The nature of learning – fast and slow
It struck me early this morning how there is a fundamental tension built right into teaching and learning. These two elements are in constant tension…
Category: Innovative Arts
21 Cardboard Projects for Creative Classrooms and ‘Thinking like a designer!’
These projects are perfect for giving students a way to grow creatively and get their first hundred mistakes out of the way. We use them…
REAL examples of student choice in the classroom
If you’re new to this site, “examples of student choice in the classroom” is a great way to get acquainted. Innovative Arts is my dream…
We need a new vision for education
It is really easy to criticize education, principals, teachers. It's a lot harder to propose actual solutions.
You hear it all the time - "Why don'…
‘Shift’ technology resources being developed
The ‘Shift‘ in ‘Puzzle Shift Create‘ is short for ‘Shifting how we use technology’ Topics that I need to formalize from class: On this site,…
20+ Fun Ideas for a STEM Project!
I started as a science teacher and have been designing and implementing STEM project ideas for over a decade. Check out the resources that are…
Redo-ing the ‘why’ on this site
The first tagline, which I found in the 3-year-old settings of this site, were “Free creator resources for all students.” That’s a ‘what’, not a…
What I learned from 100+ programs in libraries
In 2015, I started a hands-on STEM library program. Libraries hired me to present as a part of their summer reading programs. In all the…
Who, What, Why for Innovative Arts
Who? Just me for now. Maybe more someday. What? Helping students reengage in their own education. Showing how mindsets, practice, growth, and basic creation skills…
First Day of School – Introducing ‘Innovative Arts’ to returning students!
I've spent the summer integrating and redesigning Innovative Arts class from the bottom up! Explaining it to students is a challenge, since this clas…
Chalk on Glass – Designer Practice
Watch this video for details on this practice! Useful links for teachers:
Eyes and Eyebrows – Designer Practice!
This is a Level 1 Designer project. In this project, you will need to practice making different emotions using only eyes and eyebrows. Try to…
Projector Aided Drawing! – Level 1 Designer project!
This is a Level 1 Designer project. This project can be simple… but is is more fun if you make it a challenge! Trace many…
Make a Flip Book!
This is a Level 1 Designer project. You can create a flipbook that is 100% on paper. This video shows a fast way to combine…
Play this while your students brainstorm!
I made this to help my students brainstorm. The random words, settings and project ideas that are on this video really the ideas start to flow.
Plea…
Laura Kampf – Making cool and clever projects!
Laura makes really cool stuff on her YouTube channel. I like to learn how she makes things out of wood and metal the most. Some…
Make a Marble Maze! – Level 1 Designer project!
This project can be simple... but is is more fun if you make it a challenge! Popsicle sticks on a piece of cardboard (or foamboard) can be a great cha…
Neon Sign project w/straws and pipe cleaners
This one will result in some interesting projects! The example project doesn't pop as well on camera - I will need to remake this video once we have s…