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Insights from
1st Maker Space

Discover how schools are transforming STEM learning through hands-on making, creativity, and innovation. Explore the latest news, inspiring stories and insights from our community.

  • Makerspaces

Beyond the Worksheet: How Saint Pius X Catholic School Is Bringing Learning to Life

At Saint Pius X Catholic School, the makerspace is transforming STEM education by bringing learning beyond the worksheet. Through hands-on projects, robotics, and real-world problem-solving, students are building confidence, embracing challenges, and discovering new ways to succeed. From making math concepts meaningful to bringing coding to life, the makerspace empowers students to learn by doing.
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  • Makerspaces

From Maker to Entrepreneur: Kristen’s Story of Creativity, Confidence, and Opportunity

At Easterseals Northeast Indiana, Kristen is turning creativity into opportunity through the power of making. Using a Glowforge laser cutter, she designs and creates custom wooden flower presses that have become commissioned products in her community. Her inspiring journey highlights how hands-on learning can build confidence, develop new skills, and open doors to entrepreneurship and greater independence.
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  • Makerspaces

From Scorpions to Makers: How Scott Middle School is Sparking Innovation in Hammond

Scott Middle School’s new makerspace transforms learning with 3D printers, laser cutters, and immersive STEM experiences.
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  • Makerspaces

Empowering Future Innovators: The Importance of the Makerspace at Cuyahoga Valley Christian Academy

CVCA’s makerspace enhances learning with cutting-edge tools that connect classroom concepts to real-world innovation.
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  • Makerspaces

Making Leaders: How Thorntown Elementary Builds Innovation Through Hands-On Learning

Thorntown Elementary’s makerspace empowers students to design, create, and lead through hands-on STEM learning.
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  • Insights & Research

Hands-On Learning Activities for STEM Education Success

Physical interaction with educational tools and materials opens new pathways for student understanding and engagement.
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  • Professional Development

Summer 2025 Free Professional Development

Join our free virtual summer PD workshops and explore fresh ways to integrate makerspace tools and STEM learning in your classroom.
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  • Insights & Research

Unlocking Kids’ Potential with STEAM Education Activities

STEAM activities engage students in science, technology, engineering, art, and math through collaborative, hands-on learning.
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  • Insights & Research

Is Hands-On Learning Better Than Online Learning?

See how hands-on makerspace projects and digital platforms work together to create powerful, balanced learning experiences for students.
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  • Insights & Research

STEM vs STEAM Education: Building Better Makers

Education continues to advance as teachers prepare students for a rapidly changing future.
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  • Insights & Research

What is STEAM Education? A Hands-On Learning Revolution

STEAM blends science, technology, engineering, arts, and math into hands-on learning that sparks creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving.
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  • Insights & Research

Why Hands-On Learning Is Important for Student Success

Hands-on learning advances education from passive listening into tangible experiences where students actively engage with concepts and materials.
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  • Insights & Research

What is Hands-On Learning? Understanding Active Learning Through Making

The power of hands-on learning transforms traditional classrooms into dynamic spaces where students discover through doing.
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  • Professional Development

Free Professional Development- Summer 2024

Take advantage of our free summer professional development sessions on coding, 3D design, and makerspace tools.
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  • Company News

2024 STEM Conferences We’re Excited About

Catch 1st Maker Space at upcoming 2024 conferences—join us to connect, learn, and explore makerspace innovations.
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  • Makerspaces

Introducing the 1st Maker Space Microcontroller Trainer, an Arduino-compatible computer Science Trainer for Educators

Explore our new Arduino-compatible Microcontroller Trainer that makes coding, electronics, and computer science accessible for educators and students.
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  • Makerspaces

Boys & Girls Clubs of St. Joseph County Mobile Makerspace Featured in the South Bend Tribune

1st Maker Space partners with Boys & Girls Clubs to deliver hands-on STEM learning through a Mobile Makerspace.
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  • Insights & Research

Lost in STEM Standards? Here’s Your Compass!

Demystify NGSS and Indiana’s Integrated STEM Standards with our free curriculum resources and practical guide for educators.
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  • Insights & Research

Where Learning Meets Earning: The Entrepreneurial Power of STEM Makerspaces

Discover why trades and entrepreneurship matter in STEM—and how makerspaces spark creativity, passion, and real-world opportunities for students.
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  • Insights & Research

The Heart and Soul Behind 1st Maker Space and Shaping the Future of Education

Hear 1st Maker Space founder Kim Brand share insights on 3D printing, makerspaces, and preparing students for tomorrow’s workforce.
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What our partners are saying.

★★★★★
“1st Maker Space helped us get the makerspace up and running in our elementary school. They were great to work with and we look forward to continuing our partnership with them in the future.”

Jimmy Ellis
Principal at Orleans Elementary School
★★★★★
“I want to thank you so much for supporting and believing in our school. It means more than you know! I’m so happy that 1st Maker Space is expanding and giving kids from every background an opportunity to dream big and do all that they can imagine.”

Naomi Kinsey
Assistant Principal, Beveridge Elementary, Gary, IN
★★★★★
"We are so grateful to have our makerspace!"

Lindsey Stell
Middle School STEM, Elkins Middle School, Elkins, WV

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  • Professional Development and Training

Gain Exclusive Access to:

  • Latest updates on new products
  • New lessons and resources
  • Professional Development and Training

Bri Wagner

Education Solution Specialist

Bri Wagner brings a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and nine years of classroom teaching experience to her role at 1st Maker Space. A former Teacher of the Year Award recipient, Bri is passionate about creating engaging, hands-on learning experiences that inspire student success. She understands the impact that innovative instruction and meaningful classroom resources can have on student achievement and is dedicated to partnering with educators to bring high-quality STEM solutions into classrooms. Bri is committed to empowering teachers and helping students develop the creativity, confidence, and problem-solving skills they need to thrive.

Email: [email protected]