What is Making?

“Making is one of the most powerful tools we have accomplishing the goal of K-12 education, as well as for advancing American society as a whole. The essence of making is continuously asking questions about how things work and how to make things better”

— Thomas Kalil, Deputy Director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy

  • Playful experimentation

  • Creative projects

  • Hands-on approach to STEM learning

  • Variety of materials including digital tools

  • Fun, collaborative mindset

  • Positive response to overcoming failure

  • Learning community

What is Critical Making?

  • Developed from theories on learning in constructionism, constructivism, and critical theory.

  • Emphasizes action, reflection, and community dialogue to promote social change.

  • Values diverse learners’ resources and funds of knowledge.

  • Supports STEM-underrepresented youth as “change-agents” in their communities