About Lgbtq maker classes
The Chaos Learning Lab partners with Logan Pride to offer free summer camp and class experiences for LGBTQ youth. These camps and classes provide personally relevant context for learning foundational scientific concepts and the computer programming necessary to engage in data collection and analysis processes to solve real world problems aligned with the Next Generation Science Standards’ (NGSS) emphases on measurement and modeling as vehicles for engaging core concepts. STITCH also introduces students to science and engineering practices that align directly with careers in electrical engineering and computer science. By allowing young people the opportunity to engage in project-based learning within their peer group, our goal is to create a space in which queer youth can explore and express their identities through the medium of e-textiles. E-textiles, short for electronic textiles, are sewable circuits that can be embedded in clothing items to light up LED bulbs, play music, and a host of other things. Camp participants will engage in designing and building a series of projects such as light up bracelets, buzzer t-shirts, and conductive clothing of their own design. It is our hope by providing students with these materials they are able to express their identity by making clothes that best represent them.
Our research with youth focuses on exploring the affordances of Making as a means for youth to explore and express their ever-shifting identities. Though focus groups, observations, and interviews, we explore the ways in which materials and community are engaged for the expression and articulation of Queer youth identity in rural spaces. Because LGBTQ youth in rural places are at higher risk for harm, we explore the ways in which engagement with their identity is mitigated by location, peers, and safety.
Our research with youth focuses on exploring the affordances of Making as a means for youth to explore and express their ever-shifting identities. Though focus groups, observations, and interviews, we explore the ways in which materials and community are engaged for the expression and articulation of Queer youth identity in rural spaces. Because LGBTQ youth in rural places are at higher risk for harm, we explore the ways in which engagement with their identity is mitigated by location, peers, and safety.