Greetings Makers!  

Please feel free to forward this newsletter to others and most importantly please provide feedback so that we may tailor each issue to your needs. All inquiries and feedback may be sent to kalyn@educationalliance.org . Happy Making!                   
  
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WV Maker News 
A Newsletter of The Education Alliance 


Maker Spotlight 
by Nahdi Bropleh, AmeriCorps VISTA

The Education Alliance would like to welcome you to a new school year and new year of Making. This newsletter was created with purposes of connecting the West Virginia Maker community and expanding Maker Education across the state. Each month you can stay informed on Maker Spaces in the state and the awesome things they are doing. You will also be able to find useful materials such as student opportunities, professional development opportunities, and new innovative ideas to try with your students at school or even at home! The WV Maker Network wants you! Come be a part of a community passionate about moving from consumption to creation; a culture of learning that encourages exploration and experimentation. To view past issues of this newsletter please visit www.educationalliance.org/Maker. 

Classroom 3D Printing 
by Robert C. Bryd Institute 

3D Printing is a very popular technique used in Maker education. Often, educators find it difficult to incorporate  3D printing into curriculum . RCBI Huntington, one of the Maker sites within the West Virginia Maker Network, has developed three videos to highlight 3D printing in the classroom and to share some tools, tips, and tricks for successful integration  into the traditional education setting. Check out these awesome videos!


Introductory Video
Introduction


For Students
For Students
For Educators
For Educators


Innovative Ideas

Did you know that you can use your Makey Makey kit to create an unconventional piano that utilizes fruit as the keys? Click here to learn how to make music using bananas!
Maker Updates      

Grant Opportunities: 

STEM Classroom Grant 
First Energy is offering STEM education grants of up to $1,000 for educators of schools and youth groups in communities served by any of their electric operating companies. This grant will support creative classroom projects within STEM fields that will take place during the 2017-2018 school year. Be sure to apply by the September 22nd  deadline. 

Student Opportunities & Competitions:

Fat Brain Toys has challenged students to create the next Fat Brain Toy for a chance to win a $2,500 scholarship. $500 in toys, a prize package from Make:, and best of all the possibility of having their invention sold around the world! Click here to  Learn more about the rules and timeline. This contest closes October 18th. 

West Virginia University's Statler College will be hosting seven weeks of Engineering Challenge Camps in June, July, and August 2018. There will separate camps for Elementary, Middle, and High school students. Themes for each camp will be posted by October 1 and registration will open March 1, 2018. For questions about camp, please contact Cate Schlobohm at  Cate.Schlobohm@mail.wvu.edu or 304-293-0399. 

Educator & Professional Opportunities:

From November 6th   -  December 18th, The WV Center for Professional Development is offering an opportunity for educators to explore technology resources that can be used to increase student engagement. This online course has a registration fee of $25 due by October 7th.

From January 8th -  February 19th, The WV Center for Professional Development is offering an online course designed to learn about technology resources that encourage and promote collaboration and creativity in digital student projects. Registration and registration fee ($25) due by January 12, 2018.