Inventing, Designing, and Engineering for All Students – How to facilitate accessible, hands-on experiences with neurodiverse learners

This webinar theme was to discover how any library space can introduce engaging engineering experiences using their existing staff, space, and resources.

Maker programs, which involve hands-on production of physical or digital artifacts, are an engaging way to have youth pursue their personal interests as they learn the engineering design process (EDP). Autistic youth in particular often have deep interests related to STEM. In this informational and interactive session, we discussed  approaches for facilitating low-tech, pre-engineering activities designed for all learners in inclusive settings where neurodiverse students learn and explore alongside their peers. Whether you’re an experienced maker, curious about starting a maker program, or just thinking about introducing new hands-on learning experiences, the activities and facilitation methods from the IDEAS Maker Program (Inventing, Designing, and Engineering for All Students) will provide insight and guidance on implementing a program that can reach all learners.

Researcher Dr. Ariana Riccio and Dr. Wendy Martin from the Education Development Center and the IDEAS research to discover how any library space can introduce engaging engineering experiences using their existing staff, space, and resources.