Last week, we had a fantastic time meeting so many teachers and educational professionals at the 2016 Annual California STEM Symposium in Anaheim, CA.
At the conference, our own Wolfpack member Eva Wolf joined Jillian Johnson-Sharp from the Orange County Department of Education/CTe Partnership and Jack Gupton, a STEM educator, for a round table discussion of how new technology, such as 3D printing, enhances STEM learning in the classroom.
Their presentation was titled The Engineering Process in Action: Learning through MAKING.
STEM presentation by experts with decades of combined experience
Jillian, Eva, and Jack walked attendees through their backgrounds that have uniquely positioned them as experts in the integration of technology in STEM learning. With three ocMaker Challenges under her belt, and the fourth annual installment currently underway, Jillian Johnson-Sharp is the powerhouse behind the ocMaker Challenge, growing the event from only 46 entries in the first year to upwards of 200 this year.
After a career in consulting, Jack Gupton now enjoys a second career as the founding teacher of the Walker Junior High STEAM Academy in La Palma, CA. Jack specializes in fostering a passion for STEM learning in his students by helping them develop skills in critical thinking and problem solving, while building real-world, in-demand skills in computer and micro-controller programming, electronics and robotics, computer-aided design, and manufacturing. The Orange County Engineering Council honored Jack in 2015 with a STEM Service Award.
Rounding out the team of presenters was our own Eva Wolf, the Co-Founder and CEO of Airwolf 3D who is responsible for building the key initiatives and relationships that have catapulted Airwolf 3D to the top of the desktop 3D printing industry and made Airwolf 3D the top name when it comes to bringing 3D printers into the classroom. Eva was also recently named one of the most influential Women in 3D Printing.
Optimizing STEM through making, 3D printing
The dynamic trio’s presentation focused on how “making” and inventing in the classroom develops critical thinking skills, real-world technical skills, and the ability to work with a team. The presentation also emphasized how an integrated STEM education is key to developing a skilled workforce as well as our country’s future inventors and innovators.
In case you missed it…
We received a number of requests for copies of the presentation and the list of resources that were shared with the attendees. As promised, the presentation and resources are available here: The Engineering Process in Action: Learning through MAKING.
We would like to thank everyone who joined us for the presentation and we welcome any additional feedback or questions that you may have! Simply call us at (949)478-2933 or email us at info@airwolf3d.com.