The Innovation Hubs

 
Hey teachers! Are you looking for different ways to incorporate STEM – AKA STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math) – into your lesson plans? Benefits of using STEM/STEAM principles in your classroom include: engaging reluctant learners and creating responsible digital citizens.

As part of Toronto Public Library's mandate to support innovation, the Digital Innovation Hubs (DIH) offer class visits for students. For groups visiting Toronto Reference Library's Innovation Hub, a first visit may include a 3D Printer Certification Workshop where students learn about how 3D printing works, safety around library equipment, where to find open source 3D files on websites like Thingiverse and YouMagine and steps to take files from design to 3D printed model with one of the library's 3D Printers. The 3D Printing and 3D Resources Blog features more helpful information about supported software in our Innovation Hubs.

Follow-up group visits may include "Introduction to 3D Design" using Tinkercad, a 3D design program where users can digitally build 3D objects using primary shapes. Tinkercad’s website features examples of how 3D Printing has been incorporated into everyday learning.  During one class visit, Grade 5/6 students from Davisville Public School created 3D designs, using Sculptris, a program where users digitally sculpt 3D objects. Their teacher also reserved time in the Hub's Green Screen Room to 3D scan herself using using Structure Sensor and Software to create a 3D printed selfie (pictured below).

During another class visit, students from McMurrich P.S. were challenged to design and 3D print superheroes!    

 
Class visits to the Digital Innovation Hub are suited to students at all levels from Grade 5 and up. Call 416-393-7007 or send an email to trlinnovationhub@torontopubliclibrary.ca for more information.

If you’re not able to visit us downtown, checkout our Pop Up Learning Labs (PULLS) or contact one of the other Digital Innovation Hubs. One more thing: checkout my colleague Hamid's blog, Branching Out with STEM Books on incorporating STEM/STEAM in your classroom.