As I wrap up a very productive trip to Miami this week and head to Texas for another project, here are a few reflections.
Six teams of middle and high school students from in and around Miami presented the research work that they completed in their schools as part of the “Growing Beyond Earth” grant awarded to the Fairchild Tropical Botanic Gardens funded by the #NASA at the Miami Maker Faire that is celebrating a decade of success of Making itself.
My heart is full of hope for these exceptional students who have not only shown what they have learned through the project but truly exhibited HOW plant research is done in controlled lab environments-randomized controlled trail and all.
The Miami Maker Faire is an annual event that celebrates creativity, innovation, and hands-on learning. This year’s event took place at the University of Miami’s Watsco Center on April 15-16. The event brought together over 250 makers, educators, parents, children, inventors, and tinkerers (including reps from AWS, Boston Dynamics) from a wide range of backgrounds, including STEM, manufacturing, arts, and crafts. There was a soap maker, a t-shirt printer, an ice cream maker, several 3-d printers, and a soldering workshop on site too! Miami Dade Public Library was there to promote community access to equity-focused Making opportunities at their location(s).
I saw a very diverse array of exhibits and demonstrations showcasing the latest in DIY technology, art, research, and innovation. I participated in hands-on workshops and attended some talks by experts in the maker community.
The Miami Maker Faire turned out to be a great opportunity for the GBE schools and the MarsFarm team to showcase their work for the Fairchild Tropical Botanic Gardens. The event provided space for makers and enthusiasts to connect with like-minded individuals, share their creations, and learn new skills. The event had something for everyone, from young children to seasoned professionals, and provided a fun and engaging way to explore the world of making.
On Making
In the world of making, we find,
A place where creativity combines,
With tools and materials of all kinds,
To bring our wildest dreams to life.
With hands that shape and eyes that see,
We craft new things, with ingenuity,
From wood and metal, clay and glass,
To software code and circuits fast.
Through trial and error, we learn and grow,
And let our imaginations flow,
Until our projects take on a life,
Of their own, beyond our strife.
And though we may not always succeed,
We know that we have what we need,
To try again, to persevere,
And make our visions crystal clear.
For in the world of making, we find,
A place where anything is possible, in mind,
Where we can be our truest selves,
And create the world we want to find.
Hope to return to the FTBG and the Miami Maker Faire again next year!
