So….We had a little problem with our vent system for the laser cutter. Our blower had an odd-sized outlet! Solution…Make a new one with the 3D printer! Problem solved!
If it doesn’t fit…MAKE IT!!!!
Reply
It’s Official!
The WIU Center for Innovation and Creativity in Education is now officially recognized as a littleBits Global Chapter! Visit the link below to join us!
http://littlebits.cc/community/chapters/wiu-center-for-innovation-and-creativity-in-education
Test Driving the Vinyl Cutter
The Titan Vinyl Cutter has arrived and we are putting it through the testing phase. Besides being a fantastic addition to the makerspace area of the center, the Vinyl cutter will play an essential role in creating labeling and decorations for the space. We are counting on this machine to create inspiring graphics and motivational elements that will become part of the room landscape!
Our 3D Printer Has Arrived!
A “littleBit” of STEAM
I.C.E. and S.T.E.A.M.
What a great day! Congratulations to Hutchinson Elementary for the success of their STEAM Carnival yesterday! Tim Hammill, from the WIU Center for Innovation and Creativity in Education, spent the day introducing the entire 5th grade class to MineTest! The students had the opportunity to tryout the new software and even had a chance to provide suggestions for improvement. They were very excited to be “beta-testers” and took the role quite seriously!
Students trying out the MineTest application!
Google for Education Online Conference
New Baseboard
Press Release
Westmoreland Intermediate Unit Receives Gift to Create Center for Innovation and Creativity in Education
Greensburg, PA – The Westmoreland Intermediate Unit is proud to announce that they have received a generous gift from the Pittsburgh Penguins Foundation and the Citrone Fund. Dave Soltesz, President of the Pittsburgh Penguins Foundation, presented a check for sixty-five thousand dollars to the Westmoreland Intermediate Unit Foundation.
The funds will be used to develop the Center for Innovation and Creativity in Education, also known as Center I.C.E., at the Westmoreland Intermediate Unit administration building in Greensburg, PA. Dave Soltesz believes that the WIU is building a resource that others across the region will want to replicate.
WIU Supervisor of Educational Technology and Curriculum, Tim Hammill is leading the project for the WIU and is excited about the opportunities and potential that this initiative brings to the region. “This gift will allow the Westmoreland Intermediate Unit to move forward with plans to support new initiatives in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math (STEAM) as well as programs that will enhance the resources that are available to Westmoreland County Schools” says Hammill.
About The Center for Innovation and Creativity in Education
Designed to serve as a catalyst for transforming education in our region, the “Center for Innovation and Creativity in Education” facility will be a state-of-the-art collaborative initiative that will provide a much needed space for students, teachers and administrators to learn new strategies and techniques required to meet the demands of our students. From 3D printing to robotics in autism research, It is more than just a space. It is a way of thinking about the process of re-making education to fit the needs of today’s students and provide the skills required by employers.
With a focus on innovation and creativity, the facility will be an active learning environment with hands-on training and work spaces that allow all participants to work with new technologies and processes. Project based learning and team building strategies will be employed to create an environment that fosters collaboration and an entrepreneurial spirit. At the heart of the new space will be the makerspace component that will bring robotics, prototyping tools, electronics and much more to the hands of those interested in teaching and learning with these amazing tools.
As educators we know that the students of today must learn to be creative thinkers and problem solvers. These skills will be vital to their future success and it is essential that our schools evolve and embrace this belief.
As it is the mission of the Westmoreland Intermediate Unit to provide resources, education, assistance and leadership, we are committed to this project as a means to provide the tools necessary for our schools to offer an effective 21st century learning environment and effectively prepare students for the future they are facing.
Project Timeline
Work has already begun at the WIU Administration Building and will continue through July. A grand-opening celebration will take place in August to coincide with the start of the new school year.
Contact
To learn more about this project, please contact
Tim Hammill, Supervisor of Educational Technology and Curriculum
Westmoreland Intermediate Unit
102 Equity Drive
Greensburg PA 15601
(724) 836-2460 x2305
Visit the project website at http://centerICE.wiu7.org
Visit the project blog at http://blog.centerICE.wiu7.org
Twitter – @wiu_centerice
New Flooring!
Westmoreland Central CTC Floor Installation Crew
On Thursday, a crew from Westmoreland Central CTC installed almost 1500 square feet of new flooring! The crew of 12 students along with their teacher worked throughout the day to complete the job! A great big thank you to all who participated! Great job guys!