Who are we?
Chris has been involved in education since 2002, technology since 1981 and Making since 1971. (You do the maths)
He feels passionately that education is the most important thing in the world and that teaching using Maker skills is the most rewarding job there is.
Chris loves cats, kayaking, kite-flying, steampunk, pedantic semantics and knowing the meanings of ligatures, aglets, gallibanders and lexiphanic.
It is often said he is terribly modest
(but not by him).
Hassan is an Educational Technologist who has extensive experience working with teachers on an individual and whole school basis. He enables teachers to get the best from the technology they have available to them which allows them to enhance their teaching in new and inventive ways.
He has a keen interest in using technology in conjunction with his Maker skills to create projects utilising electronics, computers and PCBs to build activities for all ages.
He currently is trying to invent the best way to catch his small toddler before he falls down... again.
WHAT IS S.T.E.A.M.
S.T.E.A.M. is an educational approach to learning that uses Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics as access points for guiding student inquiry, dialogue and critical thinking.
S.T.E.A.M. is a deliberate connection between curriculum learning objectives, standards, assessments, and lesson design/implementation. The end results are students who take thoughtful risks, engage in experiential learning, persist in problem-solving, embrace collaboration, and work through the creative process. These are the innovators, educators, leaders, and learners of the 21st century!
Why is S.T.E.A.M. important?
Global skill shortages in S.T.E.A.M.-related fields are redefining educational priorities. Schools are starting S.T.E.A.M.-based learning programmes to equip students with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in the 21st century. S.T.E.A.M. learning will not only produce tomorrow's designers and engineers; it will develop innovative mindsets and the ability to problem-solve, ensuring that our students become creators of technology, not just passive consumers.
WHAT IS A Maker
“Makers are creators and constructors; designers and dabblers; manufacturers and builders; tinkerers and fabricators; originators and producers; architects and inventors.”
At MakerMeet, we believe all of us are born Makers. We have the ability to grasp things with our hands and minds, to rearrange the world around us to meet our needs and achieve our desires. We are makers of food, shelter and many other components of our lives. These basic skills are infrequently taught and valued in today’s society. We want to change that. The world around us does not just exist, it is made by us. We make it.
Adam Savage (Mythbusters) sums it up nicely...
“Humans do two things that make us unique from all other animals; we use tools and we tell stories.
And when you make something - you’re doing both at once.”