We have found that the best way to teach technology is by hands-on multidisciplinary projects that result in a functioning and cherished prototype. No previous science or engineering experience needed! Here’s our formula:
1. Identify fun, cool, and functional things to make.
2. Gather people enthusiastic about learning, even outside their comfort zone.
3. Guide and instruct these enthusiastic p
eople so they can build the cool things.
4. Confidence to try and build new things is in abundance! We have spent years in Iraq and Afghanistan rapidly prototyping technologies for the Warfighter in austere and dangerous conditions. We then began training and teaching engineers, military, and others to design and develop technologies that quickly and effectively solve a specific urgent and important problem. Now we want to take that experience and teach others how to make technologies that interest them, and have fun doing it. We love working with people and empowering them to boldly jump in and experience things like micro controllers, robotics, welding and mechanical design, coding/programming, and on and on…
Building Momentum is focused on teaching science and engineering skills through project ex*****on. What we have determined is that working towards a goal while learning technical skills is a better educational approach than lectures or labs. Each student will experience a broad mix of disciplines in each project, appreciating the scientific and engineering diversity comprising project success. Students also get to take home their project to adjust, refine, or improve upon it and…ultimately…learning from it. We are passionate about helping people understand and embrace new and emerging technologies (like 3D printers) so they can explore a previously intimidating world.
