Who are we?
Chris has been involved in education since 2002, technology since 1981 and Making since 1971. (You do the maths)
He feels passionately that education is the most important thing in the world and that teaching using Maker skills is the most rewarding job there is.
Chris loves cats, kayaking, kite-flying, steampunk, pedantic semantics and knowing the meanings of ligatures, aglets, gallibanders and lexiphanic.
It is often said he is terribly modest
(but not by him).
Hassan is an Educational Technologist who has extensive experience working with teachers on an individual and whole school basis. He enables teachers to get the best from the technology they have available to them which allows them to enhance their teaching in new and inventive ways.
He has a keen interest in using technology in conjunction with his Maker skills to create projects utilising electronics, computers and PCBs to build activities for all ages.
He currently is trying to invent the best way to catch his small toddler before he falls down... again.
WHAT IS S.T.E.A.M.
S.T.E.A.M. is an educational approach to learning that uses Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics as access points for guiding student inquiry, dialogue and critical thinking.
S.T.E.A.M. is a deliberate connection between curriculum learning objectives, standards, assessments, and lesson design/implementation. The end results are students who take thoughtful risks, engage in experiential learning, persist in problem-solving, embrace collaboration, and work through the creative process. These are the innovators, educators, leaders, and learners of the 21st century!
Why is S.T.E.A.M. important?
Global skill shortages in S.T.E.A.M.-related fields are redefining educational priorities. Schools are starting S.T.E.A.M.-based learning programmes to equip students with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in the 21st century. S.T.E.A.M. learning will not only produce tomorrow's designers and engineers; it will develop innovative mindsets and the ability to problem-solve, ensuring that our students become creators of technology, not just passive consumers.
WHAT IS A Maker
“Makers are creators and constructors; designers and dabblers; manufacturers and builders; tinkerers and fabricators; originators and producers; architects and inventors.”
At MakerMeet, we believe all of us are born Makers. We have the ability to grasp things with our hands and minds, to rearrange the world around us to meet our needs and achieve our desires. We are makers of food, shelter and many other components of our lives. These basic skills are infrequently taught and valued in today’s society. We want to change that. The world around us does not just exist, it is made by us. We make it.
Adam Savage (Mythbusters) sums it up nicely...
“Humans do two things that make us unique from all other animals; we use tools and we tell stories.
And when you make something - you’re doing both at once.”
We have contributed to:
F.A.Q.
Q
What is a Maker?
A
A Maker is a creator and constructor; designer and dabbler; manufacturer and builder; tinkerer and fabricator; originator and producer; architect and inventor. See above!
Q
Why did you decide to become a Maker?
A
Well - we didn’t decide specifically on that job title… it grew from an interest in tinkering, a deep desire to figure out how things work and organically grew into a passion for education.
Q
I have an idea for a project I’d like to do with my students / family / friends - will you help me?
A
Of course! Give us a ring and we’ll give you advice and direction as much as we can. As we offer a Maker consultancy service - we may need to charge you a minimal fee - but we’ll always tell you first.
Q
I’m interested in what you do, but don’t see a workshop that grabs my attention. Do you offer anything else?
A
Yes. We have a huge variety of workshops ranging from cooking to carpentry; juggling to Javascript; threading to throwing; baking to breakdancing; light to ligging and knots to nonart.
Q
I need a… tool / material / diagram / weird thing - would you know where to get it?
A
Probably - we’ve purchased loads of very diverse things over the years. If we don’t know, we probably know who will!
Q
Can you make me a once-off project for my business / event / school?
A
Almost certainly - of course it depends on what it is! We’d certainly be open to a chat and if we can’t, we’ll point you in the right direction.
Q
Do you offer discounts?
A
Yes! We are happy to offer a discount for multiple bookings / classes and to any educational institution. Also - if you are very interested in a workshop, but can’t afford it - ring us to chat.
Q
What happens if I book a workshop but can’t view it online?
A
Give us a ring after the workshop and we will happily send you the video of the LiveStream. If you’d prefer to reschedule and participate in the LiveStream - we will offer it to you again completely free of charge.
Q
I have a question that isn’t listed here - how do I ask you?
A
We’re always happy to chat - or you can fill out our Enquiry Form here. If it’s just a quick question - simply click the “Chat” icon on the lower right of any screen on our website - we’re (almost) always available.