FabMaker Studio
FabMaker Studio
FabMaker Studio is the first digital fabrication software tool developed specifically for use in the classroom. It is an easy-to-use, web-based program that invites students to experience STEM /STEAM learning in an engaging, personally meaningful way. Acting as a paper-prototyping tool, FabMaker Studio provides a low-cost way to imagine, design, invent, and fabricate 2D designs, pop-ups, and 3D projects like geometric constructions and working machines using paper, cardstock, and cardboard. FabMaker Studio is an accessible program that supports a variety of materials and a range of tools from scissors to inexpensive 2D cutters, 3D printers, and laser cutters. An essential component for every makerspace to develop spatial reasoning and develop prototyping skills.
Annual Individual License (2 seats) = $25
Annual Classroom License (40 Seats)= $200
Annual School License (200 Seats) = $750
Game Description:
Game Development Partners: FableVision Studios, The Reynolds Center for Teaching Learning and Creativity, designed by Peggy Healy Stearns. Devices: Desktops, laptops, chromebooks, iPads running Chrome OS, Windows, or Mac OS | Age Range: K-8 Standards & Learning Objectives: STEM, Math, Design & Fabrication, Engineering Design Process |
For Classroom Lessons and Curriculum click here.
To learn more about our Engineering and Production CTE for Middle School Students click here.
Associated Research
FabMaker Studio emerged from the national Make To Learn research initiative – a collaborative of non-profit, educational, and for-profit organizations spearheaded by the University of Virginia. This initiative has a shared goal of tackling the disruption in the STEM education and career pipeline – at a much earlier point in students’ learning journey. The coalition has spent the last eight years building a research-based initiative to integrate STEM education into elementary and middle school curricula in more effective ways. The initiative has garnered support from NSF and U.S. Department of Education, as well as foundations such as Cisco, MacArthur, Noyce, Motorola, and Gates.
A 2011 PEAR Institute Common Instrument report of a Noyce Foundation-funded Fab@School middle school pilot demonstrated a 33 to 49% increase in student interest in science and technology after only 8-weeks of using the program. More recently, a 2018 PEAR Common Instrument survey of three Massachusetts school districts resulted in 96.9% of students reporting positive gains in STEM Interest and 82.1% in STEM Identity as a result of participating in the FabMaker program.
In June 2018, MaSTEM students in grades 1-5 in three school districts in Massachusetts participated in PEAR Institute Common Instrument Suite (CIS). This end of year survey is done through the PEAR Institute: Partnerships in Education and Resilience at Harvard Medical School and McLean Hospital, and measures students’ interest and engagement towards Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM).
During the school year, teachers shared positive stories from the classroom about student engagement and innovative creations. The PEAR results provide statistics to the stories.
“Overall, of the students that completed the CIS at Fab Schools in Spring/Summer 2018, 96.9% of students reported positive gains in STEM Interest and 82.1% in STEM Identity as a result of participating in their programming. Additionally, 84.6% of students reported positive gains in Relationships with Adults, 61.5% in Relationships with Peers, 87.2% in Perseverance, and 87.2% in Critical Thinking,” according to the report.
Learn more about FabMaker Studio.
Hear from a young Engineer!