Schools and Teachers
Field trips to the Center for Excellence in STEM Education
What are makerspace field trips?
We’re about supporting students’ natural curiosity and the unique perspectives they bring to solving problems. We’re about giving students authentic opportunities to make an impact on the world. Our space is designed with this in mind. Our field trips are based on the design thinking framework with a focus on the following skills
- Accessing empathy
- Identifying needs
- Ideating
- Prototyping
- Iterating
- Communicating ideas
Our environment is organized to inspire students and support instruction. We believe that materials are tools for thinking and learning. Whether we use recycled materials or robots, art supplies or blocks, all field trips will ultimately be focused on one or more of the above tenets.
What is helpful to know before I register my class?
We ask that each teacher interested in a makerspace field trip, completes the form below for their individual class. This keeps contact information readily available and streamlines scheduling and keeps communication clear.
Our field trips are:
- best suited for students in Grades 3 - 8 and typically last 2-2.5 hours.
- limited to a capacity of approximately 25 participants.
- about process over product (student prototypes stay at the makerspace).
- $2/student (excluding transportation) and each student needs a completed Consent Form.
If financial support or other accommodations would make this experience more accessible for you, please contact us at cese@cmich.edu.
Professional development
We are here to support educators. That means building opportunities that work with and for teachers. We design workshops that create impacts that last far beyond the date of the event. If you are looking for a safe and thoughtful community- you've found the right place.
We focus on Core Teaching Practices, Place Based and Project Based Learning, and Design Thinking. By partnering with other leaders in education, we can connect teachers with the best practices and ideas to spark their teaching.
We're excited to collaborate with schools and teachers. Have a specific idea in mind? We have options for one-time workshops and ongoing professional development for groups and schools. Connect with us to start the conversation.
Educational communities
Visit our registration page to learn about upcoming opportunities for educators!