We're excited to announce the 1st Maker Space Microcontroller Trainer, an Arduino-compatible platform specifically designed for educators and students, which helps build a foundation in computer science, programming, and electronics.

Discover how 1st Maker Space collaborates with the Boys & Girls Clubs of St. Joseph County to bring innovative, hands-on STEM learning to students through their Mobile Makerspace. Read about this inspiring project in the South Bend Tribune

Navigating educational standards can be confusing and challenging for new and seasoned educators alike.

The Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) and many states, including Indiana's Integrated STEM Standards, can seem overwhelming, and it's easy to feel lost. We want to help.

In addition to this guide, we've revamped our FREE curriculum to meet both standards. So buckle up, and let's demystify these standards together!

STEM makerspaces are more than just tools and materials. They're where students' dreams and aspirations come to life, creativity meets purpose, and education meets entrepreneurship. Discover how makerspaces can turn hobbies into profitable ventures.

Explore how 1st Maker Space is revolutionizing education by integrating 3D printing and makerspaces into classrooms. Discover how they're nurturing creativity, resilience, and an entrepreneurial spirit among students, preparing them for a future where these skills will be highly valued. Learn about their commitment to an egalitarian approach to education and their vision for the future of learning.

Learn how to prepare your school's makerspace for summer. Discover long-term storage tips for 3D printer filament, maker table care steps, and essentials for restocking.

Dive into 'Invent to Learn', a cornerstone of the maker movement in education, promoting hands-on and project-based learning. Discover how we at 1st Maker Space utilize these strategies to foster creativity, critical thinking, and shape future STEM leaders.

Meet Gregg Nowling, Season 5 Make48 champion, now a Tool Tech in Season 6, fostering creativity and innovation in this reality TV competition for makers. Sponsored by 1st Maker Space, Gregg is dedicated to experiential STEM education, makerspaces, and collaborative learning. Through Make48, Gregg has formed lasting friendships, learned valuable insights, and witnessed the powerful impact of teamwork in driving solutions. The competition has also transformed his teaching methods, enabling him better to guide students through the design and invention process. Dive into Gregg's unforgettable journey and join us in championing the next generation of trailblazing thinkers and creators!

Discover how Blocks Rock!, a fun and innovative STEM education game, helps students develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and spatial reasoning skills in an engaging and interactive way.

Discover how using a laser cutter & engraver like the Glowforge or Full Spectrum for fundraising can help your STEM classroom or makerspace. Engage students in hands-on learning while creating unique, personalized products that appeal to supporters.

Learn why continuity in STEM education is crucial and how our scaffolded curriculum projects can bridge the gap between grades. Engage your students with our innovative cardboard pet projects. Designed for different age groups, aligned with various academic standards.

Celebrate Pi Day with the coolest STEAM activity around! The Pi Day Skyline project combines creativity and math for a fun, hands-on learning experience. You only need graph paper, markers, and pastel paints to create a beautiful cityscape artwork that celebrates this mathematical constant. Get your students engaged in STEAM education with this easy-as-pi activity from 1st Maker Space! #PiDay #STEAMEducation #MathArtProject

Unlock Your Potential as a Certified Maker Manager & STEM Educator. Description: Are you an educator or community leader looking to build an active maker community? Join us at the Maker Manager Program for four intensive training days of developing and sustaining a makerspace, STEM Lab, or innovation space. Our program covers everything from the basics of the maker movement to practical skills like managing your space and safety practices. We'll foster a maker mindset amongst participants while providing personalized coaching throughout the course - plus explore educational theories and build a maker community in your school or organization with tips on making a case for your program. Join us this summer to get certified as a Maker Manager!

1st Maker Space understands the importance of professional development for educators, which is why we have added two amazing new experts to our team - Megan Ewing and Natalie Parsons. Both bring with them extensive STEM teaching backgrounds from public school settings that will be invaluable assets to our Professional Development workshops.

We love to support and feature local companies that not only promote hands-on work but also desire to make a difference in their customers’ and employees’ lives. Purposeful Design is an Indianapolis-based furniture company that 1st Maker Space has collaborated with in the past, with their client list ranging from local schools to large corporations.

Last weekend kids learned that they could fly at the Rush County ‘Tech Fest’ Drone Rodeo! The event was held in the basketball gymnasium of the Rush County Boys & Girls Club. 1st Maker Space constructed a drone ‘cage’ built with PVC pipe and bird netting – complete with take-off and landing platforms and hula hoop obstacles to fly through.