The power of partnerships is a wonderful thing and Pinky Inc. is a great place to create them. After developing a close-knit relationship with the teachers and administrators in the Merrimack, NH SAU 26 district, we were able to leverage another partnership to help bring them some truly innovative professional development opportunities. It also certainly pays to have a friend with his own makerspace and, using this connection, we were able to put on a day of PD for 30 or so local teachers at the Pinky Inc. makerspace in Marlborough, MA.
At the Pinky Inc. workshop, teachers designed creative classroom activities centered on STEM tools, like Sphero, E-Blox, and Cubetto. The day began with icebreakers and a presentation from Eduporium's Irina Tuule and Anna Orientale. They talked about the importance of integrating STEM resources into the everyday curriculum. Teachers then got to learn about specific tech products and try them all out on the spot!
The highlight of the day at Pinky Inc. came when they were put into groups, challenged to pick a technology tool (or two), and create an original STEM lesson plan right on the spot. Our favorite group was the one with a high school chemistry teacher, a music teacher, and two fourth grade teachers. It was inspiring to see them come together and use Sphero and KEVA Planks to create an activity for everyone! Other projects included the Edison Robot traveling through town, "Circuit Stories" with E-Blox, and mathematical plotting with the Sphero Mini!
The groups then discussed what they learned and brainstormed more ways to integrate technology in their classrooms. Best, of all they each chose one of the products they worked with to add to their toolbox! We'd like to thank Dan Barenboym from Pinky Inc. and everyone from SAU 26 for such a great opportunity! Follow us on Twitter and Instagram for more on the day and Pinky Inc.