Happy Spring! From Matt's Maker Space

So much is happening this spring! Read about our new spaces, spaces to come and many exciting opportunities!

Matt's Maker Space Fellowship

School of Education Seeking Applicants for Inaugural Matt's Maker Space Fellowship in Ireland

Point Park University's School of Education is seeking applicants for the inaugural Matt's Maker Space Fellowship Program in Ireland, an expense-paid experiential learning opportunity abroad for graduates to immerse themselves in maker education and create a meaningful impact in the classroom. Any School of Education graduates are encouraged to apply.

Read here for more information.

Click here to apply for the fellowship

Maker Space Opening

Highland Elementary School in Ambridge School District

On Thursday, April 25, Principal Stephanie Hull, her administration, the PTO, teachers, students and families joined together to open the Matt's Maker Space at Highland Elementary. Students from the high school TSA (Technology Students of America) joined in on the fun by demonstrating the 3D printer, the sewing machines and the Cricut. Everyone enjoyed a meal of Tacos, nachos and homemade baked goods. It was a great celebration and we are so happy that they all love their maker space.

We also delivered their starter kit of Legos so that they may begin their new Brick Club. As members of Project Baseplate, they will be running the Brick Club with their autistic students. Everyone is excited!

We are excited to welcome our 41st maker space to the family! Thank you to Anne Fullenkamp at the Children's Museum of Pittsburgh for the design of this lovely space.

Caine's Arcade

Learn about Caine's Arcade by playing some arcade games made from recycled materials and make your own.

Caine’s Arcade is a cardboard arcade created by an 8 year old boy named Caine. He showed the world the creative possibilities of a cardboard box. Participants will play some arcade games made from recycled materials and make their own.

This event is on May 22 from 6 pm - 7 pm at Foster Elementary School in Mt. Lebanon.

For more details, click here.

Brick-by-Brick Open House

Have you heard about Brick Clubs and Operation Baseplate? Come and see a Brick-by-Brick club in operation at Mellon Middle School. Our goal is to develop 21st-century skills while learning how to communicate effectively. See Social Emotional learning in progress.

There are three open houses in May that you can visit. They are

Monday, May 6, May 13, and May 20 from 3 pm - 4 pm. Visit to see how these wonderful clubs are exciting kids and teachers alike.

For more details, click here.

Adopt-A-School at The Education Partnership

For the fourth year in a row, Matt's Maker Space has participated in the Adopt-A-School program at The Education Partnership.

Adopting a school provides sponsors with a unique team-building experience and a rewarding way of seeing the impact of their contribution.

Every year, businesses, organizations, and community members connect with schools in need, facilitating the creation and distribution of Power Tools Homework Kits for students.

In March, volunteers from Matt's Maker Space came together to build the distribution kits. Then, on April 12, Matt's Maker Space visited the Schiller STEAM Academy in person to see all the amazing things that are happening in that school!

Two of our board members, Matthew Mikesell and Kamryn York taught a maker lesson to the students. We had a wonderful visit, with Noelle Conover getting the share Matt's story with the students, many of whom are the same age as Matt was! It was a great day and we cannot wait to work with Schiller again in the near future!

Carnegie Elementary in the

Carlynton School District

Carnegie’s Kaleidoscope of Creativity: A Student Make-A-Thon Adventure

Scheduled to take place on the campus, the Make-A-Thon invites students from various grades to collaborate, brainstorm, and bring their imaginative ideas to life. The event will be a celebration of ingenuity and learning, where each team will be challenged to collaborate, think critically and engage their creativity in creating a project that reflects the chosen theme.

The grand opening of the Matt's Maker Space (#34) will be held at this event on May 15 at from 9:30 - 1:30.

Click here for more information!

George Plava Elementary School

We are looking forward to a great celebration at George Plava Elementary School in the Albert Gallatin school district. This will be our third Matt's Maker Space (#45) in the district. It will be on May 29th. Along with the Parent Advisory Council, they are planning a special family event to take place that afternoon where students and parents can see the Maker Space, along with some 'make and take' opportunities.

We can't wait to be a part of this special celebration! Welcome to the Matt's Maker Space family!

Project Baseplate

CMU has announced its partnership with a UK social enterprise, Play Included®, to officially launch the Brick-by-Brick® program, an internationally-acclaimed LEGO® brick-based therapy, in the United States. The partnership will enable CMU to train education professionals to deliver the program in their own schools and out-of-school community settings to support children’s development and personal well being.

Matts Maker Space is one of the sponsors of Project Baseplate and every Matts Maker Space is eligible for Level 1 training to become a Brick-by-Brick club!

If you are interested in signing up to get training, please complete this form. Someone will reach out to you shortly!

If you currently have a Matt's Maker Space and would like to learn more, please contact Emily Sanders, our Training Director at sanderse@basd.k12.pa.us

2024 TEP and Matt's Maker Space Professional Development Day

Join The Education Partnership and Matt's Maker Space at a two-hour, free professional development.

To reserve your free spot for professional development, click here.

All participants will be eligible for Act 48 accreditation. This opportunity is open to all Matt's Maker Space partner schools.

Social-Emotional Learning Through Making and Building

Lead by Emily Sanders, Assistant Superintendent, Beaver Area School District and Dr. Shelly Bucci, 2nd Grade Teacher, New Castle Area School District

Join Matt's Maker Space educators in exploring how making and building can help students develop important skills like social-emotional well-being, empathy, communication, and collaboration through creative play. Educators will learn more about CMU's Project Baseplate partnership with Play Included and how schools are implementing Brick Clubs. Explore how hands-on maker activities can enhance teaching and learning and boost student engagement and creativity!

Stay Tuned!

We still have so many spaces scheduled to open this year! We have committed to 46 spaces and counting!

Watch for information about Grand Openings of:

Arlington Elementary (PPS) (#44)
Sci Tech High School (PPS) (#37)
Carmalt K- 8 STEAM Academy (PPS) (#35)
Autism Caring Center (#43)
Western Psychiatric Outpatient - PINE (#40)