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Workshops

Workshops - Sunday, October 11th

9:00am - 12:00pm
ISAM 101 Workshop: Design, Build, and Manage an Academic Makerspace

(pre-registration required - $275 - must be registered for the full conference to attend workshops)

The Ion - 4201 Main Street, Houston Texas - same location as Opening Reception and Keynote
Thought leaders and practitioners from the Higher Education Makerspace Initiative will cover the fundamentals of launching and sustaining successful academic makerspaces, including:

  • Understanding common makerspace models and their strengths

  • Building culture, community, and belonging

  • Staffing structures and training pathways

  • Optimizing access while minimizing barriers

  • Creating effective safety systems and right-sized policies

  • Using data to assess impact and support decision-making

  • Q&A focused on applying these principles to your institution’s unique context

Includes lunch for registered attendees at 12pm.

1:00pm - 5:00pm
ISAM 102 Workshop: Prototyping and Pedagogy

(pre-registration required - $275 - must be registered for the full conference to attend workshops)

Hands-on Prototyping and Pedagogy:
Participants will work in teams to build an interactive prototype while exploring practical teaching approaches for makerspace skills. Topics include:

  • Designing for 3D printing and laser fabrication

  • Laser-cut joinery techniques (with and without fasteners)

  • Electronics assembly tips and tricks (connectors, cable management, panel-mount components)

  • Designing for motion (basic kinematics, gears, cams, torque)

  • Free/open-source software options for mechanical and electronics design

  • Prototyping best practices (iteration, unit testing, debugging, tolerances)

  • Pedagogical approaches to teaching these techniques

  • Building connections with other participants through team-based making

Includes lunch for registered attendees at 12pm.