Looking for Learning While Making

• In Event: Poster Session 2
  In Poster Session: Lifelong Learning Trajectories: Connections Between Hobbyists and Makers

Abstract

The Maker Movement, promoted as developing STEM skills, has gained momentum in the recent past (Honey & Kanter, 2013). A number of studies have focused on analysis of makerspaces and maker communities (Halverson & Sheridan, 2013; Litts, 2014, Brahms, 2014). This study, conducted in a community art and craft class, used usable trash to make toys and other artifacts with children aged seven to eleven. Drawing on field observations and video clips we examine evidences of learning while making. Findings from one session of the study in which participants made kaleidoscopes using pieces of metals, broken CDs, and Foil tape covered cardboard tape is discussed. Examples of learning are identified.

Authors

• Priyanka Parekh, Arizona State University - Tempe

• Elisabeth R. Gee, Arizona State University