Curriculum Tools

Pearson Partners with Makerversity on Maker Curriculum

• By Joshua Bolkan
• 03/09/15

Pearson has partnered with Makerversity to release a curriculum of hands-on lessons designed to be incorporated into core subjects.

Dubbed "Makerversity DiY — Make Tools for Learning," the curriculum currently offers 10 lessons designed to "allow anyone, anywhere to create their own 'high tech' classrooms and digital tools for learning. Aimed at students ages 10 to 14 years old (though they can easily be amended for other age groups), they help build competency in STEAM subjects (science, technology, engineering, arts, mathematics)" according to a news release.

Lessons, developed based on research at schools in the United Kingdom and the United States, include:

• Using printing processes and designing brand graphics to make a personalized uniform;
• Hacking a cheap webcam to make a microscope;
• Using a 3D printer to make a sand timer; and
• Using a pre-programmed touchboard to make a musical instrument.

"We believe that hands-on learning is an incredible way to engage young people. It's both empowering and academically rigorous for students to fabricate everything they will then use in a classroom — from the desk to the chairs to their very own computer," said Tom Tobia, founder of Makerversity, in a prepared statement. "It's a holistic approach to learning that inspires creativity and also builds real-life skills, and we're grateful for Pearson's support — they have been instrumental in helping us realize our vision."

The collaboration is the latest in a partnership going back to 2013, when Pearson helped Makerversity build a "classroom of the future" at its London headquarters. "Since then, Pearson has provided guidance and expertise to help Makerversity bring hands-on learning activities, traditionally done in the London maker space, to classrooms anywhere in the world," according to a news release.

"The 21st century classroom should reflect life in the 21st century," said Dan Ginsberg, vice president global product strategy at Pearson, in a prepared statement. "As the world's leading learning company, we are always exploring innovative and effective ways to support teachers and engage students. Our partnership with Makerversity helps bring the maker movement into the classroom — and will help to ensure that students are prepared for success in college, careers and life in general."

A free lesson is currently available at makerversity.org. The full set will be available for purchase in the spring.