The "Maker" Movement
The Maker Movement is a contemporary "Do-It-Yourself" technology-based subculture that takes advantage of modern technology to create all kinds of innovative digital products.
"Makers" use technology such as 3D printers and easy-to-use programming tools to create devices that send Twitter messages when a plant needs to be watered, or a harp made of lasers or even 3D-printed playable electric guitars.
Vibrant online communities allow users to download and share digital blueprints of their projects. The Maker Movement has also crossed over into the classroom, where project-based learning in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) is being taught in a more hands-on approach.
Students design and build projects such as robots, which helps them to grasp the more abstract concepts being taught in the classroom, while educators are able to bring their theoretical work examples into the physical word.
The Movement celebrates its uniqueness at events called Maker Faire. Here, the makers' innovations are on display. More than 300 "makers" are expected at Detroit's Maker Faire on July 28 and 29 at the Henry Ford.
Content provided by Oakland University.
