Education
K-12 Program on Innovation and Making
The 4th through 12th grade and undergraduate education program at Fab Lab Tulsa enables educators to introduce and illustrate a variety of engineering disciplines, including mechanical, electrical, and structural engineering, as well as computer science, math, and art. Additionally, students learn how to envision, design, build, test and refine their ideas through hands-on experience with 2D and 3D design software and digital fabrication tools. When using technology in both formal and informal education, the key is to enhance the fundamental concepts being taught. Educational programs at Fab Lab Tulsa focus on building skills in core subjects, such as math and science, as well as applied problem-solving, critical thinking and creativity, all of which are critically important in the modern economy.
One of the biggest challenges facing educators in science, math, and art is access to affordable technology and equipment where students can experience hands-on learning and develop the cutting-edge digital design and fabrication skills required to solve the problems of the future. In our programming, the students are at the center of the learning experience, learning valuable hard STEM skills as well as important soft skills. The program design follows the best practices for formal and informal STEM learning and includes a framework based on the following approaches. While there is no consensus on one universal framework, Fab Lab Tulsa draws on Carolene and Johnson’s (2007) definitions of “knowing science,” “doing science,” and “being science” as dimensions of successful STEM development. The education program at Fab Lab Tulsa targets three constituencies: (1) 4th- to 12th-grade and undergraduate science, math, and art classes, (2) after-school program providers, and (3) related interest groups and youth organizations.
Siegfried Mobile Fab Lab
With our state-of-the-art Siegfried Mobile Fab Lab, we provide an opportunity for even more students to experience hands-on learning of STEM subjects by bringing the most exciting pieces of digital fabrication equipment, including laser cutters, a vinyl cutter, a 3-axis mill, soldering irons, and robotics kits, directly to the students where they can learn in their own schools and classrooms. This flexibility enables the mobile Fab Lab to effectively meet any on-site needs. It is comprised of separate lab units for each piece of equipment, which are transported in a custom-built, high-tech trailer. The mobile Fab Lab units are easily unloaded and rolled into a classroom for hands-on programs or an auditorium for larger demonstrations. In addition, the trailer can be easily converted into a presentation stage or workshop, where students will participate in STEM programs and utilize the equipment on the trailer.
To learn more please contact our staff (918) 779-6025 or info@fablabtulsa.org
