FableVision Learning Spotlight Blog
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- Paul Reynolds 10
- Peter H. Reynolds 54
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- Teacher Spotlight 14
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- Words and Their Stories 1
- Zoombinis 3
FABMaker Spotlight: “Operating” with Tuscarora Intermediate Unit’s Maker Campers
Eric Yoder’s son exploring FABMaker Studio
Inspired young engineers created their own Operation games this summer at Tuscarora Intermediate Unit’s Maker Camp, with the help of their instructor, Eric Yoder, the Coordinator of Educational Technology for the district.
The Maker Camp, located in Central Pennsylvania, introduced the aspiring engineers to FabMaker Studio, and the Silhouette Portrait. From there, campers used their imagination to design their own characters, and cut out holes to create their organs, or game pieces. Copper tape and wired chopsticks were used as surgical tools in assisting the engineer’s characters in their “Operation.”
To make these patients come to life campers used a Makey Makey - wired to the chopsticks - and Scratch to program the custom sounds and effects. Whenever the surgeon removed a game piece the wrong way - buzz! This project was inspired by Joel Poel Smith, a DIY YouTuber, and Josh Burker.
Is your classroom a FabClassroom? We would love to highlight your school! To be featured in an upcoming post, send an email to andrea@fablevision.com. You can also tweet your photos with the hashtag #FabMakerStudio! For more posts featuring FabMaker Studio, click here.
Join the FabMaker Teacher Group here
FabMaker Spotlight: Delran Innovation + FabMaker Spotlight: Delran Innovation + Fabrication Lab Lab
FableVision Learning/RCTLC CEO Paul Reynolds and educator Maryann Molishus joined the educators at the Delran Innovation + Fabrication Lab in New Jersey on Sept. 27, 2019 for a day of creativity and making.
The Delran STEM Ecosystem Alliance kicked off its community event series in the Delran Innovation
+ Fabrication Laboratory with a special “technology meets literacy” connection with an event, titled “Fab@School: Creating Bravely” featuring Paul Reynold and the FabMaker Studio team. Over 200 educators and the Delran community was invited to create bravely with FabMaker Studio.
FabMaker Spotlight: Combining 3D forms with Warm/Cool Colors
By creating 3D shapes in FabMaker Studio that also supported an LED light and battery, students at Farmington High School in New Hampshire explored design while creating a 3D self portrait.
Shannon McCracken shared about the process:
“I wanted to ‘up the level’ a little so I also had students plan a hole for an LED and a battery to be attached to it, so the forms would glow from the inside. Most students picked up the Fab Maker program and Silhouette hardware very easily. Once they mastered it I had them show someone else and so on and so forth. The students had a good time and I made most of them create their own shapes, from scratch, so they had to practice how things bent and twisted before going onto the FabMaker.”
Is your classroom a FabClassroom? We would love to highlight your school! To be featured in an upcoming post, send an email to andrea@reynoldstlc.org. You can also tweet your photos with the hashtag #FabMakerStudio! For more posts featuring FabMaker Studio, click here.
FableVision's Adventures at the 2020 ED Games Expo
For the third year, the FableVision Learning and Reynolds Center team traveled to Washington, DC for the 2020 ED Games Expo - the U.S. Department of Education’s showcase of educational learning games and technologies from across the country.
As part of the Expo, the team Created Bravely with two area schools and got hands-on with FabMaker Studio. This journey took our team to Washington, DC, Maryland, and Virginia.
First stop was School Within School at Goding in Washington, DC on Jan. 8. Working with 2 third grade classes, Paul Reynolds spoke about his book Sydney & Simon: Go Green!. Afterwards, the third grade students assembled 3D turtles that were created using FabMaker Studio.
The following day, the Reynolds Center and FableVision traveled to Maryland to create with fifth graders at Sunderland Elementary School. Using our design tool, the fifth grade class crafted spin tops. Some of the students experimented with the speed of the tops by adding paper clips and other accessories.
That evening, the team exhibited at the 2020 ED Games Expo at the JFK Center for Performing Arts. Our table included 2D and 3D FabMaker designs - attendees were able to use ready-made products or design products from scratch. The team collaborated with students, educators, and parents to discuss the skills FabMaker employs.
On Friday, Jan. 10, Paul Reynolds joined the Big Ideas Panel at the ED Games Expo Showcase: Making in K12 & CTE in Virginia at Building Momentum. Featured speakers included Allen Brooks of Building Momentum; Albert Palacios of the US Department of Education; Paula Gangopadhyay of the Institute of Museum of Library Services; Dorothy Jones-Davis of Nation of Makers; Digital Harbor’s Andrew Coy; Cara Lesser of Kid Museum; American University’s Ben Stokes; Recast City’s Ilana Preuss; and Alana Preuss and DJ Morneau of Games for Change. This event showcased successful ed tech products that were given a kick-start with government small business grants through the ED/IES Small Business Innovation Research program.
Click on the hyperlinks to learn more about School Visits with Peter and Paul Reynolds and FabMaker Studio.
6 Ways to Supercharge Creativity in Your School in 2020!
As 2019 has slipped away into a new decade, FableVision Learning is savoring the multitude of connections made with creative educators around the globe. Now that we are preparing to ring in a new decade, we’re excited about a host of new resources we’ve lined up to ensure that 2020 is the most creative year ever for you and your students.
1. FableVision’s #CreateBravely Creativity Recharge Retreats - Now Global
Looking for a really nourishing, creative professional development program? Our Create Bravely PD program - day-long to week-long - combines the science of creative thinking, practical tools and techniques for cultivating creativity in the classroom, along with stories and films by FableVision’s founder Peter H. Reynolds. It doesn’t matter where you are - we’ll come to you. In 2019, we jetted to Guam for a week-long retreat program! Ready to recharge?
2. Creativity Maker Suite Adds Even More On-Line Creativity Tools
FableVision Creativity Maker Suite now sports THREE web-based creativity tools - FabMaker Studio, Get Published! and the all-new, online version of our teacher-fave Animation-ish. Now, whether you’re using Mac/PC, Chromebooks, iPads, or tablets, students can create and “show what they know” through FableVision’s animation, publishing, and digital engineering design & fabrication tools!
3. Creativity-to-Careers Pathway - Animation CTE Program Now Available!
This year, middle schools schools across Florida started with FableVision’s new Animation-ish CTE/Careers Curriculum. Designed with FableVision Studios, our digital media sister company, our Career, Technical Education (CTE) curriculum resources help students develop skills needed for a career in an animation studio while fostering vital 4Cs skills to help them succeed in in the modern workplace.
4. Even More Inspiring Stories & Films by Peter H. Reynolds for 2020!
2019 saw the addition of several new books and films by Peter H. Reynolds, which creative educators are using to help cultivate creativity, courage and compassion. New titles this year included new storybooks - I Am Love: A Book of Compassion, Say Something!, and Start With a Word: A Guided Journal - as well as the animated version of The Word Collector.
5. International Dot Day - Global Creativity Fest Resources & Reach Keeps Rockin’
Celebrated on or around September 15th each year, International Dot Day participants have now surpassed 16 million in 183 countries! Based on the themes of creativity and courage in Peter H. Reynolds’ storybook for all ages The Dot, Dot Day continues to provide a growing vaults of free resources for practically all ages - in a growing number of languages. Sign up for Dot Day 2020, and let us know how you’re celebrating!
6. Creativity Circle Online Community of Practice Launches for Year-Long Support & Certification
Join the Circle! In 2019, the first cohort of creative educators joined the pilot of our Creative Educator Certification Program in our newly-formed community of practice for teachers called The Creativity Circle. Overseen by FableVision’s creativity maven Sara Smith, the program and online community are our way of “connecting the dots” between between all the educators around the globe who are embracing creativity as mission-critical in their own practice - but who often feel alone - or need support - in that pursuit. So, if you’re looking expand creativity in your school, we hope this online CoP and certificate program help give you the tools to supercharge creative teaching & learning in 2020!
These are just some of the things we’re working on to provide you with support to advance truly creative, constructionist learning.
But we also thank YOU for inspiring US with the myriad ways you continue to activate FableVison’s tools, programs and stories. Keep sharing and let us know if you’d like to be in one of our Creative Educator or Creative Leader Spotlights in 2020.
Wishing you the very best for the most creative year yet!
Click on the image above to download the Create Bravely Poster!
Educators Create Bravely in New Hampshire at CMTC with FableVision/Reynolds Center
With the New England snow in full force, FableVision Learning and the Reynolds Center team joined the Christa McAuliffe Technology Conference in New Hampshire for two days of creativity, invention, and inspiration.
During hands-on sessions, we introduced our FableVision Learning Creative Tools, Animation-ish and FabMaker Studio. We had a lot of fun exploring STEAM-powered learning by making cubes, exploring shapes and geometry, and understanding the importance of digital storytelling through animation.
From Fireside Chats with Paul Reynolds and Olivia Van Ledtje (LivBits) to Dot Day celebrations, there were many opportunities for a creativity recharge in the FableVision/Reynolds Center Room.
Folks were also invited to take a break from the cold weather and join us for “Creativi-Tea Time.” Hot tea was served during the FableVision Studio produced mini-film festival.
During this time, participants were encouraged to make their own dot to add to our Dot Day wall.
Young FabMaker Designers Share Their Tips
Peggy Healy Stearns, Ph.D., software designer for FabMaker Studio, has spent part of her summer working with campers at the Lighthouse ArtCenter in Florida. In this videos series, she’s captured some tips and tricks on how to use FabMaker Studio from the youngest campers.
Are your students FabMaker Designers? Share their tips and tricks in our FabMaker Studio teacher group or send Andrea Calvin (andrea@fablevision.com).
Creativity Summer Sizzle
We hope that your summer has been sizzling with creativity and inspiration! We're excited to share some of the highlights of our summer with you, and to offer some special August discounts to help you gear up for a wonderful new school year ahead!
Let's Get Ready for International Dot Day!
Teachers, librarians, and students around the world are getting ready to celebrate International Dot Day! This global celebration of creativity, courage, and collaboration began when teacher Terry Shay introduced his classroom to Peter H. Reynolds’ bookThe Dot on September 15, 2009. Add your celebration to the Dot Day count - with over 14 million people in 181 countries! Sign up at www.TheDotClub.org and download the new educator's handbook.
You can find supplies, t-shirts, books, stickers and more at Peter's online shop, The Dot Central.
Don't forget to use #DotDay or #InternationalDotDay to make your mark!
Amazing Creations from the Lighthouse ArtCenter
FableVision Learning President Jane Reynolds had the pleasure of visiting the Florida Lighthouse ArtCenter to meet the talented and creative summer art campers, aged 5 to 12.
Guided by Art & Design Director Fernando Porras and software designer Dr. Peggy Healy Stearns, the campers used Fab@School Maker Studio design + fabrication software to create some truly amazing displays! In these video interviews, campers share their tips and tricks with Dr. Stearns and The Reynolds Center for Teaching, Learning and Creativity.
Animation: An Innovative Tool for Teaching and Learning!
This summer, teachers at Portland, Maine's Side x Side Summer Arts Institute explored the joy of animating with Animation-ish, the fun and intuitive program developed by Peter H. Reynolds and the team at FableVision.
Click here to check out the creations they brought to life in about an hour!
'Serious Play' Awards for FableVision Studios
Our sister company FableVision Studios won two awards at the Serious Play Conference, which honors the best in educational gaming. We’re thrilled that FableVision Studios has been included in the winner’s circle for their work:
Lights, Camera, Budget! is an online game to help middle/high school students learn, study, and review financial literacy topics while practicing budgeting skills, from FableVision Studios, the Georgia Council on Economic Education, Georgia Public Broadcasting, and SunTrust Foundation (K12 Literacy Games).
Project Here Games is a state-wide initiative in Massachusetts, providing a digital experience to teach middle school students about healthy choices, peer pressure, substance use prevention, and positive self-image (created by FableVision Studios, Health Resources in Action, the GE Foundation, and the Massachusetts Attorney General's Office).
Congratulations for these "serious" honors!
Middle School CTE Program for Engineering!
Last year, we introduced our first middle school Career Technical Education (CTE) program based on Animation-ish. We've loved working with students and teachers alike as they create, explore, and show what they know with animation!
Along the way, we've received many requests to create an Engineering CTE program for Fab@School Maker Studio. Focused on the roles that engineers play in design and production, we're excited to develop this new program to both educate and invigorate the next generation of problem solvers.
For more information, please contact us at info@fablevisionlearning.com
FABClassroom: Physics Club Engineers Solution to Safely Land Lizard
Located in the beautiful Sonoran Desert of Yuma, Arizona, Centennial Middle School is surrounded by colorful sunsets, warm winters and inspiring educators.
![IMG_0384[1].jpg](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/54a08126e4b038053fec29c3/1525981386025-ZPOUIDUGAPYWFGF3X3HC/IMG_0384%5B1%5D.jpg)
Science teacher Kaitlin McGill has been using FabMaker Studio with her Physics Club. She recently shared a bit about the parachute project that required her students to collaborate and design a parachute that can safely land a small plastic lizard on the ground.
How did you pose the parachute challenge to the students? Were there specific parameters?
I introduced them to Newton’s Laws of Motion. We favored the law “An object in motion stays in motion, unless an outside force acts on it”. So, I challenged them with the following: Create a parachute or something that will safely land a small plastic lizard to the ground.
What has been design process on the parachutes?
We have been following the engineering design process.
Problem: Safely get the little plastic lizard to the ground.
Background Research: Students used their iPads to look up what a parachute is and what various parachutes look like. Also, Newton’s Laws of Motion and principals of aerodynamics.
Specify Requirements: Students learned that they needed a parachute that is big enough to support the weight of the small lizard.
Develop and Prototype Solutions: Students made several prototypes, approximately ten. When it did not work, they went back to the drawing board and modified their designs in FabMaker Studio.
Test solutions: Students stood on a step stool or ladder to test the accuracy of their design.
Solutions Met Requirements: Students met the requirement after six weeks of failed attempts.
Communicate the Results: The students discussed why their parachute attempts failed or were successful.
What has been one “aha” moment working with students with Fab@School?
There would be times when the students would feel frustrated with their failing design. They learned that working collaboratively, instead of individually, can create a better design.
How have your students reacted to the program?
Students say “It was cool” “I am able to be creative.” Overall it has had a positive impact on my club.
What advice would you give to someone starting out with Fab@School?
If just starting with Fab@School, give yourself some time. The program is very intuitive; just take a little bit of time to play with it. Also trust your students, with very little instruction they can soar.
What’s next?
Physic’s club will be going off from science and more into history. The students are showing extreme interest in historical locations.
![IMG_0388[1].jpg](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/54a08126e4b038053fec29c3/1525981679008-QIZKQZNZ8PWUOD4P1U66/IMG_0388%5B1%5D.jpg)
Is your classroom a FabClassroom? We would love to feature your school! To be featured in an upcoming post, send an email to info@fablevisionlearning.com. You can also tweet your photos with the hashtag #FabMakerStudio! For more posts featuring FabMaker Studio, click here.
FABClassroom: Fabricating the City of Ember
For this week's FabClassroom we head over to Boyden Elementary School in Walpole, MA.
Cheryl Ivatts is a fourth grade teacher and her students recently embarked on a Fab@School Maker Studio journey mapping out the City of Ember.
“We are an active, curious fourth grade classroom in Walpole, MA. Letting students create and explore on their own is a driving force in our daily routine. I read the book “City of Ember,” written by Jeanne Duprau as a read-aloud to the class a few months ago. The kids loved the book and were hanging on every word.
With none of the kids having read the book yet they were experiencing it together and trying to unlock the mystery in it. Realizing how much could be done with this story and wanting to let them show their vision I gave them free reign to design a bulletin board to match that vision.
They knew they needed buildings, roads and pipes. Having seen Fabmaker used in the school previously and with the help of Nancy Carroll, our Digital Learning Coach, the kids each designed a building to go on the board. Next they knew they needed lanterns so those were made using the Fabmaker also. The next thing was the pipeworks this was made using the cylinders and then the kids even were able to have blue colored water put in ziploc bags and placed in the pipes!
As I finished reading the book they begged for me to read the next in the series – “The People Of Sparks,” and when I said I would be reading a different book many went out and found the book on their own and read it. I do believe that the excitement around the bulletin board pushed many to read it because they were able to connect to the book on the next level.
One of the aha moments was when they were all working on parts of the board in groups chosen by them and working on building parts of the board thought out by them. Giving up control while showing them the resources available was the best way to unleash their creativity!”
Is your classroom a FabClassroom? We would love to feature your school! To be featured in an upcoming post, send an email to info@fablevisionlearning.com You can also tweet your photos with the hashtag #FabMakerStudio! For more posts featuring Fab@School Maker Studio, click here.
FABClassroom: Olympic Designs at Augustine F. Maloney Elementary
For this week's FabClassroom we head over to Augustine F. Maloney Elementary in Blackstone, MA. Monica Carty is an elementary technology teacher at Blackstone-Millville Regional School District. She has been using Fab@School Maker Studio in her after school STEM club. It has been so successful she will be launching an after-school club just for Fab@School! Monica shares how her students used FabMaker Studio to celebrate the olympics.
Learning about the Olympic sports is always entertaining. However, the question becomes how can it become more engaging? Well why not have the students develop their own Olympic symbols or create an argument for why one of the Fab@School Studio Maker ready-made project would make a better option.
In my technology enrichment block I did just that with a group of third grade students. In their homeroom classes they study all about the Olympic games and the history of the Olympics. Then when they came to the computer lab the review several ready-made projects and choose one to be the next Olympic symbol.
Once they sent it to the cutter some decided to add more colors or features to meet their visions. The only requirement we game the students was they had to be able to explain how it represented the Olympics.
Overall the creative connections the students made were unbelievable! It is amazing how far students will go when given the opportunity to be creative. Thank you Fab@School Maker Studio!
Is your classroom a FabClassroom? We would love to feature your school! To be featured in an upcoming post, send an email to info@fablevisionlearning.com. You can also tweet your photos with the hashtag #FabMakerStudio! For more posts featuring Fab@School Maker Studio, click here.
Happy New Year! 2018 was an exciting year for FableVision Learning
2018 was an exciting year for FableVision Learning and we are looking forward to an amazing 2019.
Each day, we are thankful that we are part of your creative journey. Wishing you all a wonderful New Year!
To read our end of year newsletter, click here.
Each day, we are thankful that we are part of your creative journey. Wishing you all a wonderful New Year!
To read our end of year newsletter, click here.