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FabMaker Studio and the Reynolds Center for Teaching, Learning and Creativity


with Andrea Calvin, Paul Reynolds, and special guest Theo Jansen

 

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FabMakers: Inspiring Young Engineers Through a Unique Mix of Storytelling & Digital Engineering Design

Dive into the world of digital fabrication with Andrea Calvin and Paul Reynolds from FabMaker Studio, the Reynolds Center for TLC and International Dot Day. In this interactive session, these leading experts will showcase how innovative fabrication tools and techniques are revolutionizing classroom experiences. Discover how FabMaker Studio's resources empower educators to integrate hands-on, project-based learning into their curricula. Participants will gain insights into best practices, understand the importance of fostering creativity through digital tools, and receive actionable strategies to implement digital fabrication in their own educational settings. We will also be joined by special guest Theo Jansen, inventor of Strandbeests. We will get to hear about his art and design process and how it can be adapted to your classroom.

Andrea Calvin Vice President FableVision & Reynolds Center TLC

With a background in storytelling and a focus on education, Andrea works closely with schools to customize programs that weave in the special magic found in the books by Peter H. Reynolds, ensuring that all learners have the tools to succeed. She has been on the forefront of the product launch and classroom-implementation of FabMaker Studio, the first digital fabrication software tool developed specifically for use in the classroom. She speaks nationally and runs workshops on the importance of STEM and story. In her previous life she was a newspaper editor. Andrea earned her bachelor’s degree in English from Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts and a master’s degree in Journalism from Regent University.

Paul Reynolds CEO/Co-Founder FableVision & Reynolds Center TLC

Paul is also an award-winning children’s book author - creating stories about creativity and innovation. His storybook about the 4Cs entitled Going Places is illustrated by his twin brother Peter H. Reynolds, and recently won the Library of Congress MassBook Award for Best Picture Book of the Year. Paul has also been teaching creative media production and digital storytelling at Boston College for over 20 years. He also oversees Reynolds Center for Teaching, Learning & Creativity - Reynolds TLC - a non-profit organization dedicated to fostering purposeful, creative human potential around the globe.

Theo Jansen Artist, Author, Engineer

Theodorus Gerardus Jozef Jansen is a Dutch artist. In 1990, he began building large mechanisms out of PVC that are able to move on their own and, collectively, are titled Strandbeest. The kinetic sculptures appear to walk. His animated works are intended to be a fusion of art and engineering. He has said that "The walls between art and engineering exist only in our minds." He strives to equip his creations with their own artificial intelligence so they may avoid obstacles such as the sea, by changing course when detected. 

Notes and Resources:

Get FabMaker Studio free to try:

https://www.fablevisionlearning.com/edgames23-fab

Learn more about Fabmaker Studio here: https://www.fablevisiongames.com/game/fabmaker-studio 

Learn more about FableVision https://www.fablevisionlearning.com/

Learn more about Reynolds Center TLC https://www.reynoldstlc.org/ 

Some photographic examples from FabMaker Studio: Download

Free resources for teachers around Peter & Paul's books

https://www.reynoldstlc.org/tlc-books

https://www.reynoldstlc.org/tlcfilms

Learn more about International Dot Day https://www.internationaldotday.org/

Connect with and learn more about Theo Jansen https://www.strandbeest.com/ 

Check out the documentary about Strandbeests http://www.strandbeestmovie.com/ 

Theo's latest book: https://www.strandbeest.com/shop/a-strandbeesten-the-new-generation 

Theo's TED Talk: https://www.ted.com/talks/theo_jansen_my_creations_a_new_form_of_life

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