Brilliant Labs Magazine: Future Forward by Brilliant Labs

Volume 4 Issue 3

REVUE

MAGAZINE

Welcome: HERNAN LOPEZ IAN FOGARTY LEARNING BRILLIANT LABS THROUGH SPEAKER SERIES DESIGN WITH TOSCA TERÁN

LES ARTS ET LA CRÉATION TAKE 5: Terry LaVallee

Volume 4 Issue 3

Brilliant Labs Magazine Revue Labos Créatifs

This Issue |Cette Édition Credits

This Issue | Cette édition

Welcome. Bienvenue.

Welcome, Hernan Lopez

Take: 5 Terry Lavallee

Brilliant Labs Speaker Series: Tosca Terán

Create, Design, Innovate: b.Board

Family Maker Series

Making In High School

Learning Through Design

How To Projects

Community of the Future

Défi innovation- Communauté du futur

Robotz Got Brilliance

Mon Robot a du Talent

Empathic Students

L’éducation en nature: la connexion émotive et le bien-être

Education in Nature: Emotional Connection & Wellness

Sowing Seeds of Happiness

L’espace créatif naturel, un petit bĳou à découvrir!

Le continuum d'apprentissage Maker Naturel

Natural Maker learning continuum

En route vers la fabrication avec la nature

Les arts et la création

Credits

Brilliant Labs Magazine Revue Labos Créatifs

Welcome. Bienvenue. JEFF WILLSON, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR | DIRECTEUR GÉNÉRAL

Our communities, leaders, healthcare and frontline workers are making significant contributions and finding ways to try and keep us safe, while teachers and students are finding ways to stay engaged with learning during the various stages of lockdown. Brilliant Labs is also continually making adjustments to the way we work and connect with others, and with spring on the horizon we are re-energized and look forward to a future with endless potential. In this edition of Brilliant Labs Magazine: Future Forward, we share stories from our community of makers and educators who are looking forward to the future. We explore how teachers and students consider real-world problems as they participate in the our “Community of the Future” Innovation Challenge where we ask students to consider one, or more, of the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and design a solution for which will benefit communities. Often, Brilliant Labs is synonymous with the idea of creating and problem solving using code and prototyping hardware. However, this is not always the case! Alisha Collins, Brilliant Labs Creative Catalyst, has been developing cutting-edge, hands-on biodesign adventures, through our Biomaking initiative. It’s goal is to foster curiosity in exploring complex biological systems in nature to solve critical problems. Through Biomaking, which is an emerging field and being explored in our summer camps, after school programs, projects and makerspaces, consists of bio-fabrication, biomimicry, and bio-collaboration where youth learn to collaborate with mycelium and harmless microbes like fungi, bacteria, yeast, and algae to design meaningful projects for a sustainable future. To further illustrate the power of biology, the most recent Brilliant Labs Speaker Series’ guest: Toss Terán, presented her work in the bioscience sonification of fungi and trees with mycologists and botanists. It was an incredible way to consider the connection between humans and the environment. This inspirational guest has spurred us to dig deeper and challenge ourselves to think about the future of bioscience. In this issue we also explore how making and hands-on learning continued virtually as Lesa Scott, Program Specialist, with help from colleagues introduced families to a monthly virtual making sessions called the Family Maker Series. This program, with the help of local libraries, offers participants monthly themed kits for intergenerational creativity and problem solving with family. An overwhelming number of makers of all ages eagerly log on every month to create and learn together. We encouraged families to upcycle and consider how they can help limit waste, or repurpose it, to help make a better future for the next generation. We also took our MakerFun series to a new level over the winter as we completed production of our first five episodes of b.Brilliant. Created for young innovators, b.Brilliant follows young makers as they consider the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and how to help create solutions, while being supported by “BB”, the lab’s A.I. as it plays light-hearted pranks on the show’s teacher Mr. Lingley. The series focuses on young makers from across Atlantic Canada, and interviews with experts on everything from renewable energy to biomaking. Viewers can interact with the b.Brilliant Team by emailing their project and questions while participating at home or in class through the b.Brilliant Maker Guide that will be available on our website when the show launches this spring. We are also excited to introduce students and innovators to the newest version of the b.Board. It is now easier than ever for youth and educators to easily prototype their own products, devices, inventions, and harness the power of the cloud through onboard WiFi for IoT. We’ve also included onboard BLiXels , motor drivers, servo pins, speaker, microphone, and more, the new b.Board will truly be a ‘superhero cape’ for the Micro:Bit and the newest version is currently making its way to classrooms throughout Atlantic Canada for projects, and our innovation challenges like Robotz Got Talent and Mission:Mars! Now join us explore the future forward ideas by first welcoming our newest Brilliant Labs team member, Hernan Lopez, b.Board Project Manager as he shares his journey and goals for launching the new b.Board.

Nos communautés, nos dirigeants, nos professionnels de la santé et nos travailleurs de première ligne apportent des contributions significatives et trouvent des moyens de nous garder en sécurité, tandis que les enseignants et les élèves trouvent des moyens de rester engagés dans l'apprentissage pendant les différentes phases du confinement. Labos Créatifs adapte sa façon de travailler et de se connecter avec les autres continuellement, et avec le printemps qui est arrivé, nous nous sommes réénergisés et nous avançons toujours vers un futur avec un potentiel infini. Dans cette édition du magazine Labos Créatifs : Future Forward, nous partageons les histoires de notre communauté de fabricants et d'éducateurs qui se projettent dans l'avenir. Nous découvrons comment les enseignants et les élèves envisagent des problèmes du monde réel en participant à notre défi d'innovation « Communauté du futur », dans lequel nous demandons aux élèves de considérer l'un ou plusieurs des 17 objectifs de développement durable (ODD) des Nations unies et de concevoir une solution qui profitera aux communautés. Labos Créatifs est souvent synonyme de création et de résolution de problèmes à l'aide de code et de matériel de prototypage. Pourtant, ce n'est pas toujours le cas ! Alisha Collins, catalyseur créatif de Labos Créatifs, a développé des idées novatrices de biodesign dans le cadre de notre initiative Biomaking. L'objectif est d'encourager la curiosité en explorant des systèmes biologiques complexes dans la nature pour résoudre des problèmes critiques. Le Biomaking, qui est un domaine émergent et qui est exploré dans nos camps d'été, nos programmes parascolaires, nos projets et nos espaces de fabrication. Il consiste en la biofabrication, le biomimétisme et la biocollaboration. Les jeunes apprennent à collaborer avec le mycélium et des microbes inoffensifs comme les champignons, les bactéries, les levures et les algues afin de concevoir des projets significatifs pour un avenir durable. Pour illustrer davantage le pouvoir de la biologie, le dernier invité de la série de conférences Labos Créatifs : Toss Terán, a présenté son travail dans la sonification bioscientifique des champignons et des arbres avec des mycologues et des botanistes. C'était une façon incroyable de considérer le lien entre les humains et l'environnement. Cette invitée inspirante nous a incités à creuser davantage et à nous mettre au défi de réfléchir à l'avenir des biosciences. Dans ce numéro, nous explorons également la manière dont la fabrication et l'apprentissage pratique se sont poursuivis virtuellement. Lesa Scott qui est spécialiste des programmes a présenté avec l’aide de ses collègues des sessions mensuelles de fabrication virtuelle appelées « Série Créative Familiale » aux familles du Nouveau-Brunswick. Ce programme, avec l'aide des bibliothèques publiques, offre aux participants des trousses thématiques mensuelles pour la créativité intergénérationnelle et la résolution de problèmes en famille. Un nombre impressionnant de fabricants de tous âges se connectent chaque mois avec enthousiasme pour créer et apprendre ensemble. Nous avons encouragé les familles à recycler et à réfléchir à la manière dont elles peuvent contribuer à limiter les déchets, ou à les réutiliser, afin d'assurer un meilleur avenir à la prochaine génération. Nous avons également porté notre série FunCréatif à un niveau supérieur au cours de l'hiver en terminant la production des cinq premiers épisodes de b.Brilliant. Créé pour les jeunes innovateurs, b.Brilliant suit de jeunes fabricants qui réfléchissent aux 17 objectifs de développement durable (ODD) des Nations unies et à la manière de contribuer à la création de solutions, tout en étant accompagnés par "BB", l'IA du laboratoire, qui joue des tours amusants à M. Lingley, le professeur de l'émission. La série présente de jeunes créateurs du Canada atlantique et des entrevues avec des experts dans des domaines aussi variés que les énergies renouvelables ou la fabrication de biomatériaux. Les téléspectateurs peuvent interagir avec l'équipe de b.Brilliant en envoyant par courriel leur projet et leurs questions, tout en participant à la maison ou en classe, grâce au Guide du créateur b.Brilliant qui sera disponible sur notre site Web lors du lancement de l'émission au printemps. Nous sommes également ravis de présenter aux élèves et aux innovateurs la toute nouvelle version du b.Board. Il est maintenant plus facile que jamais pour les jeunes et les éducateurs de créer le prototype de leurs propres produits, dispositifs ou inventions. La nouvelle version du b.Bard vous permettra aussi d'exploiter la puissance du nuage grâce au Wifi embarqué pour l'IoT. Nous avons également intégré BLiXels, des pilotes de moteur, des broches d'asservissement, un hautparleur, un microphone et bien plus encore. La nouvelle b.Board sera véritablement une « cape de super-héros » pour le Micro:Bit. Sa toute nouvelle version fait actuellement son chemin dans les salles de classe du Canada atlantique pour des projets et nos défis d'innovation comme «Mon robot a de la créativité» et «Mission:Mars!» Joignez-vous à nous pour explorer les idées avant-gardistes de notre nouveau membre de l'équipe de Labos Créatifs, Hernan Lopez, chef de projet b.Board, qui nous parle de son parcours et de ses objectifs pour le lancement du nouveau b.Board. Brilliant Labs Magazine Revue Labos Créatifs

PHOTOS SUBMITTED

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Welcome, Hernan Lopez At Brilliant Labs we encourage you to be inspired to create with technology rather an consumers of it. grew up in Bogotá - Colombia, then I move to Canada three years ago with my family. You’ve studied here: Yes, I moved to Saint John to study a 2-year program at NBCC, I studied Energy Systems Technology to complement my studies in Colombia where I studied Electronic Engineering and Project Management under the PMI and Scrum methodologies. Your favorite making story is: Definitively Apple, I am a fan of all Apple products, its history of creation and evolution, how they found the perfect niche for its product and how they manage to have faithful consumers like me, I find it fascinating. My first inspiration was my father, an innovative man, entrepreneur and excellent salesman, who gave me my first computer in 1986 when this was a totally strange item unknown to most in my country. With this first computer I learned to program by myself, I opened it with much fear of damaging it but quite curious and eager to learn how it worked, I managed to understand and learn to assemble computers, all this allowed me to find my passion for technology and communications that I maintain with the same enthusiasm, every time I see or program a new device I remember my first computer. This past fall Brilliant Labs had the pleasure of welcoming Hernan Lopez to our team as [Technology Development Project Manager. Where did you grow up and how did you come to work for Brilliant Labs? I grew up in Bogotá - Colombia and three years ago we decided with my wife and daughter to migrate to Canada, so I chose the Energy Systems Technology study program from NBCC, one day we were at with my daughter in Market Square visiting a fair and suddenly my daughter saw some robots that were in the stand of Brilliant Labs and immediately wanted to go to play with robots, the truth is that she did not want to release them and almost did not let play other children, at that time I met Jeff and while talking I realized that in Brilliant Labs they did everything I liked and passionate about, then I started volunteering to fix a 3D printer, then I Brilliant Labs Magazine Revue Labos Créatifs

did my NBCC degree work with the support of Jeff and Brilliant Labs, the work was a "Prototype of Energy Management System using b.Board Device", finally in June 2020 I received my degree from NBCC and then I started working with Brilliant Labs, which has been very rewarding for me and a unique experience.

to work hard and overcome any obstacle no matter how high it is.

“M

In your lifetime has anyone inspired you to change your mind, for the better, to overcome an obstacle?

y daughter is definitely my greatest inspiration, she has allowed me to see things differently and change myself.

My daughter is definitely my greatest inspiration, she has allowed me to see things differently and change myself. When you are a parent you work every day knowing your responsibility to society and your child. I want to be an example and guide for her. This inspires me makes 6

building my own hardware or software and project management. I could spend days, weeks, full months immersed in my software or hardware development projects, until I achieve the final result.

Brilliant Labs Magazine Revue Labos Créatifs

What is your passion? My passion is without a doubt my profession, I am passionate about technology, communications,

Tell us about your favourite project.

My favorite project was the construction of a mobile radar tower for aircraft landing in emergencies, it was very interesting because it involved all kinds of technical, mechanical and logistical challenges. This project enabled me to acquire new knowledge on the purchase, installation and commissioning of control tower components, travel to the production plants to personally

supervise the manufacture of the main equipment and it was very exciting to see how this was finally transported and raised automatically to go into operation and then moved to another track. What goals do you have as you work with Brilliant Labs? My goals are to make the bBoard and the Brilliant Labs Learning Kits reach many more children around the world and make it easier for everyone to learn about new technologies, different programming languages and systems used in the industry. What project challenge would you give to students who want to someday work in the Information Communication Technology field? I would recommend programming

challenges that involve communication between multiple devices and collaborative work between multiple machines. The ways to solve these challenges are varied, interesting and expand the possibilities of learning and help to prepare for the field of ICT. What advice would you give teachers or parents who are interested in exposing youth to electronics, coding or electrical engineering fields? The best advice I can give you is to break paradigms and give every child the opportunity to explore, disarm and have contact with the fields of electronics, coding or electrical engineering, regardless of age or gender, as the father of a 7year-old girl I have been able to observe that there is still a tendency in society to exclude girls from this

field, in my particular case I have exposed her from a very young age and I have noticed her growing interest in these fields, she generates ideas, she wants to make robots, she builds her prototypes in cardboard and I’m sure that just like her there are thousands of children who would want to develop their ideas. I am happy to be working on the b.Board project to help support youth, teachers and parents - as together, we can help inspire dreams into reality.

If you have questions about the b.Board and how this rapid prototyping tool can help youth and innovators, let’s connet you with Hernan or visit brilliantlabs.ca/bboard for information. Email: hernanl@brilliantlabs.ca Brilliant Labs Magazine Revue Labos Créatifs

It is a pleasure to introduce Terry LaVallee, Assistant Principal and Grade 6 Teacher in Pasadena, NL. Teaching for over 24 years, he is passionate about focusing his classrooms around student collaboration, teamwork, critical thinking, creativity and problem-solving.

Terry helped to develop one of the first maker spaces in his region. Supporting and building capacity in his school so students can have unique learning opportunities is important to him. He did this by starting the Genius Hour where students are given the opportunity to work on projects they are most passionate about. Inspiring young people by connecting with them, giving them encouragement and essential feedback helps Terry create an environment where students can become the very best version of themselves.

TAKE

INTRODUCTION WRITTEN BY JOHN BARRON, NL | BRILLIANT LABS PROGRAM COORDINATOR

Sharing and staying connected is an important part of Terry’s work-life balance. To support this, he is active on social media to support good practices with colleagues who reach out to him for help. Terry shares his work with students locally, nationally and internationally by engaging students where they are, both physically and within their journey as learners. This style of teaching is fostering active and engaged life-long learners. Understanding this connection that is paramount to developing critical thinking, communication, character and citizenship. Let’s chat with Terry and Take:5 tips from our discussion! You've been a teacher for how many years? This is Year 25 in education. Most of those years were in administration as Principal. I have re-invested myself in the classroom directly for the past 4 ½ years. Why did you become a teacher? There’s no simple or easy answer to that. It took me some time to find my calling when I was younger. I studied pharmacy in university, but it wasn’t my calling. Next I experimented with business courses but I was never a blatant selfpromoter; we need entrepreneurs for that! I have no family members who are teachers so it was, to put it bluntly, a process of elimination. I always felt satisfied when I was helping people. I certainly do not regret my decision! 8

Brilliant Labs Magazine Revue Labos Créatifs

Open your classroom or maker area to students and alike. Working collaborativly helps to inspire learning for both students and collegues.

Knowing that learners function differently and, to be successful, we need teach each individual child.

Brilliant Labs Magazine Revue Labos Créatifs

Remember why you chose to become a teacher. Chances are, like Terry, you are inspired by helping others.

In your lifetime has anyone inspired you to change your mind, for the better, to overcome an obstacle? So many possible answers to that question. My grade 11 teacher, Mr. Joe Bonvie, inspired me to think outside the box. He taught history 3201 but he made it real, he made me think, he got you to role-play - he made the content come to life and inspired me to study history in university. In my first year of teaching there was a young student in upper elementary who struggled significantly in school. It was my first year teaching, 24 years old, and green. The educational psychologist for the school recommended that I record myself onto cassette tapes so that my student could listen to me reading different selections the night before we did the content in class. I was very resistant at first, selfishly thinking about my own possibility of embarrassment. But I followed the advice of the “expert” and started recording selections from the language arts program for him. Within a few weeks, engagement had changed significantly. Every now and then his mother would make fun of me walking up and down the road, saying she loves to listen to my voice! That was embarrassing, but the young man’s commitment to trying to do better, based on that one intervention, inspired me to understand that learners function differently and that, to be successful, I had to start tying into each individual child. That was in 1996. A former administrator friend of mine practised the mantra “less is more”. No other words have done more for me in assisting students, peers, even parents and guardians in understanding how different needs for different learners can unfold, be tapped into and serviced. That thinking has helped me set up my classroom, manage and direct my schools, and guide and inspire all levels of learning. Learning is about purity; it’s about relationships between people, not the nice desks, or the pretty organizers, or the laminated posters, or anything along those lines. Trust is

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my resource for teaching, everything else is superfluous - less is more.

Sometimes reaching learners means we need to let go and get out of our comfort zones.

What is the most memorable moment as a teacher? Way way too many to list. Any “a-ha” moment for a student in our classroom. Professional development-wise, hands down, the trip I was honoured to be given based on collaboration between TESIC in our province and Brilliant Labs. We got to attend ISTE 2019 in New Orleans. SINCE THEN, I have become a stronger advocate for student-driven curricula. Has a student ever inspired you? Period by period. Every class. Every day. Tell us about a project (or challenge) that helped students improve their learning experience? How did it make you feel? I take gambles on pedagogy that seems to incorporate student voice in any decisions around the resource or strategy. My gamble always pays off. Any time you build your learning events around students' lives and their interests, causing them to connect to the content, you’re going to have success. Whether that’s with technology, robots, drama, manipulatives, or anything else, all else is irrelevant. Recently I was able to get some PD in Minecraft. The achievement of 100% engagement in a math task, live, organized by me but led by them, was a moment I was proud of and definitely felt was a success for all of us! Since last March, we’ve seen incredible changes in our world and its effect on education. What is your perspective on virtual learning and what advice would you give to teachers? It highlighted many strengths and

“Less is More” - It’s about relationships between people, trust, and keeping it simple. Learning happens when we meet each other in the middle.

Brilliant Labs Magazine Revue Labos Créatifs

inequities in the virtual world within the education of our children’s population and families. We cannot go back in time to last March, so I cannot offer advice, because it’ll never happen for the first time again. I would advise people who teach, in case you go back online again, to make sure you have a connection with every single student you are responsible for, especially before you go to the virtual learning platforms. Otherwise, disconnected students are the first ones who will not bother to turn on the computer, let alone go face-to-face with you or check their emails. We’ll never be able to build on the foundation that comes from your classroom, through their computer screen and into their homes, without this connection between teacher and learner. How has your classroom experience changed and how do you inspire your students? Teaching doesn’t feel onerous nor “routine” for me. Every year a lesson, task, unit or project unfolds differently based on the students in our group. Last year Genius Hour was easily embedded in the instruction. This year, with such less access to technology due to COVID-19 rules, different specifics need to be used to maximize engagement, differently from last year. I inspire my students to challenge themselves and 12

Brilliant Labs Magazine Revue Labos Créatifs

me to find the most engaging learning video, to make instructional videos by and for their peers, to communicate their learning to ALL (peers, home, other teachers / schools), and to not be afraid of making mistakes. As we say daily in class, “Failure is Step 1” Other closing thoughts? The faster we professionals in the teaching field give up our tight grasp on how the objectives have to be taught, and allow collaboration from the students (if not ownership) of how they want to learn these objectives, the closer we will be to a more universal design for learning, and for helping to shape the 22nd century learner. Terry’s Good Reads Jo Boaler - Limitless Mind Malcolm Gladwell Outliers John Hattie - Visible Learning Robert Munsch - Love You Forever David Shannon - No David! Guy Strickland - Bad Teachers

TAKE 5 is a regular feature in Brilliant Labs magazine. If you know a teacher who has inspired students or community. Let’s connect and share their story. Email info@brilliantlabs.ca Subject: TAKE 5

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Alisha Collins | Creative Catalyst | Brilliant Labs Supported by Alex Hughes, Communications Assistant

BRILLIANT LABS SPEAKER SERIES WITH TOSCA TERÁN The Brilliant Labs Speaker Series is a regular virtual discussion with experts from around the globe who share their work and passion for bio-science, entrepreneurship and education to inspire teachers and youth to solve real world problems. The Brilliant Labs Speaker Series is a regular virtual discussion with experts from around the globe who share their work and passion for bio-science, entrepreneurship and education to inspire teachers and youth to solve real world problems.

In February we were delighted to welcome interdisciplinary artist Tosca Terán as a featured speaker. She works at the intersection of art and ecology. Her work has been featured at so far New York, Culture Canada and Metalsmith Magazine among others. She was one of the bio artists in residence at the Museum of Contemporary Art Toronto in partnership with Ontario Science Centre. In her work, she has explored the bioscience sonification of fungi and trees with mycologists and botanists.

Brilliant Labs Magazine Revue Labos Créatifs

Tosca is researching renewable and sustainable materials, but that hasn't always been the case. For a long time a metalsmith and glass artist . She became interested in how she could recycle and upcycled materials. This led her to work with mycelium and mushroom material. Mycelium grows underground and it creates a communication network in forests between the trees. How we know that this network is there is because we see mushrooms. Her work in the past has incorporated sound. Her work with sound began with metal and glass and continued with mycelium. She was interested in discovering if she could hear the mycelium and what that sounded like. She researched electronic circuits and ways to hook up a microphone and hear the

mushrooms growing, communicating or sending nutrients. "When I figured out the circuitry for bio certification… I was shocked, surprised and delighted by what I was able to hear from the mycelium." Toscá tells us about how her new found interest evolved in stating. " I started wanting to travel all over Canada and all over the world as much as I was able to. To start recording different fungi and do they sound different, if I use the same parameters. I wanted to know what I could discover. I received funding to travel and live in Iceland. There's lots of moss and lichen and all kinds of fungi

“I

started wanting to travel all over Canada and all over the world as much as I was able to. To start recording different fungi and do they sound different... Tosca Terán, Interdisciplinary Artist exploring the bioscience sonification of fungi and trees with mycologists and botanists.

PHOTO BY LUKAS KOKKONEN ON UNSPLASH

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that grow in Iceland. The Bio Sonification work was sculpting with mycelium. Mushrooms need a substrate. They need material to grow on as a nutrient. I wondered how I might be able to use that to sculpt different forms. I started creating these really giant Mycelium sculptures and keeping the sound component there, I would have my bio sonification modules hooked up to them." Tosca explains, “Bio modules are translating the detecting micro fluctuations in conductivity between a thousand and a hundred thousandth of a second and that gets translated into midi notes and controls. Midi enables us to hook up to synthesizers and digital workstations or music applications like GarageBand Logic or Ableton Live.” For her residency at MOCA in partnership with the Ontario Science Centre. She was given the theme of Space for her project. The theme was based on the moon landing and upcoming events surrounding Mars. She built a 16 and a half by eight and a half foot

structure and 3D printing PLA nodes. PLA nodes hold wooden struts together.” By salvaging wood and PLA to print out all of the nodes. The Mycelium panels used to build the Dome were 5’x5’x5’. She was able to successfully grow 23 panels. The panels could not be grown within the wood itself. The purpose of this project was to take the Dome to Mars. The mycelium was grown directly within the struts, which was the most successful way of doing it. This is a bio sonification component. To find inspiration she looked at what had been done before and found that NASA, the European Space Agency and the Canadian Space Agency had been researching mycelium as different growth material that could be sent to the Moon and Mars. There are many reasons but one of the more significant is that spores could be sent to space. Sending mycelium would be easier than building materials. This method could support the growth of structures on Mars. NASA has entered Phase two of growing the mycelium, which is how to dry out the mycelium once

“B

io remediation has great potential because mushrooms have the ability to clean up the ecosystems that have been damaged by oil spills or pesticides for instance.

geodesic structure. She initially wanted to build the dome entirely biodegradable using cardboard as the strut. The Armature and the

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it's done growing. In 2018, Tosca was awarded an environmental award to be able to

travel and conduct research in Australia with botanists and mycologists and to New Zealand to learn about the kauri trees from Maori Rangers. Tosca shared how mycelium can be used for everyday products too, like making shoes or lampshades. “So they're growing mycelium over steamer baskets that they've sterilized to be able to get the mushroom to grow on. And people use 3D printing like filament. Chairs can be created by using a sugar based 3D filament that smells really good when it's being printed out and then they fill it with mycelium inoculated substrate and that allows the mycelium to grow.” Tosca is also fascinated with Bio remediation. Bio remediation has great potential because mushrooms have the ability to clean up the ecosystems that have been damaged by oil spills or pesticides for instance. Tosca has developed information for others to do their own mushroom experiments with mycelium at home or in a school environment very easily without needing expensive lab equipment. There are different advantages of working with mycelium and all its capabilities. It has great potential for many other things, she says. It is partially like fire resistant and water resistant. Under certain certain circumstances it can be mold resistant. She says, because it is a mushroom there is usually straw or hemp substrate within it that is needed if you're building structures. Of course, cement concrete is stronger, but there are some

Photos captured from Toscá’s Brilliant labs Speaker Series Discussion. YouTube | Brilliant Labs Brilliant Labs Magazine Revue Labos Créatifs

really good advantages that mycelium has over it. She has also started looking at mycorrhizal fungi and more about the concept of how trees and plants communicate in a forest through a network of mycorrhizal fungi. Later this year she will be creating the Mycorrhizal Rhythm machine. It is a design from IKEA space 10, It's a laser cut grow room. It is similar to an outdoor Greenhouse. She says she intends to start different plants that have a symbiosis with mycorrhizal fungi. Most plants do it is really a way for plants to just be super healthy over several months the plants will grow and there will be a mycelium or Mycorrhizal Soundscape that will be happening that people will be able to interact with and hear the difference. How these sounds change over time as the plants grow at the Museum in Kitchener. She also has a forest under sound that is up for Sonica 21 and for this was used for a cardboard culture idea. She tells us 18

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that this was when she had a substrate. There are electrodes within the case that are in amongst the mycelium and they're coming out to bio sonification modules, which are hooked up to a gyro rack system. It's a custom-made synthesizer.

revolution or dysbiosis which can lead to a COVID-19 situation or worse.

She tells us of the new nature exchange with the Goethe Institute Montreal and Berlin that happened. It was fantastic. She was honored to be invited as a presenter. They are working with bio sonification from fungi. Using mycelium to interact in a virtual reality environment and control the environment. It's not a game.

Brilliant Labs Speaker Series is a monthly LIVE discussion with experts from around the globe.

It will be an experience where people can go within a forest and interact with the trees just like you would but in this case you're seeing Immediately how fungi and the different organisms within a forest react and respond to people's presence. Whether it's for symbiosis, which can lead to a

Visit Brilliant Labs’ YouTube Channel for Toscá’s tells us about how her new talk and be inspired by her art, science and passion.

If you have an idea or know an inspiring maker, email us at info@brilliantlabs, Subject: SpeakerSeries

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BY AARON RECTOR

Brilliant Labs Magazine Revue Labos Créatifs

Innovation, education, and creation. The b.Board is Atlantic Canada’s own open-source solution to your educational, personal, and professional rapid prototyping needs. The makeroriented design includes integrated Micro:bit compatibility, microphones and speakers, servo pins, gator grabber ports, mikroBUS sockets, and near limitless modularity to empower you to create, design, and innovate.

coding compatibility, b.Board projects can be anything from first-time tinkering projects to industry-grade solutions. The Micro:bit is better with the b.Board. Imagine your Micro:bit controlling hundreds of servo motors, connected to dozens of sensors and inputs, securely connecting up to 16 alligator clips, and running smoothly without worrying about power supply concerns. The b.Board is your solution for both small and large scale projects! To learn more about the b.Board, and to secure your spot as an early access innovator, contact us at info@brilliantlabs.ca.

With more than 660 compatible sensors and actuators, and more always in the works, the b.Board is the perfect companion to your Micro:bit projects. By expanding the scope of your Micro:bit, the b.Board will allow you to explore technology projects ranging from IOT, to household applications, to education, and any other technological innovation yet to be devised. The b.Board is your Micro:bit’s very own superhero cape! Bridging the gap between ease of use and in depth specialization, the b.Board is your all-in-one rapid prototyping and making platform. Empowering students and creators to make, design, and learn in a socially responsible and entrepreneurially-minded way, the b.Board is both easy to use and infinite in potential. The b.Board is a STEAM toolkit for tech gurus and new coders alike. Combining open-source potential with intuitive design, the b.Board will inspire both seasoned coding veterans and fresh-eyed students to create, design, and code, in a user friendly and entrepreneurial manner. With Javascript, Python, and easy-to-use block style Brilliant Labs Magazine Revue Labos Créatifs

• BRILLIANT LABS IN PARTNERSHIP WITH SELECTED NEW BRUNSWICK PUBLIC LIBRARIES

FAMILY

MakerSeries By Lesa Scott, NB North Program Specialist, Brilliant Labs

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Brilliant Labs Magazine Revue Labos Créatifs

This year Brilliant Labs embarked on a monthly virtual challenge called the Family Maker Series. These challenges welcomed makers from across Atlantic Canada and beyond to create something new together at home. With the help of participating local libraries in New Brunswick we were able to create kits for pick up. For those who lived in communities that did not have a participating public library a supplies list was shared. Items were often easily found and mostly made up of materials found in any home. Have you ever thought about how much waste we produce in the run of a year? Where does all that garbage end up? What natural resources are being depleted in the manufacturing of new products? The United Nations SDG #12 states that we, as countries, need to commit to making fundamental changes in the way that our societies produce and consume goods and services. One way that we, as eco-citizens, can help our country reach this goal by 2030 is to look closely at what we do with our waste, and seek opportunities where we can reduce, reuse or recycle. Adding a fourth option to that list would be upcycling. Upcycling is not the same as reusing or even recycling. Think of it as being a higher form of recycling. When you upcycle an item, you are changing its intended purpose into something better. Many items that are thrown in the trash still have lots of life left in them. Consider the proverb, one man’s trash is another man’s treasure, before sending anything to the dumpster. Instead of Brilliant Labs Magazine Revue Labos Créatifs

throwing those old glass bottles out, why not make them into decorative vases? Upcycling does not have to take a lot of time and it is a fun activity for any age to do. It is something that families can work on together, and it is also a great cross-curricular classroom project suitable for any grade from K-12. Why not turn your passion for upcycling into a business venture and become part of the circular green economy?

Brilliant Labs Magazine Revue Labos Créatifs

Getting started in upcycling can be as easy as taking old magazine pages and making them into beads to create jewellery or use those beads to decorate photo frames. Imagine selling those products to raise money for local charities. You can also turn those colourful pages into accordion folded paper butterflies and use those butterflies to create garland for birthday parties or simply to add a touch of colour to a room.

Before you throw out that old magazine or get rid of that unused folding TV tray, take a second look and see what those items can become and give them a new life. Be a part of the solution for a better future for everyone. To help you get started, try the following activities and upcycle some colourful magazine pages into beads and butterflies.

Brilliant Labs Magazine Revue Labos Créatifs

MAKING IN

High School By Jeff Hennigar Program Specialist, Nova Scotia

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Brilliant Labs Magazine Revue Labos Créatifs

We love supporting teachers to help them make their over-the-top ideas a reality. With Brilliant Labs classroom project funding, thousands of teachers across Atlantic Canada have been able to remove the barrier of access to materials in order to bring powerful learning experiences to their students. Last fall, we were contacted by a teacher at Avon View High School , located in the Annapolis Valley, Nova Scotia. She heard about our funding opportunities from the Master’s program at Mt. St. Vincent University . Jackie Adams teaches several high school courses including Agriculture/ Agrifoods 11. The goals of her course are to help students understand some of the technology, processes, and impacts the agriculture industry has within Canada and on a global scale. When her students were learning about the potential of renewable energy within agriculture, she wanted them to have the opportunity to do more than just study the different forms of energy from books and internet searches. The project idea was for students to research/plan, design (using 3D modeling software such as SketchUp), and construct replicas of renewable energy models. Models included barns with solar panels, passive solar greenhouses, biodigesters powered by geothermal energy,and windmills or wind

Brilliant Labs Magazine Revue Labos Créatifs

turbines. After receiving news that her project would be funded, she allowed her students to create lists of the specific materials they would need to complete their projects. This offered the students ownership over the whole process, and engagement from the beginning. A few days later, her students received a large box with all the supplies they requested! “They often came in earlier or stayed after to work on the projects on their own,” Mrs. Adams explained. When asked about the benefits of maker education in her grade 11 classroom, Mrs. Adams feels the key benefits are student collaboration, the excitement of working with their hands, and being able to decide on what they wanted to build. “They really enjoyed seeing the models come together and being able to explain the theory behind the technology.”

To learn more about funding opportunities for teachers across Atlantic Canada, visit brilliantlabs.ca/funding

Brilliant Labs Magazine Revue Labos Créatifs

signal the end of their intermission. Perhaps we can extend their lead and create a place for both the school and the public to come together and instigate high level conversations leading to changed opinions. The project started with science students being challenged to consider questions around what is the purpose of art in general and what is the purpose of our art? Phillip Beesley, Director of the Architecture Systems Group (LASG) has been investigating how the built world might understand humans and also take care of them? Humans already add plants, paint walls and post art to influence our state of being. Is it possible for us to build something that helps us with our emotions, our sense of being, our humanity? Can we mimic human emotions to instigate dialogue? Perhaps future endeavours might proceed beyond mimicking and arrive at influencing and improving.

We used some theatre and improv exercises for students to act out different emotions. They made some graphs on how we might codify different emotions. They used custom designed software to help design a light profile to control how and when lights might turn on and off. We can add different sensors to the installation to make it sense and perhaps seem intelligent. Do we want the light pattern to be one way if it is quiet and a different way if it is loud? Or perhaps a light pattern would be triggered if a person

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might mimic active nerves. Students first used cardboard to draft their initial ideas of the structure. While we had a starting point, as students learned, they would change their minds as to the size and shape of the installation, often because of a wonderful mistake. Students figured out that the friction acrylic pieces would require a compression to keep the parts together and opted to focus on a tension model that was aided by gravity. Too many chefs in the kitchen led to some misplaced pieces in the original plan and a deformed column. Some were discouraged and wanted to disassemble to make it “perfect”. Others decided to leverage that mistake, much like penicillin, Silly Putty, and Sticky Notes, and deliberately repeat the mistake to make a better shape.

e have the ability to add different sensors to the installation to make it sense the space around it. We want it to be more than ‘smart’ we want it to be ‘intelligent’.

Students spent some time considering what kinds of messages lights send. How does a fast red blinking light compare to a constant green light? What happens when the light pattern is too predictable?? Are there lessons from fireflies and shore birds that could help us mimic biological systems to give the illusion of life? Many biological systems,like schooling fish, act as independent individuals making their own decisions but appear to behave as one sentient organism. How might we code such a thing in our installation to give a perception of life and thought? 32

Brilliant Labs Magazine Revue Labos Créatifs

stands in one location. If we want Some organic chemistry ideas people to come together, perhaps percolated into the conversation multiple people will need to stand about how the acrylic will react to closer together to trigger a pattern. the increased ring strain when they The LASG built custom circuit moved from cardboard to acrylic. boards that would read the sensors The students discovered if the laser and trigger the light pattern. does not penetrate through to the Students were required to develop other side and melt the edges, an understanding of electrical small microfractures will be engineering of the sensors and introduced into the acrylic making soldering parts to the actual board. them susceptible to breaking under At the present, we are becoming ring strain. Microscope skills from expert solder-ers as we build the biology helped us count the customised microcontroller circuit microfractures and determine the boards, build customized LEDoptimal settings. resistor combinations and start to wire the inside of the art. Rather The 4th Industrial than hiding the electronics, Revolution will require students are having citizens who can Global conversations about making think critically, who Competencies the electronics part of the art can use their areas of that might resemble nerves and expertise in a creative ganglion, and the flashing lights way and collaborate with

Brilliant Labs Magazine Revue Labos Créatifs

others to do good in the world. As His Majesty King Jaigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck of Bhutan says, “the future is neither unseen nor unknown. It is what we make of it. What work we do with our two hands today will shape the future of our nation. Our children’s tomorrow has to be created by us today.” It is imperative that we provide practical opportunities for students to practice these competencies. The large scope of this art installation requires interaction between many people in many disciplines and while it is ok to be an expert in one area or another, the interplay between the disciplines prevents people from being an island. It provides humble confidence as students begin to understand that they cannot do it all by themselves. Teamwork is needed. While realizing that they have a unique contribution to that team. As teachers and engineers, the adults could have planned out the details with a much more efficient process to the art. We could have created a paint by numbers “insert tab A into slot B” style recipe that would result in a more sophisticated, timely and less costly product that both students and the general public might consider as producing art.

However, there is a significant difference between being a quality crafts person who is producing someone else’s art and students employing their own creativity and collaboration. Thinking critically to become their own artists. There is a special sense of empowerment that happens when students understand that this is not a program that is being done to them, but a project where they have significant control over the destination of both this project and their lives in general. In some cases, it is a first glimpse to take back some power to do good in the world that has been shaken by the pandemic. As a natural part of teens trying to “find themselves”, they clamour to find their Students “thing” and are Rethinking Themselves quick to put labels on themselves to claim their place in their world. Some of those include musician, artist, science, math, language, humanities, theatre, athlete etc… While claiming those labels is good for some initial self-confidence and

self-identification, it can easily become an excuse, crutch or fence to stretch oneself. “I do not need to do this because I’m not good at Math or English or….” The Renaissance was fueled when people drew on a wide breadth of experiences to gain inspiration. This same breadth of experience will once again be necessary to leverage the emerging trends in different sectors. While we do not expect everyone to be an expert in everything, we also do not want students to be satisfied wearing only one sign. Rather, we hope they experience the strength and excitement of being a multifaceted person. This project requires coders to think about the sociology of bringing people together. It requires artists to ponder the computational thinking about how to mimic an emotion with lights or trigger curiosity in the audience. The Future of Education is now. Document Education after Redefined document from NB's 10 Year plan to the Green Paper talk about an increased connection between education and

the community. I would suggest that there is a strong connection between the community and the classroom from k-8, but the content of high school begins to become more technical and advanced which seems to narrow the space available for outside partnerships. The RHS LEO project is an example of how partners can come together, even at the high school level. The pace of society and the possible number of paths available to students have long since surpassed the high school curriculum and overwhelmed even the most capable and hardworking professional educators. More than ever in the modern era, it will take a village to raise a child. If we are to personalize a student’s educational path where they have some voice and choice, we need to be flexible to adapt when they make their choices. It is a cruel tease to tell students that they have choice and autonomy to create and think outside the box and then confine them in a jail cell. However, this desire to give students a larger range in which to roam opens combinations and permutations of options that far exceeds the

capabilities of a school. The reality of a personalized learning program will demand the enthusiastic participation of a whole village where individual citizens, and businesses take an interest in education, not from a self-serving point of view, but at the invitation of the classroom teacher in service of the student. Businesses need a mind-shift that their participation in education is neither a favor to the local classroom nor a way to build their personal work forces, but rather the highest responsibility to the communities in which they are allowed to work The Living Architecture Systems Group chose education of human citizens as part of their social contribution mandate and so they partnered with RHS to provide the technical expertise and help direct the creative process. For the first little while, the benefit of the partnership was unidirectional from the LASG to RHS. It did not take long though, for our students to challenge the capabilities of the LASG and their technology. Students would ask, “Can we do this?” Often the answer was “yes”, but when the answer was “no”, the programmers would get to work to improve their

interface. The Input from our students helped the LASG redesign their software. They brought the student requests to life with the benefit of adding to the capabilities of future LASG projects. We cannot predict all of what will be needed as students create, nor will it be a single straight path- an idea that was embraced by Brilliant Labs. Brilliant Labs partnered with us to provide the electrical components and even when students changed their minds, Brilliant Labs was there to support. Sometimes that support meant laser cutting extra pieces over Spring Break or delivering the pieces well after dark so that students could continue the momentum. A New Brunswick ArtSmart grant provided acrylic, a connection to a local glass blower and the tools to document the transdisciplinary learning process.” This project goes well beyond the capabilities of an individual teacher or school. The relationships were not artificially contrived in a “program” with any ulterior motives other than to work with young people to explore a

Critical Thinking & Problem Solving

Stay connected and follow the progress of this inspiring projrect on these twitter feeds. Ian Fogarty @ifoggs Briliant Labs @brilliant_labs Have a project idea? Share it with us. Brilliantlabs.ca/funding

HOW TO PROJECTS Par Natacha Vautour & Jacob Lingley

Article en français à suivre What began as an idea for at-home learning during the pandemic has grown to an entire ecosystem of accessible maker resources. To date, there are over 100 bilingual #makerfun activity resources available to learners and educators of all ages. There are an incredible amount of projects created by students and teachers throughout the Atlantic provinces. There are so many that we often only get to see a glimpse of them through social media posts or school visits. The Project Portal contains a growing set of curated projects by Brilliant Labs Program Specialists. The architecture of the portal has been uniquely 38

Brilliant Labs Magazine Revue Labos Créatifs

designed to meet the needs of Atlantic Canadian teacher’s instructional interests. For example, a user can search for projects in either English or French, by subject area, project type and by UN SDGs. We spend a considerable amount of time ensuring that the content is aligned to follow a design-thinking process. Rather than these projects containing a step-by-step process for replication, they are written to provoke inspiration over prescription. Browse existing projects by following this URL: projects.brilliantlabs.ca

All #Makerfun daily challenges and other projects can be found on the new Brilliant Labs Project Portal. All project ideas are developed for K-12 at any learning level (beginner, intermediate or advance). Visit the project portal today! projects.brilliantlabs.ca Need funding for a project? Visit brilliantlabs.ca/funding

Le portail de projets des Labos Créatifs Ce qui a commencé comme une idée d'apprentissage à domicile pendant la pandémie s'est transformé en un écosystème entier de ressources accessibles aux créateurs. À ce jour, plus de 100 ressources bilingues d'activités #funcréatif sont disponibles pour les apprenants et les éducateurs de tous âges. Il existe une quantité incroyable de projets créés par des élèves et des enseignants dans les provinces de l'Atlantique. Il y en a tellement que nous n'en avons souvent qu'un aperçu par le biais de messages sur les médias sociaux ou de visites dans les écoles. Le portail des

projets contient un nombre croissant de projets réalisés par des spécialistes de programme Labos Créatifs. L'architecture du portail a été conçue de manière unique pour répondre aux besoins des enseignants du Canada atlantique. Par exemple, un utilisateur peut rechercher des projets en anglais ou en français, par domaine, par type de projet et par les objectifs de développement durable des Nations unies. Nous passons un temps précieux à nous assurer que le contenu est aligné avec un processus de conception et de réflexion. Plutôt que de contenir un processus de reproduction étape par étape, ces projets sont rédigés de manière à susciter l'inspiration plutôt que les directives étape par

Tous les défis du jour de #FunCreative peuvent être trouvés sur le nouveau portail du étape. projet Brilliant Labs. Vous y trouverez Parcourez égalementles d'autres projetsidées existants de projetsen pour suivant la ce URL projects.brilliantlabs.ca maternelle à la 12e année, quel que soit le niveau d'apprentissage (débutant, intermédiaire ou avancé). Visitez le portail de projets dès aujourd'hui ! projects.brilliantlabs.ca

Demande de subvention pour un projet créatif fr.brilliantlabs.ca/ funding

Brilliant Labs Magazine Revue Labos Créatifs

PHOTO CREDIT: JANIQUE CASELEY, GRADE 6, ROCKY LAKE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL, TWITTER POST, NOV.24. 2020

COMMUNITY OF THE

FUTURE Brilliant Labs Magazine Revue Labos Créatifs

Article en français à suivre

Atlantic Canada will be able to reflect on the constraints and use them as drivers of creativity. This challenge also helps students understand who is responsible for what in a community and how decisions are made.

It's that time of the year again where Brilliant Labs launch its innovation challenge - design a community of the future. While this challenge has evolved in the past years, and we have seen great student projects, from a functional hyperloop prototype When we talk about the future, to intelligent homes. We hope this year eople imagine flying cars, our Atlantic canada students keep drones...[we] look at it pushing those through a differnt lense... innovations and creativity Green spaces, biodicersity, heritage, boundaries. Building diversity... Asking questions help youth communities is a complex challenge. consider sustainable future communities. We also encourage students to build not only a whole people tend to imagine flying community but also concentrate cars, drone deliveries. on specific parts for their At Brilliant Labs we look at it projects. through a different lense.

“P

These lesson plans encourage action on climate change and lead students to think about the materials they will use to make them. Most of us are familiar with climate change. We hope that this year's challenge will inspire our students to take action on climate change in their classrooms, homes and communities. We are all in the same boat. Our Innovation Challenge is designed to encourage students to think outside the box when it comes to community building, looking at ever-changing perspectives. By empathizing with those who make up our community and designing new solutions to everyday problems. We hope that at the end of the challenge, our students in

How will we develop green spaces in nature, for nature to protect and value all biodiversity? Where and how will we value the heritage of your community while innovating, growing and keeping our uniqueness? What technologies will help us be cyber safe and also help with climate action? How will we tend to our aging population to ensure their happiness, safety and good health? How will we be able to fix pollution problems to maybe create new sources of energy? Will our students be able to create opportunities of

LESSON PLANS, VIRTUAL SUPPORT, PLANNING RESOURCES & MORE! DESIGN & CREATE a community of the future, or solve a real world problem facing our Atlantic Canadian Communities, by using your innovation and creativity! We ask that you consider your community, its place in the world, and the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals while problem solving.Talking about basic electrical circuits can be helpful in advance. This helps with troubleshooting disconnected or crossed wires when students are connecting their coded pieces together. Register today at website below. GET LESSON PLANS are available to help plan your class “Community of the Future” project. Have students set up with their tools at the ready before the virtual session starts. PROBING QUESTIONS to help encourage design thinking and problem solving. MATERIAL GUIDES and how-to videos. EXHIBIT COMMUNITY PROJECTS at the Brilliant Labs Atlantic Wide Virtual Maker Faire, June 9, 2021.

VISIT & GET IT ALL HERE en.brilliantlabs.ca/innovation-challenge @brilliant_labs @brilliantlabslabosbrillants

Brilliant Labs Magazine Revue Labos Créatifs

economic growth linked to climate actions?

Défi innovationCommunauté du futur

From asking questions like these we can help youth consider how to develop a durable, sustainable future for our Atlantic provinces.

Nous sommes à cette période de l'année pendant laquelle les Labos Créatifs lancent à nouveau leur défi d'innovation : Créez une communauté du futur. Ce défi a évolué au cours des dernières années, et nous avons vu d'excellents projets d'élèves, allant d'un prototype fonctionnel d’hyperloop à des maisons intelligentes. Nous espérons que cette année, nos élèves du Canada atlantique continueront à repousser les limites de l'innovation et de la créativité. Construire des communautés est un défi complexe, c'est pourquoi nous encourageons également les élèves à non seulement construire une communauté entière mais à se concentrer sur des parties spécifiques.

There are a lot of questions left unanswered and we can’t wait to see what students will make! What if our students could find ways to reverse the climate crisis? Check out our website for teacher resources http:// en.brilliantlabs.ca/innovationchallenge/

Nous avons également créé de

Brilliant Labs Magazine Revue Labos Créatifs

nouvelles ressources pour relever ce défi. Il y a maintenant 8 plans de cours qui guident les élèves et les enseignants à travers le processus de réflexion sur le design. Ces plans de leçon encouragent à prendre action pour le climat et portent même à réfléchir sur les matériaux que les élèves vont utiliser pour fabriquer. La plupart d'entre nous sont familiers avec le changement climatique. Nous espérons que le défi de cette année incitera nos élèves à agir pour le climat, dans leur classe, leur foyer et leur communauté. Nous sommes tous dans le même bateau. Notre défi de l'innovation est conçu pour encourager les élèves à sortir des sentiers battus en matière de construction de communautés, en examinant des perspectives en constante évolution. En

faisant preuve d'empathie opportunités de croissance envers ceux qui font notre économique liées aux actions en communauté et en concevant de faveur du climat? nouvelles solutions aux problèmes quotidiens. Nous Comment pouvons-nous régler espérons qu'à la fin du défi, nos les problèmes de pollution pour élèves des provinces de peut-être créer de nouvelles l'Atlantique seront en mesure de sources d'énergie? réfléchir aux contraintes et les utiliser en tant que moteurs de Tout cela et en aidant à créativité. Ce défi aide également les ous espérons que le défi élèves à comprendre qui est responsable de cette année incitera nos de quoi dans une élèves à agir pour le communauté et comment les climat, dans leur classe, leur foyer et leur décisions sont communauté. Nous sommes tous dans le prises.

“N même bateau.

Lorsque nous parlons de l'avenir, les gens ont tendance à imaginer des voitures volantes, des livraisons de drones... Aux Labos Créatifs, nous le regardons à travers différentes lentilles. Comment allons-nous développer des espaces verts dans la nature, pour la nature tout en protégeant et valorisant toute la biodiversité Où et comment valorisons-nous le patrimoine de notre communauté tout en innovant, en grandissant et en conservant notre caractère unique? Quelles technologies nous permettront d'être cybersécuritaires et de contribuer à l'action climatique? Comment allons-nous nous occuper de notre population vieillissante pour assurer son bonheur, sa sécurité et sa bonne santé?

développer un avenir durable pour nos provinces de l'Atlantique. Beaucoup de questions restent sans réponse et nous avons hâte de voir ce que les élèves vont faire! Et si nos élèves pouvaient trouver des moyens d'inverser la crise climatique ? Consultez notre site web pour les ressources destinées aux enseignants http:// fr.laboscreatifs.ca/defiinnovation/

POURQUOI PARTICIPER, PLANS DE LEÇONS ET AIDER Notre défi de l’innovation a été conçu pour encourager les élèves à se pencher sur les questions sociales, économiques, écologiques et environnementales dans nos communautés et sur la façon dont ces questions influencent les Canadiens de l’Atlantique. Les élèves pourraient créer de nouveaux produits ou développer de nouvelles technologies qui, en plus d’atténuer les effets du changement climatique, peuvent favoriser des opportunités économiques innovantes. PLANS de leçons télécharger les plans de cours afin de vous aider à planifier le projet «Communauté du futur » de votre classe. PLANIFIONS Avant que vos élèves ne commencent à construire, ils doivent réfléchir aux problèmes des communautés existantes et à la manière dont leur future communauté travaillera pour résoudre ces problèmes. Après avoir examiné les éléments clés de leur communauté, demandezleur de commencer la conception et la planification. Demandez aux élèves de considérer d’autres concepts comme la culture et le patrimoine.

RESSOURCES POUR ENSEIGNANTS fr.laboscreatifs.ca/defi-innovation @labos_creatifs

Nos élèves pourront-ils créer des

@brilliantlabslabosbrillants Brilliant Labs Magazine Revue Labos Créatifs

ROBOTSZ GOT

BRILLIANCE Par Natacha Vautour & Jacob Lingley As a canadian organization we are very excited to be part of the Lunar gateway mission for which the Canadian Space Agency will develop new robotic technologies. Let’s shine a light on robotics with this fun robotics challenge! Robotics is evolving as quickly as any other technology out there and we want our students to be part of the mouvement. There are a lot of students that learn robotics in schools while using someone else's robot, but what if you could make your own?

Brilliant Labs Magazine Revue Labos Créatifs

Robots do a lot of different tasks every day, but when we say robot we mostly have an image in mind of a robot that moves forward and back, turns and somewhat looks human. When we think about robot components, we think of motors, wheels and sensors, but some have cameras, retracting parts, connecting parts. But robotics is way more than that! Think about some of the greatest robots ever built... the canadarm that built the International Space Station and even DextreCanada’s very own space handyman who, to this day, is still one of the most sophisticated robots ever built. He is tasked with changing batteries on the International Space Station, replacing and

testing various tools out in space. Both amazing canadian robotics successes. There is also Perseverance, that is now collecting data on Mars. We hope to learn a lot from her during her 24 month mission. Imagine designing your own robot, would it do something useful? Would you build it to do something you don’t like, like make your bed. What would he/she make? Will he/she play tricks? We will be hosting a robot talent show during our virtual makerFaire to showcase students' creations.

VISIT & GET IT ALL HERE en.brilliantlabs.ca/robotz-got-brilliance

Brilliant Labs Magazine Revue Labos Créatifs

Compétition de robotiqueMON ROBOT A DU TALENT

mais que se passerait-il si vous pouviez fabriquer le vôtre ? En tant qu'organisation canadienne, nous sommes très enthousiastes à l'idée de participer à la mission de porte d'entrée lunaire pour laquelle l'Agence spatiale canadienne développera de nouvelles technologies robotiques. Nous sommes également heureux de partager notre nouveau défi robotique amusant qui sera lancé au printemps 2021. La robotique évolue aussi rapidement que toute autre technologie et nous voulons que nos élèves fassent partie du mouvement. Beaucoup d'élèves apprennent la robotique à l'école en utilisant le robot d'un autre,

Brilliant Labs Magazine Revue Labos Créatifs

Les robots accomplissent de nombreuses tâches différentes chaque jour, mais quand nous parlons de robot, nous avons surtout à l'esprit l'image d'un robot qui va et vient, qui tourne et qui a un peu l'air humain. Lorsque nous pensons aux composants d'un robot, nous pensons aux moteurs, aux roues et aux capteurs, mais certains ont des caméras, des pièces rétractables, des pièces de liaison. Mais la robotique est bien plus que cela ! Pensez à certains des plus grands robots jamais construits... le bras canadien qui a construit la Station spatiale internationale et même Dextre - le bricoleur spatial canadien qui, à ce jour, est toujours l'un des robots les plus sophistiqués jamais construits. Il est chargé de changer les piles de la Station spatiale internationale, de remplacer et de tester divers outils dans l'espace. Ces deux

succès de la robotique canadienne sont étonnants. Il y a aussi Persévérance, qui recueille maintenant des données sur Mars. Nous espérons apprendre beaucoup d'elle au cours de sa mission de 24 mois. Imaginez que vous conceviez votre propre robot, ferait-il quelque chose d'utile ? Le construirais-tu pour faire quelque chose que tu n'aimes pas, comme faire ton lit ? Que ferait-il ? Estce qu'il/elle vous jouera des tours ?

Nous organiserons un spectacle de talents robotiques pendant notre MakerFaire virtuelle pour présenter les créations des élèves.

Photo Credit: Marcus Urbenz, Unsplash.com

RELEVER LE DÉFI fr.laboscreatifs.ca/robot-creatif Brilliant Labs Magazine Revue Labos Créatifs

An Empathetic Future Begins With

EMPATHETIC

STUDENTS 48

BY KAYOE STEWART & GREG PORTER, FREDERICTON HIGH SCHOOL, NEW BRUNSWICK FORWARD BY JACOB LINGLEY, BRILLIANT LABS Brilliant Labs Magazine Revue Labos Créatifs

At Brilliant Labs, we love learning about stories of making that are not only inspiring because of the materials and technologies within the project but for the reasons the project began. Vincent’s work described below is an excellent example of how student learning can bring an appreciation of empathy across an entire community. We are proud of Vincent and his teachers, Kayoe and Greg for their inspiring work. Thank you for this story. Makerspaces and maker centered learning have always been synonymous with the “Four C’s” in education: Critical Thinking, Collaboration, Creativity and Communication. As maker educators, we have consistently curated environments where students can develop these and other 21st century skills. However, more recently, in addition to 21st century skills, it has become just as important to foster and develop a sense of empathy through making. In many ways, empathy may be even more valuable. What if we don’t need to force the Four C’s though? What if our making is completely driven by empathy? What if everything we do centres around us using the skills we learn in the classroom and the materials we have at our disposal to help others? Would relying on empathy to drive the classroom allow us to organically achieve success and effectively solve realworld problems? This is the approach that Fredericton High School is taking with their maker education. To achieve this, the school relies on the design thinking framework to help direct students in solving realworld problems that they can connect with on personal levels. Embedding design thinking in student learning, shifts the focus from our students learning the tools and tech, to empowering them to be able to see how these materials can be used to make the world a better place for others. Throughout this school year, as we all navigate through a pandemic, empathy has become more important than ever. Many students have seen this as an opportunity to help support others through this challenging and different time. A grade 11 student at Fredericton High School, Vincent Trowbridge-Starr, has leaped into this with both feet. Vincent loves all things gaming and can, and will, teach you everything you could ever want to know SUBMITTED about games he has played. Despite having PHOTO to face Brilliant Labs Magazine Revue Labos Créatifs

some barriers to learning himself, his passion for educating his friends, family, and even some teachers about video and board games are infectious... But not in the COVID-19 way, in the “WOW I want to go out and play that game right now” kind of way. Vincent enjoys being a regular at his school’s games club and in speaking with the club supervisor, he reported Vincent's gaming abilities are top notch and even described as “EPIC.” Vincent marches to the beat of his own drum, and it is a good thing he does because without his unique perspective on the world we live in we may not have seen such an innovative solution to something we have all grown far too complacent with over the last year. A self-professed problem solver and coding expert, Vince started to think about how he could help ensure that everyone is being safe while at school. One of his concerns was that teachers always had to remind people to sanitize their hands as they entered a classroom. As he observed his teachers working hard to ensure that everyone was being safe, he started to think about how he could help. Because of Vincent’s experience with coding with the Micro:bit, he worked on developing and creating a device that helps remind people to sanitize their hands as they enter a room. He combined the Micro:bit with the versatility of the b.Board to create the H.S.R.U. (the Hand Sanitizer Reminding 50

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Unit). This device can be connected to the sanitizer pump in the classroom and, using the b.Board, can sense when someone enters the room. If that person doesn’t sanitize, the device will proceed to beep at them until they do. Word of this incredible device got around the school and Vincent was able to set it up in many classrooms to beta test his invention. This eventually led to others expressing an interest for a similar device. This surge in interest throughout the school community got him thinking about how he could support these areas as well. Top of the list of interested people was the school librarian, who is always running after people to ensure that they sanitize before entering the library. So, he got back to work to create another H.R.S.U. that could be installed in the library. This proved to be another exercise in empathy as Vincent’s original design was not very conducive to a library setting. As he revisited the design thinking process, Vincent realized that a device that beeps loudly at someone would not work for a place like a library. So, he returned to the drawing board and came up with the H.S.R.U. 2.0 which consists of a barrier gate that is actuated by the hand sanitizer pump. In his design thinking process, he removed the sound buzzer and created a device that silently prevents people from entering the space until they

have sanitized their hands. This is a perfect example of how making can be driven entirely by empathy. Moreover, organic and authentic inspiration for creation happens by quite simply looking within our communities. If we expand this concept even further, our communities can be defined in many terms (globally, citywide, provincially etc.). Continuing with this logic, we can consider smaller communities that we all belong to, like a school community, as being equally as meaningful. In many ways, this is where our desires to help others truly evolve. In this particular case, Vincent problem solved at the school community level. However, his inspiration originated at the classroom level and, because of his desire to share his work, he was able to expand his scope to help others in his larger school community. Given opportunities like this, there are no limits to what our students can do, and to what scale their ideas will become. …and to think, it all begins with “What If…”

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L’ÉDUCATION EN NATURE: LA CONNEXION ÉMOTIVE ET LE BIEN-ÊTRE PAR MICHELLE THIBAULT, SPÉCIALISTE DES PROJETS LABOS CRÉATIFS NATURELS

Et si enseigner par et pour la nature était plus accessible qu'on le pense? Et si tout ce dont les enseignants ont besoin pour enseigner dehors était un seau? Bien que la pédagogie par la nature fait ses preuves depuis plus de 60 ans dans les pays scandinaves et ailleurs dans le monde, c'est relativement récent qu'on voit des enseignants sortir de façon régulière avec leurs élèves en Atlantique et ailleurs au Canada. L'année 2020 a été bonne pour la promotion de l'éducation en nature puisque, environnementaliste dans l'âme ou non, tous s'entendent pour dire que les espaces au grand air sont des milieux sécuritaires permettant la distanciation sans compter les bienfaits des rayons du soleil et de l'aération naturelle qui minimise naturellement les risques de propagation. Bref, depuis septembre 2020, les réseaux sociaux sont envahis de photos d'enfants apprenants à l'extérieur et

d'enseignants adaptant leur programme d'étude pour le rendre plus expérientiel autant en mode virtuel qu'en présentiel. Bien que plusieurs administrateurs scolaires sont en quête constante de financement pour une nouvelle classe extérieure ou du matériel essentiel aux apprentissages en nature, les pédagogues du programme Espaces créatifs naturels de Labos créatifs appuient de plus en plus d'enseignants, d'éducateurs, d'administrateurs et de parents qui souhaitent intégrer les apprentissages par et pour la nature à leur offre pédagogique. Chez Labos créatifs, on encourage le respect et la valorisation des espaces naturels bruts… Les groupes d'élèves bulles explorent des environnements naturels à proximité de l'école (forêts, plages, parcs municipaux, terrains communautaires) avec comme outil principal, un seau récupéré qui aurait fini au centre de recyclage ou même aux déchets. Plusieurs restaurants et épiceries vous les donneront avec plaisir. Brilliant Labs Magazine Revue Labos Créatifs

jeux simples et des structures naturelles. Le moins de matériel on apporte dans un espace d'apprentissage extérieur, le moins de dommage on risque de faire à cet espace et sa biodiversité unique. Il s’agit du principe “Sans traces”. Cela permet également de développer la créativité, la résilience, l’esprit critique et la résolution de problèmes. Réaliser que nous sommes un élément qui compose ce grand tout, ce bel écosystème, est essentiel. Nous n'avons pas le droit de couper, piétiner, détruire toute la biodiversité d'un espace pour notre usage personnel (bien que la plupart des éducateurs en plein air conviendraient que certaines petites destructions par de petites mains sont essentielles pour établir cette connexion émotive). Il faut tenir ceci en compte également dans nos projets de classes extérieures… couler du béton et couper des arbres matures pour construire des “pupitres extérieurs", ce n'est pas très écologique. Le seau sert de transport de matériel, de banc, de table et même de tableau blanc individuel. Les élèves peuvent décorer ou modifier leur sceau au gré de leur imagination et de leurs besoins. Lorsqu'un enseignant a trouvé cet ou ces espaces idéals aux découvertes et apprentissages des élèves, déniché des seaux dans un restaurant ou marché local, il ne lui reste qu'à inspirer ses élèves, les guider dans l'exploration et "l'aménagement" de leur espace d'apprentissage à eux. Parce que les élèves s'approprient rapidement l'espace, apprennent à le respecter, à valoriser chaque élément naturel et à protéger chaque forme de vie. Ils s'y installent en construisant des abris de fortune, des espaces de 54

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Le continuum d'apprentissage maker naturel insiste sur le fait que pour développer une conscience écologique et mener à bien de grands projets d'innovation écologiques, il faut à la base développer une connexion émotive à la Terre… connexion possible que par le temps passé à explorer, se questionner, apprendre dans la nature.

Vous voulez vous joindre au Réseau Maker Naturel, pour apprendre, s’inspirer ou partager? Veuillez communiquer avec michelle@briliantlabs.ca. Ensemble, on va plus loin.

EDUCATION IN NATURE: EMOTIONAL CONNECTION & WELLNESS What if teaching by and for nature was more accessible than we think? What if all teachers need to teach outdoors is a bucket? Although nature education benefits have been proven for more than 60 years in Scandinavian countries and elsewhere in the world, it is relatively recent to see teachers going out with their students on a regular basis in Atlantic Canada and elsewhere in Canada. The year 2020 has been a good year for the promotion of nature education since, environmentalist at heart or not, everyone agrees that outdoor spaces are safe environments that allow for distancing, not to mention the benefits of the sun's rays and the natural ventilation that naturally minimizes the risks of propagation. In short, since September 2020, social networks have been flooded with photos of children learning outside and teachers adapting their curriculum to make it more experiential in both virtual and face-to-face modes. While many school administrators are constantly seeking funding for a new outdoor classroom or for essential materials for learning in nature, the pedagogues of the Natural Makerspace program are supporting more and more teachers, educators, administrators and parents who wish to integrate learning by and for nature into their pedagogical offer. At Brilliant Labs, we encourage respect for and appreciation of virgin natural spaces. Groups of bubble students

explore natural environments near the school (forests, beaches, municipal parks, community grounds) with a recycled bucket that would have ended up at the recycling center or even in the garbage. Several restaurants and grocery stores will gladly give them to you. The buckets can be used to carry material, as a bench, a table and even individual whiteboards. Students can decorate or modify their bucket according to their imagination and needs. Once a teacher has found the ideal space(s) for student discovery and learning, has found buckets at a local restaurant or market, all that remains is for the teacher to inspire their students, guide them in the exploration and "design" of their own learning space. Because students quickly appropriate the space, learn to respect it, to value every natural element and to protect every form of life. They settle in by building makeshift shelters, simple play areas and natural structures. The less material you bring into an outdoor makerspace, the less damage you risk doing to the space and its unique biodiversity. This is the "No Trace" principle. It also helps to develop creativity, resilience, critical thinking and problem solving. Realizing that we are a part of this great whole, this beautiful ecosystem, is essential. We do not have the right to cut, trample, destroy all the biodiversity of a space for our personal use (although most outdoor educators would agree that some minor destruction by little hands is essential to build that emotional connection). This must also be taken into account in our outdoor classroom projects... pouring

concrete and cutting down mature trees to build "outdoor desks" is not very ecological. The Natural Maker Learning Continuum emphasizes that in order to develop ecological awareness and carry out large ecological innovation projects, one must first develop an emotional connection to the Earth... a connection that is only possible through time spent exploring, questioning, learning in nature.

Would you like to join the Natural Maker Network, to learn, be inspired or share? Please contact michelle@briliantlabs.ca. Together, we go further.

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Kathleen Rice, Program Specialist

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happiness SOWING SEEDS OF

A NATURAL MAKERSPACE TO DISCOVER

BY / PAR KATHLEEN RICE, BRILLIANT LABS

Photos submitted

(L'article français suit) Behind the Carrefour de la Jeunesse school in Edmundston, a beautiful little wooded forest shines! From the height of its tall conifers, it shares a balsam fragrance and lets you hear the wonderful songs of its little chickadees.

This led to great experiences as well as having children go through the Natural Maker learning continuum at its best.

This space has not gone unnoticed by Heidi Martin, community and cultural agent at the school.

Writing stories and sharing with QR codes on trees.

Seeing the teachers' interest in exploring and learning outdoors, she also recognized the magical potential of the natural makerspace near the school. The in-kind benefits of being outdoors for children and adults at school were becoming increasingly important in this challenging pandemic time this year.. Health and wellness being part of the school's educational plan, what better place for students to learn than in this rich and accessible natural context. Natural Fun Maker activities were planned through September to January, and offered to classes from Kindergarten to Grade 5 to initiate exploration, appreciation, creation, connection and discovery in nature.

Exploration of the natural space:

Exploring the 5 Senses •

Visualization in nature

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Walk in nature

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Making in nature:

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Building animal habitats

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Shelter making

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Creation of wood log seats for the sitting spot

Making with nature: •

Making bird feeders

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Making bird treats with conifer cones

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Creation of Christmas decorations with natural elements

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Creation of sun catch with natural material

Making for nature: •

Making bird houses

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Making bird treats

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Creation of a painting on the window of the class showing the birds of N.B.

Committed Eco-citizens: Commitment to the SAJESS research project (daily snowfall measurements and data collection) Eco-Entrepreneurs and Leaders : Production of a video of the Sustainable Development Goals by the student council to mark the provincial week of diversity and respect: https:// youtu.be/ZixFjaD_v7s inspired by Brilliant Labs. For Christmas, Valentine's Day and Heritage Day, the small wooded forest is transformed under the magical fingers and creativity of the children, inspired by Heidi and the school teachers. Parents and the community are invited to come explore, walk and discover on weekends and during school breaks! There are people who sow seeds of happiness, love and 58

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hope along the way. Heidi is one of those people with an immense heart, always ready to help, to initiate and to challenge in order to foster rich learning experiences for students in varied and dynamic contexts. In support to the school's student council, as well as to all teachers and partners, she makes everything interesting, simple and doable. Yes, she is definitely making the impossible possible in the eyes of so many! Her charisma and professionalism allows her to build strong friendships, beautiful working relationships and wonderful community partnerships! Heidi's inspiration has “positively contaminated” the teachers and students at the Carrefour de la Jeunesse to explore this wonderful natural makerspace and take part in extraordinary learning experiences. And, it is, just the beginning! Brilliant Labs is happy to highlight the involvement of this wonderful Natural Maker model! Good work Heidi! And you, what is your little natural gem near the school? Share pictures of your natural makerspaces. Let's envision hundreds of pictures pouring in of Natural makerspaces across the Maritime provinces and throughout Canada.

PHOTO BY DIGI

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L’ESPACE CRÉATIF NATUREL, UN PETIT BIJOU À DÉCOUVRIR! À l’arrière du Carrefour de la Jeunesse à Edmundston, une belle petite forêt boisée rayonne! De la hauteur de ses grands conifères, elle partage un parfum baumier et laisse entendre le chant de ses belles petites mésanges. Cet espace n’a pas passé inaperçu pour Heidi Martin, agente communautaire et culturelle à l’école. Voyant l’intérêt grandissant des enseignants pour l’exploration et l’apprentissage en plein air, elle reconnaissait aussi le potentiel magique de l’espace créatif tout près de l’école et les bienfaits que cela procurerait aux enfants et adultes de la communauté scolaire en ce temps de pandémie et de changements. La santé et le mieux-être figurent au projet éducatif de l’école, alors, quel merveilleux endroit pour y vivre des expériences riches en apprentissage et accessibles pour tous et toutes.

Depuis septembre, des activités “Maker Naturel” furent alors planifiées et offertes aux classes de la maternelle à la 5e année dans le but d’amorcer l’exploration, l’appréciation, la connexion, la création et les découvertes en nature. Cela a mené à de belles expériences pour les élèves représentées sur le continuum d’apprentissage Maker naturel.

Fabrication de collation pour oiseaux

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Création de décorations pour Noel avec éléments naturels

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Création d’attrape soleil avec du matériel naturel

Fabriquer pour la nature: •

Création de nichoirs à oiseaux

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Création par un artiste de peintures sur les fenêtres de la classe arborant les oiseaux du N.B.

Exploration de l’espace naturel: •

Écriture d’histoires par les enfants partagées sur Code QR affichés aux arbres .

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Exploration des 5 sens

Écocitoyens engagés:

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Visualisation en nature

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Marche en nature

Fabriquer en nature: •

Construction d’habitats pour les animaux

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Fabrication d’abris

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Partenariat avec un parent pour couper des bûches de bois qui servent à s’asseoir.

Fabriquer avec la nature: •

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Fabrication de mangeoires d’oiseaux

Engagement au projet de recherche SAJESS (mesures et prise de données quotidienne des précipitations de neige)

Écoentrepreneurs et Leaders : Production d’une vidéo des ODD - Objectifs de développement durable par le conseil des élèves pour souligner la semaine provinciale de la diversité et du respect: https://youtu.be/ ZixFjaD_v7s inspirés par Labos créatifs.

Que ce soit pour la fête de Noël, celle de la StValentin et les Fêtes du Patrimoine, la petite forêt boisée se transforme sous les doigts magiques et la créativité des enfants, inspirés et accompagnés par Heidi et les enseignantes de l’école. Même à l’occasion de la Grande Marche Pierre Lavoie sous zéro, ce petit boisé fut sillonné de toutes ses formes, ses pentes et ses vallons par les élèves et adultes de l’école. Les parents et la communauté sont invités à venir explorer, marcher et découvrir ce bel espace naturel lors des weekends ainsi que lors des congés scolaires! Il y a de ces personnes qui sèment des graines de bonheur, d’amour et d’espoir sur leur route. Heidi, c’est une de ces personnes de coeur, toujours prête à aider, à initier et à relever des défis dans le but de favoriser de riches expériences d’apprentissage pour les élèves. En constant appui au conseil des élèves de l’école, ainsi qu’aux enseignants et partenaires, elle rend les choses intéressantes, simples et possibles. Oui, elle rend l’impossible, possible, et toute idée devient une possibilité et une belle réussite! Elle est une personne d’action! Son charisme et son professionnalisme lui permettent de tisser de belles amitiés, des relations de travail importantes et de beaux partenariats avec la communauté! L’inspiration d’Heidi a contribué à “contaminer positivement” la population enseignante et les étudiants du Carrefour de la Jeunesse à faire l’exploration de ce merveilleux espace naturel créatif pour y vivre des expériences d’apprentissage hors du commun. Labos créatifs est heureux de mettre en valeur l’implication de ce beau modèle “Maker Naturel”! Beau travail Heidi! Et vous, quel est votre petit bijou naturel près de l’école ou dans la communauté? Partagez des photos. Imaginons des centaines de photos des espaces créatifs naturels provenant des provinces atlantiques et du Canada!

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WWW.BRILLIANTLABS.CA/NATURALMAKERSPACE

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EN ROUTE VERS LA FABRICATION AVEC

LA NATURE

Par Michelle Thibault, spécialiste du programme spatial Natural Maker specialist 64

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Et si vos élèves pouvaient participer à des activités pédagogiques amusantes en nature à partir de la maison ? Le programme Maker Naturel de Labos créatifs est conçu selon un continuum où des activités simples et amusantes de création "EN nature” ou “AVEC des éléments naturels" mènent finalement à des activités de fabrication "POUR la nature" et même de l’engagement écocitoyenne, voire de leadership et d'entrepreneuriat écologique et social. Le temps passé à l'extérieur, les découvertes, le jeu libre, la création simple, apportent une connexion émotive à la Terre qui est essentielle pour développer un amour et une sympathie profonds dont nous avons tous besoin pour aller intrinsèquement plus loin avec des actions écologiques et sociales. Toutes les activités pédagogiques de Labos créatifs sont liées aux objectifs de développement durable des Nations Unies et sont conçues pour faire participer les élèves au processus de pensée design. Chaque activité pédagogique est développée de manière à ce que les élèves soient responsables de leur propre apprentissage en fonction de leurs intérêts, de leurs compétences et de leurs objectifs. Que vous utilisiez ces suggestions comme idées de devoirs, ou comme enrichissement pendant les vacances, ou que vous ayez besoin d’activités pédagogiques hors écran réalisables de la maison, un membre de l'équipe LC sera heureux de vous soutenir dans cette aventure.

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développement durable des Nations Unies et sont conçues pour faire participer les élèves au processus de pensée design. Chaque activité pédagogique est développée de manière à ce que les élèves soient responsables de leur propre apprentissage en fonction de leurs intérêts, de leurs compétences et de leurs objectifs. Que vous utilisiez ces suggestions comme idées de devoirs, ou comme enrichissement pendant les vacances, ou que vous ayez besoin d’activités pédagogiques hors écran réalisables de la maison, un membre de l'équipe LC sera heureux de vous soutenir dans cette aventure.

Créer EN nature Et si une promenade dans la nature ou dans la communauté était suggérée aux élèves et à leur famille? Et si une heure de jeu en plein air constituait le devoir

hebdomadaire des élèves? Demandez aux élèves de décrire ce qu'ils ont fait, découvert ou le jeu auquel ils ont joué dans leur journal d’exploration. Cette expérience saine et positive pourrait donner lieu à une grande discussion sur les habitudes familiales saines, l'environnement, les changements climatiques, la température ou les changements de saisons, les besoins, etc. Comment vous sentezvous après une heure passée dehors avec des personnes que vous aimez? De quoi votre famille aurait-elle besoin pour passer plus de temps à l'extérieur. Et si vous planifiez le terrain de jeu extérieur idéal pour votre famille et votre espace? Du jeu de société sur le balcon au parcours athlétique dans la cour... Parlez de cette activité avec vos élèves et écoutez leurs idées? Toutes les matières scolaires peuvent être liées à cette activité simple et amusante de création en nature. Projet pour vous projects.brilliantlabs.ca | recherche: Concevez le Terrain de Jeu de vos Rêves Visitez notre page Naturalmakerspace ou

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Être un éco-citoyen engagé Et si vos devoirs consistaient à aider quelqu'un de la communauté ?

notre portail de projets pour trouver d'autres possibilités. Créer AVEC des éléments naturels: Et si le matériel nécessaire aux expériences amusantes pouvait être trouvé à l'extérieur de la maison ou de l’école et était gratuit et accessible? Et si mieux connaître la nature pouvait influencer l'appel à la création et le désir des élèves de créer quelque chose de naturellement brillant et respectueux de l'environnement? Vos élèves sont coincés à la maison et les parents travaillent? Laissez-les utiliser leur imagination et le matériel dont ils disposent pour construire un terrarium qu'ils pourront modifier au fil des sorties en nature afin d’observer et suivre la biodiversité du quartier. Projet pour vous projects.brilliantlabs.ca | recherche: Construire un Nichoir

Quelles compétences et quels résultats d'apprentissage pourraient être développés et atteints en se portant volontaire pour aider des voisins âgés? Leur écrire des mots d'encouragement, leur préparer des biscuits, enlever la neige de leur allée, leur apporter de l'épicerie... Est-ce que les élèves pourraient ouvrir leur propre entreprise socialement ou écologiquement responsable? Et si un étudiant pouvait recueillir des fonds pour les familles dans le besoin de sa communauté? En étant responsable des transferts d'argent, en achetant des articles d'épicerie ou des vêtements spécifiques, en écrivant aux familles des lettres d'espoir. Et si chaque élève adoptait ou plantait un arbre à la maison, à l'école ou dans le quartier et recueillait des informations sur cet arbre tout au long de l'année? Quelle est la circonférence, la croissance, les animaux qui vivent autour, le type d'arbre, faire la lecture à son arbre, dessiner l’arbre. Allez sur le site d'Arbres Canada pour voir comment

ils peuvent vous aider à verdir votre cour d'école et votre communauté www.arbrescanada.ca Ou bien, soyez un citoyen scientifique! Choisissez votre projet et aidez les scientifiques en leur fournissant des observations importantes qui pourraient les aider à résoudre des problèmes cruciaux.

• Cherchez par mots clés:

Deviens un citoyen scientifique sur le site projects.brilliantlabs.ca

Montrez votre leadership écologique/social Et si chacun de vos élèves avait un projet personnel tout en travaillant à la maison? Et si, dans le cadre de projets scolaires, les élèves exerçaient un leadership environnemental ou social positif fort en utilisant les médias sociaux, les stations de radio locales, les podcasts et les journaux, etc. Comment faire ? Plusieurs façons... Voici une suggestion : Lancez une discussion sur les Objectifs de développement durable (ODD) des Nations Unies avec cette activité de plein air simple mais amusante : Brilliant Labs Magazine Revue Labos Créatifs

The Brilliant Labs Natural Maker program is designed to harmonize fun “Making IN or WITH Nature '' activities with more complex ecocitizenship, ecological and social leadership, and entrepreneurialism. The time youth spent outside making discoveries, engaging in free play and creating, is fostering an emotional connection to the land. This is essential to developing respect and empathy that we all need to intrinsically go further with ecological and social actions. Many of Brilliant Labs pedagogical activities are linked to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs) and work to engage students through the design thinking process. Each pedagogical activity is developed to encourage students to be leaders of their own learning and work in tandem with their interests, skills and goals. Now, let’s take a metaphorical walk to uncover how students can ‘make IN and With nature’.

Get Natural Makerspage Project Ideas and support by visiting brilliantlabs.ca/ naturalmakerspace or join the Natural Maker Natural network (Facebook) to share and get inspired. 68

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Making IN nature What if a walk in nature or in the community was suggested to the students and their families? What if an hour of outdoor play would be this week's students homework? Ask students to describe

what they discovered, made, or the game they played. Have them write these activities in their nature journal. These experiences open opportunities to discuss healthy family habits, the environment, climate change, weather and so on. Ask more probing questions: How do you feel after an hour outside with people you love? What would your family need to spend more time outside? What if you are planning the ideal outdoor playground for your family and your space? From board games on the balcony to an obstacle course in the backyard... Discuss activities with your students and listen to their ideas. Try this project! Search: Design the Playground of your Dream at projects.brilliantlabs.ca Making WITH nature What if the material needed for cool experiments could be found outside your home or your school and was free and accessible? What if learning about nature could influence the students’ call to make and desire to create something naturally brilliant and eco friendly?

At home learning: Encourage students to use their imagination and the materials on hand to design and build birdhouse. Ask them to observe and track visitors. This will help students consider the biodiversity found in their neighborhood. Be an engaged ecocitizen Consider how homework could help a student’s community. Volunteering is great way to develop skills, while meeting learning outcomes. For example, challenge students to consider ways they can safely help an elderly neighbour. Maybe it’s snow removal or other yard work. Encourage them to document their ideas and efforts. It could grow into a socially or ecological responsible business. Adopt A Tree Challenge students to either adopt or plant a tree. Ask them to journal observations and collect information about the tree throughout the year: - Species of tree. - Measure circumference & growth over time. - Wildlife: animals living around.

- Writing, reading & reflection: write a poem about the tree, find relaxation by reading to the tree - Art: sketch or the tree. This would also be a good task for documenting growth or indexing the features of the tree. Go to Tree Canada to see how they can help to green your school ground and community. Visit here> arbrescanada.ca Be a citizen scientist! Choose your project and help scientists by providing important observations that could help solve crucial problems. Try this project! Search: Be A Citizen Scientist at projects.brilliantlabs.ca What if each of your students would have a personal project while working from home? What if, through school projects, students would exerce a strong positive environmental or social leadership using social media, local radio stations, podcasts and newspapers, etc. How to do that: Many ways... Here is a suggestion. Start a discussion about Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) from United Nations with this simple

yet fun outdoor activity: Create to Inspire Change Engage students in a discussion… What actions they already take to help get closer to these global goals. Although it might feel too big of an objective for young people, look at the examples of actions listed in the activity. Share your personal actions by throwing a rock or a snowball in the middle of the circle. See how many actions your class already takes. Now how, individually or in teams, students could go further into reaching one goal that they feel connected to? This media, artistic or other project becomes the students personal project for the semester. So many learning outcomes could be achieved with an important project. Teachers can easily support students from home and students could also participate to BL virtual sharing opportunities to ask questions and get inspired by other students’ projects. Let’s connect! We’re here to help you on your Natural Makerspace journey.

Brilliant Labs Magazine Revue Labos Créatifs

LES ARTS ET LA DES ATOUTS ES IMPORTANTS EN PANDÉMIE

[English article follows] En mars dernier, le monde entier fut surpris avec une pandémie. Du jour au lendemain, notre vie quotidienne a été bouleversée. Les écoles furent fermées, les enfants ne pouvaient plus se voir, les familles étaient confinées dans leurs maisons. Le monde entier fut déstabilisé. Pour nous, c’était un grand moment d’explorations et de créations. Étant enseignants de musique, nous voulions trouver une façon pour que nos élèves puissent continuer à apprendre, mais surtout créer dans le confort de leur maison, sans instruments de musique... OUCH !!

La création de la classe virtuelle de Madame Chantal et de M. Marc-André Suite à plusieurs discussions et réflexions, nous avons créé la classe virtuelle de musique de Mme Chantal et M. Marc-André, qui en gros est une classe inversée, où nous expliquons un concept musical simple et par la suite nous lançons des défis avec des objets simples que l’on peut retrouver dans la maison ou bien une activité numérique gratuite et simple qui convient à tous les âges, incluant les parents. Les technologies permettent aux élèves de

Brilliant Labs Magazine Revue Labos Créatifs

CRÉATION � SSENTIELS ET N TEMPS DE

Article écrit par: Chantal et Marc-André Pelletier Avec la collaboration de Kathleen Rice Photo par Mark Sivewright, Unsplash, et Madame Chantal et M. Marc-André

créer des projets impressionnants sans nécessairement avoir à maîtriser toutes les connaissances musicales, ce qui est souvent un enjeu dans la création musicale. Avec les bons outils numériques, les élèves peuvent créer des œuvres de plus haut niveau, entendre leur travail et faire les changements nécessaires. Leurs idées deviennent de la musique instantanément, ce qui est très motivant pour le compositeur. Il est important à noter qu’il y a plusieurs aspects à l’éducation musicale. L’ajout du numérique nous permet d’explorer plusieurs aspects musicaux qui sont parfois difficiles à travailler. Bien que la technologie apporte plusieurs avantages, il est important de continuer

l’enseignement des instruments traditionnels, le chant et l’exploration naturelle, car ceux-ci permettent de travailler plusieurs autres aspects chez les élèves, comme la posture, la respiration, la coordination, l’oreille musicale pour en nommer quelques-uns.

Une idée qui grandit - Le choeur virtuel de l’Acadie Alors que l’isolement social fut un défi pour plusieurs, celle-ci nous a inspirés à créer un chœur virtuel de l’Acadie. À partir de leur salon, des centaines de gens de tous les âges, autant des professionnels que des amateurs, se sont rejoints afin de créer de la Brilliant Labs Magazine Revue Labos Créatifs

tv.brilliantlabs.ca | Let’s create melodies with natural sounds

musique ensemble de façon internationale. La technologie qui peut parfois être perçue comme outil qui nuit à la socialisation a créé l’effet contraire. Nous avons créé un pot pourri de Noël, composé de chants acadiens qui a su rassembler et rejoindre non seulement une centaine d’adultes, mais aussi plusieurs centaines d’enfants. Quelle belle façon de rapprocher les gens, pendant un moment où nous pouvons nous sentir très éloignées. La musique a un effet rassembleur sur les gens, le chœur virtuel qui fut une petite idée, grandit toujours.

Partage de passion et d’expertises Depuis plusieurs mois, nous sommes en mode solution afin de créer des projets qui permettent à nos communautés de s’amuser et d’explorer le monde musical. De plus, ces projets leur permettent de sortir de leur zone de confort, tout en créant de la musique individuellement, en famille, ou avec des centaines d’étrangers. Ces projets sont maintenant utilisés dans plusieurs salles de 72

Brilliant Labs Magazine Revue Labos Créatifs

classe et dans d’autres contextes quotidiennement. Il est évident que les arts et la création sont indispensables dans la société. Ces derniers mois nous ont permis de démontrer l’importance des arts et de la création dans nos écoles, ainsi que dans la société, puisque ceux-ci ont su aider tellement de gens dans ces moments plutôt incertains. Collaboration avec Labos créatifs: Créons des mélodies avec les sons de la nature. Pour visiter et vous inscrire au groupe de la Classe virtuelle à Madame Chantal et M. Marc-André YouTube.com | Marc-André Pelletier

Arts and creation - essential and important assets in times of pandemic Last March, the whole world was surprised with a pandemic. Overnight, our daily life was turned upside down. Schools were closed, children could no longer see each other, families were confined to their homes. The whole world was destabilized. For us, it was a big moment of exploration and creation. As music teachers, we wanted to find a way for our students to continue to learn, but more importantly, to create in the comfort of their homes, without musical instruments... OUCH!!

Creation of Mrs. Chantal and Mr. Marc-André’s virtual music classroom After much discussion and reflection, we created the virtual music class for Ms. Chantal and Mr. Marc-André, which is

basically an inverted class where we explain a simple musical concept and then challenge the students with simple objects that can be found in the house or a free and simple digital activity that is suitable for all ages, including parents. Technology allows students to create impressive work without necessarily having to master all the musical knowledge, which is often a challenge in musical creation. With the right digital tools, students can create higher level work, hear it and make the necessary changes. Their ideas become music instantly, which is very motivating for the composer. It is important to note that there are many aspects to music education. The addition of digital technology allows us to explore many aspects of music that are sometimes difficult to work with. Although technology brings many advantages, it is important to continue teaching traditional instruments, singing and natural exploration, because they allow us to work on many other aspects of the students' musicality, such as posture, breathing, coordination, musical ear to name a few. Brilliant Labs Magazine Revue Labos Créatifs

An idea that is growing - Le choeur virtuel de l’Acadie While social isolation was a challenge for many, it inspired us to create a virtual choir. From their living room, hundreds of people of all ages, both professionals and amateurs, joined together to create music together in an international way. Technology, which can sometimes be seen as a tool that hinders socialization, has created the opposite effect. We created a Christmas potpourri of Acadian carols that reached not only a hundred adults, but also several hundred children. What a great way to bring people together, at a time when we can feel very far apart. Music has a unifying effect on people, the virtual choir, which was a small idea, is still growing today. This amazing couple also lead this wonderful project during COVID that is still going on today - Le choeur virtuel de l’Acadie.

Sharing passion and expertise For several months, we have been in solution mode to create projects that allow our communities to have fun and explore the musical world. Moreover, these projects allow them to get out of their comfort zone, while creating music individually, as a family, or with hundreds of strangers. These projects are now used in many classrooms and other settings on a daily basis.

“I

t is obvious that arts and creation are indispensable in society. These last few months have allowed us to demonstrate the importance of arts and creation in our schools, as well as in society, as they have helped many people in these rather uncertain times. - Chantal et Marc-André Pelletier

Brilliant Labs Magazine Revue Labos Créatifs

PHOTO BY MAGGIE HODGSON, ST. STEPHEN HIGH SCHOOL, BRILLIANT LABS CO-OP STUDENT; MODELS: REGAN WRIGHT, IAN CURRAN 76

Brilliant Labs Magazine Revue Labos Créatifs

THANK YOU | MERCI WE WOULD LIKE TO THANK THE STUDENTS & TEACHERS WHO ARE INSPIRING INNOVATION EVERYDAY AND TO THE CONTRIBUTORS & STAFF WHO HELPED CREATE VOLUME 3, ISSUE 1: DECODE COMMUNITY NOUS AIMERIONS REMERCIER LES ÉLÈVES ET LES ENSEIGNANTS QUI INSPIRENT L'INNOVATION TOUS LES JOURS, AUX CONTRIBUTEURS ET AUX MEMBRES DE NOTRE ÉQUIPE QUI ONT CONTRIBUÉ À LA CRÉATION DE CE VOLUME 3, NUMÉRO 1: DÉCODER LA COMMUNAUTÉ

BRILLIANT LABS | LABOS CRÉATIFS

CONTRIBUTORS | CONTRIBUTEURS

JEFF WILLSON, EDITOR

TERRY LAVALLEE

HERNAN LOPEZ, EDITORIAL

AARON RECTOR

JOHN BARRON, EDITIOIAL

TOSCA TERÁN

ALISHA COLLINS, EDITORIAL

IAN FOGARTY

LESA SCOTT, EDITORIAL

KAYOE STEWART

JEFF HENNIGAR, EDITORIAL

GREG PORTER

NATACHA VAUTOUR, EDITORIAL

MAGGIE HODGSON

JACOB LINGLEY, EDITORIAL

IAN CURRAN

MICHELLE THIBAULT, EDITORIAL

REGAN WRIGHT

KATHLEEN RICE, EDITORIAL

ST. STEPHEN HIGH SCHOOL FREDERICTON HIGH SCHOOL RIVERVIEW HIGH SCHOOL

ABOUT US | À PROPOS DE NOUS Brilliant Labs is a non-profit, hands-on experiential learning platform based in Atlantic Canada. We support the integration of creativity, innovation, coding, and an entrepreneurial spirit within classrooms & educational curricula. Labos Créatifs est un organisme à but non lucratif du Canada atlantique offrant une plateforme d’apprentissage pratique et technologique. Nous appuyons l’intégration de la créativité, de l’innovation, de la programmation et de l’esprit entrepreneurial dans les salles de classe et dans les programmes d’études. PHOTOGRAPHY & DESIGN | PHOTOGRAPHIE & DESIGN Article images were provided by staff and contributors. Professional images were sourced at Unsplash.com | Pixles.com. Magazine design, photography, photo & copy editing and original art was created by Cheryl Willson, Brilliant Labs Marketing Communications Manager | videography for Brilliant Labs Magazine digital is edited by Josh Lively, Brilliant Labs Video & Marketing Specialist | Graphic design support provided by Irene Lee, BL Intern from Ontario College of Art & Design University | Jessica Patterson, BL Intern from NBCC Marketing | Alex Hughes, Communications Assistant | Caroline Kenney, Translation. Les images des articles ont été fournies par le personnel et les contributeurs. Les images professionnelles ont été trouvées sur Unsplash.com | Pixles.com. La conception du magazine, la photographie, l'édition des photos et des articles et les œuvres originales ont été créées par Cheryl Willson, responsable des communications marketing de Labos Créatifs | La vidéographie pour le magazine numérique de Labos Créatifs est éditée par Josh Lively, spécialiste de la vidéo et du marketing de Labos Créatifs | L'aide à la conception graphique a été fournie par Irene Lee, stagiaire LC de l'Université d'art et de design de l'Ontario | Jessica Patterson, stagiaire LC de NBCC Marketing | Alex Hughes, Assistante Communication | Traduction en français par Caroline Kenney.

Brilliant Labs Magazine Revue Labos Créatifs

Brilliant Labs Magazine: Future Forward

Articles inside

Take 5 with Terry LaValle

La création de la classe virtuelle de Madame Chantal et de M. Marc-André

Welcome: Hernan Lopez

Learning Through Design by Ian Fogarty