What would be possible if you had a $30,000 makerspace available in your school?
The CIA Mission Possible: Makerspace Nation wants to answer just that! The mission is to help improve science, technology, engineering, art and math (STEAM) education in schools. This competition awards an educator with $30,000 in equipment to create or update a makerspace with the latest in educational technology.
A primary goal of STEAM education is to prepare students for future careers which will require problem-solving skills, self-exploration, and perseverance. These skills, and many more, can be developed through the use of a makerspace; however, some schools do not have the budget to implement a makerspace. Having $30,000 in makerspace technology and supplies would give a boost any student learning STEAM in today’s world!
We will be awarding a top prize to a deserving educator in Chicago, IL, Kansas City, MO/KS and Omaha, NE.
This program is made possible through a sponsorship from the Central Intelligence Agency.
In order to develop the skills required for their future careers, students need to engage in hands-on learning. In a makerspace, science, technology, engineering, arts, and math (STEAM) concepts can be applied to solve problems through the creation of digital and/or physical products, allowing students the opportunity for self-directed exploration and learning. The space is filled with equipment and supplies to facilitate student-led inquiry allowing them to develop and utilize problem-solving and critical thinking skills. Makerspaces can be incorporated into an existing learning environment, in a defined space like a classroom, or have their own space within the school such as in a media center.