MakersQuest: Exploring Science through Amazing Creations
MakersQuest: Exploring Science through Amazing Creations
Embark on a MakersQuest adventure exploring toys, gadgets, and games!
Dive into build challenges that blend physics with engineering and design thinking. From gravity to momentum, students craft inventive contraptions, deepening their grasp of science while fueling innovation and curiosity. This hands-on course bridges fun learning with practical problem-solving skills, setting the stage for real-world applications. Whether it's toys, gadgets, or games, creativity knows no bounds. Join our journey of discovery and creativity, where every creation is a step towards mastering the art of making!
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About MakersQuest: Exploring Science through Amazing Creations
Dive into the exciting world of MakersQuest, where curiosity leads the way! This hands-on course is aligned with the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), guiding students through engaging build challenges and toy-making adventures. Students will explore scientific concepts from gravity to momentum, applying engineering principles and design thinking to create amazing contraptions. Leveraging teamwork and collaboration, they'll build unique gadgets and games, fostering innovation and a deep understanding of science. This fun and educational journey not only enhances problem-solving skills but also prepares students for real-world challenges. Join us on this adventure of discovery and creativity, where every creation is a step towards mastering the art of making!
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Focus Areas
Toys: Students will explore scientific concepts like gravity and momentum through fun, hands-on toy-making projects.
Gadgets: Students will apply engineering principles and design thinking to create innovative gadgets, enhancing their understanding of science and technology.
Games: Students will develop creativity and problem-solving skills by designing and building their own games, integrating physics and engineering concepts.
Learning Outcomes
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Scientific Concepts
Students will gain a broad understanding of various scientific principles. They will engage in activities and projects that bring to life the wonders of gravity and the mysteries of momentum, fostering curiosity and a deeper appreciation for different scientific fields through hands-on exploration.
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Develop Engineering Thinking
Students will apply engineering principles and design thinking through practical challenges and themed adventures. They will learn to conceptualize, plan, and create projects that embody their understanding of scientific concepts, emphasizing creative problem-solving and innovation.
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Improve Team Collaboration
Students will participate in various sports to develop physical coordination, fitness, and social skills like teamwork, communication, and sportsmanship. This holistic approach supports physical education and social-emotional learning, balancing technological skills with physical and cooperative play.
Sample Lessons
These lessons offer a glimpse into the exciting and inventive world of MakersQuest, where students can transform their curiosity and creativity into hands-on projects, exploring toy-making, gadget-building, and game design. This enriching educational adventure combines scientific concepts and engineering principles, fostering innovation and real-world problem-solving skills.
Collapsible content
Toy Engineers: Building Gravity-Defying Toys
In this lesson, students will create toys that demonstrate the principles of gravity and momentum. They will learn how these scientific concepts work through hands-on experimentation and creative engineering.
Gadget Gurus: Inventing Cool Contraptions
Students will design and build innovative gadgets using simple materials and engineering principles. This lesson will teach them about the basics of circuitry and mechanical systems while encouraging imaginative problem-solving.
Game Creators: Designing Interactive Fun
In this lesson, students will develop their own physical games, learning the fundamentals of game design and storytelling. They will explore concepts such as user experience, game mechanics, and narrative structure.
Architectural Wonders: Constructing Miniature Landmarks
Students will recreate famous architectural landmarks using everyday materials, focusing on structural integrity and design aesthetics. This lesson will introduce them to architectural concepts and the importance of form and function.
Cultural Artifacts: Crafting Global Treasures
In this exciting lesson, students will create art pieces inspired by various world cultures, exploring different materials and techniques. They will gain a deeper understanding of cultural diversity and the significance of traditional crafts and designs.
Course Format
Our curriculum is designed to blend the dynamic structure of afterschool programs with the proven 5E instructional model—Engage, Explore, Explain, Elaborate, and Evaluate.
Each phase is crafted to captivate and retain student interest, fostering a seamless and enriched learning experience.
- We start with the "Engage Phase" to spark curiosity with captivating visuals and prompts.
- In the "Explore Phase," students set out on their educational journey with clear objectives, supported by an environment that embraces learning from mistakes.
- The "Explain Phase" delivers foundational knowledge that is often cross-curricular in nature.
- The "Elaborate Phase" involves hands-on projects and activities, with bonus crafts and literacy integrations.
- The journey culminates in the "Evaluate Phase," where students reflect on their achievements and connect their learning to real-world applications.
This structured yet flexible approach ensures every student benefits from a comprehensive, engaging, and reflective educational experience.
Our Instructors Are Our Top Asset
At BAM!, our vision for innovative K-8 education extends beyond just curriculum; it encompasses the educators who bring that curriculum to life. Selecting & training our educators is a continuous and meticulous process, ensuring they are not just equipped with subject matter expertise but also the skills to inspire and connect with students on a personal level.
- 100% adult educators recruited from prestigious universities ( No CITs at BAM!)
- Highly refined interview and background check process
- Extensive training that goes well beyond curriculum & classroom management
- Ongoing year-round opportunities to teach in our summer camp. After-school, and structured recess programs.