stuffed animals. One student created an interactive electronic doll version of the Creeper, a character from the popular online game, Minecraft. Another student, continuing with the Minecraft theme, used the alternative input device, the Makey Makey, to build a large Play Dough game controller to move his character around the Minecraft environment.
The week-long camp taught children about 3D printing, electronics and robotics
The camp was organized by NoizIvy.org as one of its kidOYO educational technology programs. NoizIvy is a local non-profit engaged in helping educators deliver advanced programs in schools, as well as producing a host of other student-driven educational programs.
For more information about NoizIvy visit NoizIvy.org/services. To find out more about the College of Education’s LearnerSpace contact George Meadows at gmeadows@umw.edu.
