This past weekend, World Maker Faire was held in New York City. What the heck is a Maker you ask? According to AdWeek:

“The maker movement, as we know, is the umbrella term for independent inventors, designers and tinkerers. A convergence of computer hackers and traditional artisans, the niche is established enough to have its own magazine, Make, as well as hands-on Maker Faires that are catnip for DIYers who used to toil in solitude. Makers tap into an American admiration for self-reliance and combine that with open-source learning, contemporary design and powerful personal technology like 3-D printers. The creations, born in cluttered local workshops and bedroom offices, stir the imaginations of consumers numbed by generic, mass-produced, made-in–China merchandise.”

Now that you know what a Maker is, why is a Faire important? A MakerFaire is a place where Makers from all over the world come together to share their knowledge, skills, and experience in a variety of fields. It is the ultimate networking event for creatives to experience new and exciting innovations in technology that has the ability to change our world.

Innovation Academy. The ever expanding computer science curriculum is a great way to for students to explore the concepts of the Maker Movement. From DIY crafts and jewelry to learning code for video games makers can make just about anything!

In addition to the big Maker Faire in NYC, a smaller Faire will happen in Pittsburgh on October 15 & 16. AHCCS students in the area can head to Buhl Community Park in Pittsburgh’s Northside to interact and engage with area Makers. While the Faire is open to all ages, the Maker Faire is a great opportunity for students and young people to become involved in the movement!

Can’t make it to the city? Follow the action on social media @makerfairepgh or using the hashtag #mfPGH16.