One of the core foundations of how we teach physics at the Schwartz/Reisman center for science education is to bring the physics outside of the textbooks and equations to measure and explain the physical world. Thus experiments and demonstrations are an integral part of how we teach on a weekly basis. As a result of this type of teaching teachers feel more comfortable with experiments which encourages teachers to be more creative and opens new opportunities to design/redesign demonstrations and experiments.
The Gelfand FabLab was built to give teachers the tools and guidance to make their ideas come true.
A Fablab is a new type of Laboratory. It's a Fabrication laboratory, that houses modern manufacturing tools such as 3D Printers, Laser Cutter, Vinyl Cutter, Electronics Soldering station and more.
In the Fablab teachers redesign and create new demonstrations and experiments to enhance the learning experience of the students. In this presentation I will show you some of these demonstrations and activities that were developed by the teaching staff and myself and present a simple use of a 3D Printer.
Like any revolution there are many open challenges in how to best implement and share and spread these new ideas and capabilities and what is their true value.