Explore and create: Deep-dive Creation lab 
Preregistration Required
The purpose of this session is to bring back the childlike excitement to classrooms. I will help attendees create a powerful and exciting learning environment using 3D printers, laser engraver, vinyl printer, and/or sublimation printers! Attendees will learn how to design and implement project based lessons that challenge students using the engineering design process, coding, laser engraving, graphic design, vinyl printer and 3D "challenges". Attendees will also learn how I have implemented "Shark Tank" presentations into several of my projects. Every lesson will help students improve their soft skills (team work, communication, problem solving, etc) and relate to a variety of careers. I will share how to manage the production process and lessons I've learned. Time will also be given for attendees to share their experiences and ideas. Attendees will walk away with FREE lesson plans and useful websites!
1.Attendees will reflect on their own childlike excitement and learn how to bring that excitement out in their students.
2.Attendees will learn how to stretch the imagination of students by implementing hands-on projects and enhancing their career-oriented soft skills.
3.Attendees will walk away from this session with project based lessons to challenge and engage students in higher-order thinking skills.
4. Attendees will gain knowledge from lessons/tricks learned from teaching project based lessons to help make classes more engaging and successful.
5. Attendees will walk away with detailed lesson ideas, "Student Challenge" ideas/examples using project based learning.
The content shared with attendees will include PBL lessons that I have successfully used in my classroom. These lessons will include culturally inclusive and a variety of soft skills while enhancing their understanding of designing.
Audience participation will be a part of the entire presentation in a discussion type format along with incentives to participate. Time will also be given for attendees to share their lesson ideas and a Google document will be available for all to share their best lessons with those in attendance. Attendees will walk away from this session with (1) information on implementing PBL in their classroom, including websites and lessons that engage students in higher-order thinking, and (2) lessons/tricks I’ve learned while teaching PBL to help make classes successful.
Throughout the presentation, student project samples will be provided for attendees to view. Attendees will also receive a handout that includes the presentation, project lessons, links to resources and ideas.
How time will be spent (approximately):
-Discussion of why PBL is so important (10 min)
-Discussion on what it was like for the attendees as children. What excited them and how can we bring that into the classroom (10-15 min)
-Sharing of lessons and allowing attendees to see actual examples for each lesson (30 min)
-Time for attendees to share ideas (10-15 min)
-Questions will be answered throughout the presentation as they come up.
Research continues to show current and future jobs - medical, engineering, video games, architecture, manufacturing, product design, automotive and jobs we haven’t even heard of yet require soft skills and the ability to problem solve. PBL enables students to learn how to endure adversity and be persistent in problem solving.
Two major new gold-standard studies conducted by researchers from the University of Southern California and Michigan State University, provide compelling evidence that project-based learning is an effective strategy for all students, outperforming traditional curricula not only for high achieving students, but across grade levels and racial and socioeconomic groups (Edutopia, 2-21-2021).
There is a growing body of evidence-based research that supports the use of project-based learning (PBL) in education. Here are some key findings:
-Improved academic outcomes: Several studies have found that PBL can lead to improved academic outcomes, including higher test scores and increased engagement in learning. A meta-analysis of 10 studies found that PBL improved students' scores on standardized tests compared to traditional instruction (Walker et al., 2011).
-Development of 21st-century skills: PBL helps students develop a range of 21st-century skills, such as critical thinking, collaboration, communication, and creativity. A study of high school students found that PBL improved their ability to think critically and solve problems (Larmer et al., 2015).
-Positive impact on student motivation: PBL can increase student motivation and engagement in learning. A study of middle school students found that PBL increased their motivation to learn and reduced the achievement gap between high- and low-achieving students (Thomas et al., 2019).
-Preparation for college and career: PBL can better prepare students for college and career success. A longitudinal study found that high school students who participated in PBL were more likely to enroll in and persist in post-secondary education (Bell et al., 2017).
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