Turn your micro:bit into a Magic Wand with AI

Tom Lauwers

November 3, 2025
7:00 PM ET / 4:00 PM PT

Did you know a micro:bit can become a magic wand with a little sprinkling of AI fairy dust? We'll use micro:bit's new CreateAI tool to train a gesture recognition model to recognize motion patterns on a micro:bit attached to a “magic wand”. Via radio, this micro:bit will then become the controller of other micro:bits or micro:bit-powered robots, allowing the wand to control animatronics and robotics at a distance. 

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BIO

Tom founded BirdBrain Technologies in 2010 after receiving his doctorate in robotics from Carnegie Mellon University. His research was founded on engaging all students, regardless of background, in robotics and engineering. Tom seeks to design educational tools that catalyze positive making, coding, and engineering learning experiences in the classroom. Tom resides in Pittsburgh’s Squirrel Hill neighborhood with his wife, two kids, two birds, and a small army of robots. He would be an invaluable ally in the event of a robot uprising. 

Onshape Fundamentals for Teachers

Joshua Manley

December 9, 2025
7:00 PM ET / 4:00 PM PT

This course introduces educators and makers to Onshape, the powerful cloud-based CAD platform used by engineers, designers, and innovators worldwide. Through step-by-step projects, you’ll gain practical skills to design in 3D, collaborate in real time, and bring your ideas from concept to creation.

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What You’ll Learn:

How to navigate Onshape’s cloud-based CAD environment

Essential tools: sketches, features, and assemblies

Strategies for teaching CAD in makerspaces and classrooms

Project workflows that connect design to fabrication (3D printing & laser cutting)

Collaboration tools for teams and students

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BIO:

Josh Manely is the founder of CADclass.org, a CAD education company dedicated to helping educators and makers bring 3D design to life. He has taught thousands of students and teachers worldwide through hands-on courses, books, and professional development workshops. With a background in CAD, 3D printing, and maker education, Josh focuses on making design accessible, creative, and fun for learners of all ages. His work has been featured at conferences including ISTE and Educating for Careers, and he regularly partners with schools, community colleges, and organizations to expand access to cutting-edge design tools.

Creating a Classroom Podcast with Marshall Escamilla

Date: January 12, 2026
Time: 7:00 PM ET / 4:00 PM PT

Turn your classroom into a storytelling studio! In this hands-on workshop, you’ll learn the basics of producing a student-led podcast, from developing ideas and writing scripts to recording and sharing episodes. Podcasting is a powerful tool to build communication skills, foster collaboration, and connect learning across subjects. We’ll explore simple, accessible tools for any classroom setup, and walk through step-by-step strategies for guiding students through the creative process. Whether you’re new to audio or a tech-savvy teacher, you’ll leave ready to launch your own classroom podcast project.

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BIO:

Marshall Escamilla is the co-host and co-creator of Tumble Science Podcast for Kids, an award-winning show that brings stories of scientific discovery to young audiences around the world. With a background in music, education, and storytelling, Marshall specializes in making complex ideas engaging and accessible for children. Before launching Tumble, he worked as a classroom teacher and curriculum designer, developing innovative approaches to project-based learning. Marshall now combines his experience in education with his passion for audio to inspire curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking in kids. Tumble has reached millions of listeners in over 150 countries.