Expanding Participation in Make (Lisa Brahms, Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh; Elyse Eidman-Aadahl,
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Keys to a successful makerspace:
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Low floors (low barriers of entry)
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High ceilings
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Wide walls (inclusive)
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KP shared info on e-textiles broadening female participation in STEM
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Arduino 86% male; Lilypad Arduino 65% female
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Lilypad is simpler than ardunio, which requires text coding
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Can be used for grades 2+
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Sewn into fabric to make e-textiles
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Lilypond.media.mit.edu has a showcase of kids’ work
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Book on designs (Textile Messages) out in September
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Shown to be very successful in increasing understanding of circuits
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Other ways to engage girls:
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Code the space for girls: add a sewing machine or girl coded toys
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Place media-making tools in fashion area; a green screen to encourage photo shoots
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Start a typically gender-coded workshop with discussion; set every chair in a circle
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Leads to great conversation and increased participation
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Advise facilitators to be very aware of the language they use
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Invite visitors that are non-traditional: a girl gamer
Also, here are some photos and videos from the Children's Museum's MAKESHOP and an innovation lab at Carnegie Mellon:
http://lesliesp06.tumblr.com/tagged/pittsburgh
-Leslie @SR/Admin
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