ARLINGTON, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Paragon Furniture, Inc.®, manufacturer of K-12 educational furniture that sets the pace and place for learning, is making maker spaces and STEM labs more thought-provoking, inspiring and comfortable with the new MAKER™ Series INVENT™ Table and Idea Board.
To help support the creation of a maker space in a K-12 environment, Paragon Furniture has also unveiled a “Maker Space Implementation Guide,” which provides step-by-step instruction on strategies to design, equip and help teachers shift their mindset to take full advantage of the space with their students. Additionally, Paragon is now offering an accredited AIA CEU course on “How to Create a Maker Space in K-12 Schools.”
“Maker spaces are changing the way students view school and giving them a path for the future,” said Mark Hubbard, president, Paragon Furniture, Inc. “Studies show that when educators encourage students to learn by creating, the students become more engaged and invested in their education. The MAKER INVENT Table and MAKER Idea Board are designed to work together in an active learning environment that allows for collaboration in a maker space, a STEM lab or a classroom.”
The MAKER INVENT Table and MAKER Idea Board offer a canvas for interactive learning, brainstorming and connection. Their true differentiator is the perforated side panels, which allow for the easy storage and access of tools and writing utensils.
MAKER INVENT Table
The tables, available in rectangle or clover-shaped work surfaces and in sitting or standing heights, provide ample space for legs and knees, whether students are sitting in chairs, stools or standing. Tables are available with locking casters for easy mobility or glides for stationary applications. The table surface can also be configured using a variety of materials such as laminate, chemical-resistant, and butcher block to fit the intent of the space. In addition, optional electrical access can be mounted to the table. Power cords are managed using work surface cutouts and grommet holes so cords stay off the work space.
MAKER Idea Board
The Paragon MAKER Idea Board offers a canvas for interactive learning, brainstorming and connection. The double-sided dry erase finish is both a writing surface and magnetic so it adds flexibility to any group gathering. It offers a degree of privacy and separation among small groups within the same classroom. The Idea Board has four twin-wheel locking casters for easy mobility while the upright handles provide an easy grip for transportation. It supports most flip chart pads using chart hooks located at the top of the board.
The MAKER INVENT Table and MAKER Idea Board are currently available and shipping. Based on test results, both are compliant with MAS Certified Green criteria and performance standards established for low-emitting materials under the CDPH, CHPS and the LEED v4 general emissions criteria programs. In addition, all MAKER products are tested to meet or exceed the appropriate ANSI/BIFMA x5.5-2008 standards for durability and safety. Paragon Furniture provides a lifetime structural warranty against defects.
According to Cindy Eggebrecht, director of marketing for Paragon Furniture, Inc., “To help educators integrate the MAKER furniture into a K-12 environment, Paragon is offering a Maker Space Implementation Guide, as well as a maker space CEU course worth one learning unit. The combination of these resources give educators, designers and architects the insight and direction they need to create and successfully design and run a maker space or STEM lab.”
Maker Space Implementation Guide
The new guide offers practical advice on crafting a vision, designing a maker space and transforming the role of the teacher. Some of the highlights include:
- Four key questions to guide initial planning efforts
- Eight essential elements of a good maker space project
- Tips for equipping a maker space on a budget
- Four new roles of a maker space teacher
- Examples of best practice maker spaces with documented results
Maker Space CEU Course
The new course covers questions and strategies to consider when designing a maker space and helps teachers shift their mindset to take full advantage of the space with their students. Learning objectives include defining the maker movement and why it is significant for education, crafting the vision and determining the goals of the space, configuring the space, and transforming the role of the teacher as a learning facilitator.
For more information about Paragon Furniture, go to www.paragoninc.com or call (800) 451-8546.
