‘Columbia Make ‘N Take’ empowers local teachers in STEAM training
Photos and story by James Hill
On March 7, the Fab Lab at the Portland Community College Oregon Manufacturing Innovation Center (OMIC) Training Center in Scappoose hosted the “Columbia Make ‘N Take” in collaboration with the Northwest STEM Hub and Northwest Regional Education Service District. The gathering aimed to empower educators with practical skills and resources to enhance STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art and math) education in Columbia County.
The event brought together 31 elementary and middle school STEAM teachers from various schools in Columbia County. Throughout the day, educators engaged in hands-on workshops covering 3D printing, design, vinyl cutting, and rapid prototyping. The program included sessions on integrating technology into classroom activities and discussions on best practices. At the end of the program, each teacher was provided a bundle of equipment, including a 3D printer, by the Northwest STEM Hub to take back to their classroom for students to use.
“This program hopes to create consistency and access to STEM equipment and activities throughout Columbia County,” said Sarah Burns, PCC STEAM center coordinator. “We want to create a community space where teachers can gain skills, share ideas with their peers, learn how to access information and funding for STEM activities, and get excited about introducing their students to this technology.”
For more information on the OMIC Training Center, visit its webpage, or check out PCC’s network of STEAM centers.
About James Hill
James G. Hill, an award-winning journalist and public relations writer, is the Director of Public Relations at Portland Community College. A graduate of Portland State University, James has worked as a section editor for the Newberg Graphic... more »