Using an innovative methodology, the institution opens the doors to an educational space geared to the conception and execution of projects, with support to make them viable
Pioneering and cutting edge, Casa Thomas Jefferson brings a different concept of education to the federal capital of Brazil. On August 9, the institution opens the first makerspace at a bi-national center in South America. The new space has been installed at the Asa Norte unit (606 Norte) for adults, youths and children, fostering entrepreneurship, autonomy, creativity and inventiveness.
Makerspace is more than a simple classroom; it is a learning environment that establishes a seemingly paradoxical link between theory and practice, the past and the future, the simple and the complex. In brief, makerspace is no less than a place where knowledge is verified, tested and proven. Through experimentation and original research, mediated by teachers and tutors, students develop their own projects.
In a 600m² space, including lab rooms, a resource center and auditoriums, the institution has invested in equipment to support the students, such as sewing machines, printers, laser cutters and even a 3D printer. All of this is so that the projects can be made into viable, self-sustaining startups.
The central purpose of the space is to go beyond the institution’s own students in its activities, including some that are free of charge. The proposal takes in the community to foster the production of knowledge within Casa Thomas Jefferson. The institution’s commitment has always been to education, which is why it has opened such a culturally effervescent space. The doors have been opened to a nurturing environment for good ideas.
The individual maker
To better understand what this methodology is for, one must understand what a maker is. Dale Dougherty first introduced the concept in 2005, which gave rise to the movement in the United States. He believes society has reached a point of exacerbated consumption and immediacy.
From that point he saw the need to instigate creation, creativity and reflection in people – but mostly execution. More specifically, it is the best use of natural resources and objects. From a broader viewpoint, it is to be the protagonist in an entrepreneurial process that proposes and develops solutions to everyday problems.
English language teaching
One of the pillars of Casa Thomas Jefferson is the teaching of English. The classes and workshops offered are therefore taught in English, developing thinking in the language and practicing it. After all, English is critical for a startup to grow and conquer the world. The students must be able to develop, present and market their projects in the most used language in the business world.
Casa Thomas Jefferson
Founded in 1963 at the newly opened federal capital, Casa Thomas Jefferson is a not-for-profit bi-national center. This means that our primary goal is to promote cultural exchanges between the two peoples of the American continent: Brazil and the United States. This exchange is made through the teaching of the English language and the promotion of the culture of both countries. In addition to the regular and special courses prepared with the most modern teaching techniques, a range of services that are available to the community are offered. It currently has six units: Asa Sul, Asa Norte, Lago Sul, Sudoeste, Taguatinga, and Águas Claras, plus centers in partner schools.
Service
Casa Thomas Jefferson Makerspace
Address: SGAN 606 Bloco B (entrada pela L3) – Brasília-DF
Tel: (+55 61) 3442-5599
www.thomas.org.br
