Bergen Makerspace:
Education - Community - Innovation
Bergen Makerspace is a community-learning center formed by educators in the New York City tri-state area. We are committed to our three founding principles: education, innovation and community. Our mission is to serve as a catalyst for innovation within Bergen County by bringing together cutting edge equipment, passionate educators and a community dedicated to making.
Education
Bergen County Technical Schools
Our unique position within both the educational and the maker communities engages a population traditionally underserved by the larger educational system. Many of our participants are not looking for a comprehensive program like those offered at community or 4-year colleges and universities, but rather seek a practical, focused instruction specific to their needs. Our Makerspace provides students with a flexible, innovative, and low-cost alternative.
Innovation
Maker Movement
By its very nature, the makerspace is a hub for new ideas and innovations. The makers that use the space are constantly pushing into new frontiers. The Bergen Makerspace can facilitate the transfer of that talent into the classroom, allowing innovators to inspire students by introducing them to nascent technologies and mentor students as they develop unique applications.
Community
A need to create
Traditional educational institutions, by their very nature, are not designed to meet the specific needs of the growing population of adult learners who seek specific, project-based instruction designed to facilitate the development of their ideas. The recent growth in the number of Maker Spaces is evidence of this need. Bergen Makerspace is unique in that it provides not only the physical space and community of like-minded makers, but also specific directed instruction that caters to the ever-changing needs and demands of the maker community.
Response during COVID-19
1,500 pieces of PPE have been distributed to more than 20 different facilities in NJ and other states
There’s no waiting around for the government to come through on personal protection equipment when you can have high school students design, make, and deliver shields, ear guards, intubation boxes, and more to hospitals and medical facilities. Here you can watch a segment highlighting the Bergen Makerspace.
New 2020 Professional Development Courses
Teach Coding with the Tello Drone (9:00 am - 12:00 pm: Cost $95)
Makerspace Basic (9:00 am - 12:00 pm: Cost $95)
Arduino Intermediate (9:00 am - 3:00 pm: Cost $180)
3D Printing for your STEAM Classroom (9:00 am - 12:00 pm: Cost $95)
Come and see how 3D printing can enhance STEAM classrooms by creating physical objects from 3D models. In this workshop we will cover the basics of computer aided design through readily available freeware. Then you will learn how to use those designs to create physical objects in your classroom. No experience is necessary. This workshop is appropriate for most grade levels.
Engage your young learners through grade appropriate makerspace projects. This workshop will cover the basic information you need to start a makerspace in your K-3 setting as well as introduce you to hands-on projects that teach science, engineering, and math. Topics will include: where to start, guided projects vs open making, volunteer training, funding and stocking your space, and safety. Come with questions to ask or experiences to share.
Arduino is an open source microcontroller that makes the world of interactive electronics accessible to all students. In this workshop we will introduce you to the basic functions of the Arduino microcontroller and show you how you can use it to engage students in hands-on activities. The Arduino is a great way to enhance instruction in science, math, computer programming and more. No prior experience is necessary. All you need is an interest in technology and basic computer skills.
Do you want integrate Scratch, Code.org, Lego Mindstorm or other block programming platform into your classroom? Let us help you take the first step through a combination of paperless coding activities and free online software. In this workshop we will cover the basic structures of computer programming. Then we will teach you how to use these structure to create interactive games using Scratch, a free educational tool from MIT.
Take your STEM program to the next level by integrating Block Coding with SnapCircuits, Arduino, MakeyMakey, and other physical devices to create projects for your kindergarten through 8th grade STEM class. In this workshop you will learn how to create basic circuits that your students can control with a visual programming language like Scratch. Develop amazing interactive projects for all grade levels and bring block coding to life for your students
Looking for an engaging and accessible Arduino project? Introduce your students in the exciting world of wearable electronics. In this class we will combine multiple maker skills as we design and sew electric circuits into hats, backpacks or anything else you can think of. Using specially designed Arduino boards and components we will show you how to program your circuit to create interactive projects that your students can wear. Some basic knowledge of the Arduino is recommended but not required for this workshop. The price includes supplies and materials for one wearables project which you will take home at the end of the session.
Looking for an engaging Arduino project for your classroom? Come and build an autonomous rover using the Arduino, an ultrasonic ping sensor and servos. This is a great way to advance your skills in Arduino while learning how to add sensors, servos and motors to any project. Experience with basic Arduino setup and use is recommended.
Visit us at: www.meetup.com/Bergen-Makerspace
Common Space for Makers!
Bergen Makerspace brings together the very best of public education and community experimentation and innovation. Our ability to connect makers with a community of like-minded peers and to provide them with the practical knowledge needed to realize their ideas puts us at the vanguard of the maker movement. Bergen Makerspace offers a variety of free and paid courses taught by expert faculty who have the pedagogical training and project-based teaching experience to understand how to design curriculum that addresses the unique needs of the maker community.
Bergen Makerspace welcome Scouts!
Our position within the maker community ensures that we are on the forefront of innovation for all types of youth organizations. Maker collaborations strengthen both the community and the ideals of youth organizations like the Boy/Girl Scouts of America. The scouting groups that use the space are constantly pushing into new frontiers. The Bergen Makerspace can facilitate the transfer of that talent into the scouting organizations, inspire scouts by introducing them to nascent technologies and mentor girls and boys as they develop unique applications.
