Opening Doors Through STEM: How the Student Bus Program Expands Access to Maker Faire Long Island

For many students across Long Island, opportunities to experience hands-on STEM learning outside of the classroom can be limited. Through the continued generosity of community sponsors, the Long Island Explorium has developed an ongoing initiative that helps bridge this gap by bringing students from underserved communities to Maker Faire Long Island each year.

Thanks to these partnerships, the Explorium is able to provide transportation, admission to the event, and commemorative t-shirts for approximately 150 to 200 students annually. For many participants, this trip represents a rare opportunity to attend a large-scale STEM event and explore a world of innovation, creativity, and discovery.

A Day of Discovery, Creativity, and Possibility

Maker Faire Long Island is more than an event. It is a place where science, engineering, art, and imagination come alive.

At the Faire, students encounter makers, inventors, engineers, artists, and educators presenting interactive exhibits that span robotics, electronics, fabrication, coding, and creative design. Rather than simply observing from the sidelines, students are invited to ask questions, experiment with hands-on demonstrations, and engage directly with people who are passionate about building, solving problems, and sharing what they know.

For young learners, this kind of experience can be transformative. Subjects that may feel abstract in the classroom suddenly become tangible, exciting, and full of possibility. Students see firsthand how curiosity, creativity, and perseverance can lead to real inventions and real-world solutions.

In many cases, students also leave with educational giveaways and maker-inspired materials that help keep that spark of curiosity going long after the event is over.

Expanding Access Where It Matters Most

Over the past five years, the Long Island Explorium has proudly partnered with school districts and educational organizations serving diverse communities across Long Island, including Brentwood School District, Riverhead School District, William Floyd School District, Central Islip School District, Middle Country Public Library, Longwood Public Library, and Stony Brook University’s Science and Technology Entry Program.

These partners represent communities where many families face economic barriers to enrichment opportunities outside of school. By helping students from these districts attend Maker Faire Long Island, the Explorium is broadening access to STEM inspiration, exposing students to future career pathways, and nurturing confidence in science, technology, engineering, and creativity.

The program also gives students something equally valuable, a memorable field trip experience that allows them to explore beyond their school environment, connect with peers, and imagine new possibilities for their futures.

Powered by Community Support

This program continues to grow because of the commitment of sponsors who believe that every child deserves the chance to explore, invent, and dream. Their support helps make these experiences possible for students who may not otherwise have the opportunity to attend.

By sponsoring this program, organizations are not simply supporting a field trip. They are investing in inspiration, opportunity, and the next generation of makers.

With the support of future partners, the Long Island Explorium hopes to sustain and expand this initiative so that even more students from across Long Island can experience the excitement of Maker Faire, discover the power of hands-on learning, and begin to see themselves as the innovators of tomorrow.

Help Inspire the Next Generation

When students step onto the Maker Faire grounds, they are not just attending an event. They are stepping into a world of possibility.

The Long Island Explorium is proud to continue this work and grateful to the sponsors and partners who help make it possible. Together, we can ensure that more young people across Long Island have access to the kind of hands-on STEM experiences that spark confidence, creativity, and lifelong curiosity.

Supporting Maker Faire Long Island Behind the Scenes with cloudHQ

Maker Faire Long Island is all about creativity, curiosity, innovation, and community. As the producer of Maker Faire Long Island, the Long Island Explorium helps bring together makers, families, educators, and innovators for a hands on celebration of creativity and STEM. What visitors experience on event day is exciting and hands on, but there is also a great deal of work happening behind the scenes to make it all come together. From sponsor outreach and exhibitor communication to partner coordination, planning updates, and follow-up, a large part of that work depends on staying organized and responsive.

That is one reason cloudHQ has been helpful for our team.

Because so much of our communication happens in Gmail, having tools that support that workflow can make a meaningful difference during busy planning periods. As we coordinate the many moving parts of Maker Faire Long Island, clear communication is essential. At any given time, we may be corresponding with sponsors, makers, vendors, community partners, and internal team members, all while keeping planning details moving forward.

What we appreciate about cloudHQ is that it supports the work we are already doing inside Gmail. Rather than adding another platform to manage, it helps improve the workflow within a system many organizations already use every day. For a small team balancing many priorities, that convenience is especially valuable.

For our team, it has helped make email based coordination more manageable during event preparation. We have found this kind of support useful when handling repeated outreach, keeping communication consistent, and staying on top of ongoing conversations during planning. Even small improvements in workflow can save time and help reduce the chance that something important gets missed.

For an event like Maker Faire Long Island, that behind the scenes support matters. The more smoothly communication and coordination run, the more energy we can focus on what matters most, supporting makers, building partnerships, and creating a welcoming and inspiring experience for the community.

Maker Faire Long Island celebrates hands on discovery and creative problem solving, and it takes a great deal of coordination to make that possible. As producer of Maker Faire Long Island, the Long Island Explorium values tools that help support the communication and coordination behind a community event of this scale. cloudHQ has been a helpful resource in supporting that process and helping our team work more effectively as we prepare for the Faire.

White Paper: Maker Faire Long Island and the Long Island Explorium 2024

Introduction

Maker Faire Long Island is an annual event that brings together makers, innovators, and creative minds to showcase their projects and inspire the community. This white paper provides an overview of the event, its significance, and the role of the Long Island Explorium in fostering STEAM education and innovation.

What is Maker Faire?

Maker Faire is a global movement that combines elements of classic science fairs with innovation, creativity, and STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math). It is known as the “Greatest Show & Tell on Earth,” showcasing the ingenuity and creativity of makers from all walks of life. Maker Faire Long Island, established in 2015, aligns with this global brand and has become a beacon of creativity and innovation in the region.

The Scope and Impact of Maker Faire Long Island

Maker Faire Long Island is a vibrant showcase of advancements in STEAM, attracting over 100 makers and 2000 visitors each year from across the USA and overseas. The event features a diverse range of exhibits, including robotics, cosplay design, environmental engineering projects, scientific advancements, and kinetic art and fire sculptures.

Key Highlights:

• Exhibits and Makers: Over 75 exhibits and more than 120 makers participate, showcasing projects from Stony Brook University, Suffolk Community College, Brookhaven National Labs, and more.
• Performances: Live music and performances, including a songwriter showcase and performances by the Umisora Taiko Drummers.
• Interactive Components: The “Ask a Scientist” component allows visitors to interact with scientists and STEM faculty, fostering curiosity and engagement in science.

How Makers Get Involved

Makers interested in participating apply via the Call for Makers form on the Maker Faire Long Island website. The event provides free exhibition space for non-commercial maker exhibits, with nominal fees for vendors and sponsorship opportunities for commercial makers. This inclusive approach ensures that making is accessible to everyone.

Goals and Vision

Maker Faire Long Island aims to create a platform where people can showcase their projects and share their knowledge. It is a gathering of engineers, artists, scientists, and crafters who enjoy learning and love sharing their skills. The Faire is a family-friendly showcase of invention, creativity, and resourcefulness, embodying the spirit of the Maker Movement.

Challenges and Rewards of Organizing the Event

Organizing Maker Faire Long Island involves coordinating with makers from diverse backgrounds and varying levels of commitment. While challenging, the process is incredibly rewarding, with the event touching the lives of participants and visitors alike. The pride of bringing the event to fruition and seeing the excitement on attendees’ faces makes all the effort worthwhile.

The Role of the Long Island Explorium

The Long Island Explorium plays a vital role in enriching the community with STEM programs that foster inventive thinking. The Maker Faire aligns with the Explorium’s mission to promote STEM discovery, learning, and innovation, shaping the intellect and social values of future generations.

Outreach Projects:

• STEM Enrichment Programs: Delivered in schools, libraries, and community groups across Long Island.
• NASA TEAM II Community Anchor Award: Provides earth and space science programming to underserved schools and libraries.
• Students to Launch Program: Partners with AIAA to bring students from underserved districts to witness a launch at Kennedy Space Center.
• EPA Grants: Establishes rain and native plant teaching gardens in Port Jefferson.
• Community Partnerships: Collaborates with local organizations to provide free STEM education programs.
• Maker Faire Sponsorship: Secures funding to sponsor students from underserved school districts to attend Maker Faire Long Island at no cost.

Collaboration and Community

Maker Faire Long Island is part of a global network of Maker Faires, including those in New York City, the Bay Area, and even Cairo. This collaboration enriches the event and allows for the sharing of ideas and resources, strengthening the maker community worldwide.

Conclusion

Maker Faire Long Island is more than just an event; it is a celebration of creativity, innovation, and community. Through the support of the Long Island Explorium and the dedication of makers, the Faire continues to inspire and educate future generations. This white paper highlights the significance of Maker Faire Long Island and the Explorium’s role in fostering a culture of innovation and learning.

Get Ready to Spark Your Creativity at Maker Faire Long Island 2024!

Port Jefferson’s Long Island Explorium is thrilled to announce our seventh annual maker celebration:

The Maker Faire Long Island

– Saturday, June 8th 2024 –

Celebrating our seventh Maker Faire, the Maker Faire Long Island has been “Making” Maker Faires on Long Island since 2015! We have expanded to the regional showcase of Makers from around the country it is today.

Our Faire is part of the larger Maker Faire brand associated with the Faires in New York City, The Bay Area, Berlin, Barcelona and other Maker Faires throughout the world that celebrate creativity and innovation in the areas of Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math.

Last year, 90+ Makers and 2000+ participants of all ages experienced innovative robots, kinetic and interactive art, fire sculptures, explored the ocean through virtual reality and many more cutting edge creative experiences through hands-on, minds-on exhibits and performances at the Long Island Explorium and the neighboring Village Center and Harborfront Park.

We are excited to expand our maker offerings, innovative hands-on experiences and encourage making and entrepreneurship to all communities on Long Island.

Maker Faire originated in 2006 in the San Francisco Bay Area as a project of the editors of Make: magazine.  It has since grown into a significant worldwide network of both flagship and independently-produced events.  Read more on Maker Faire history, the Maker Movement, as well as how to start a Maker Faire or a School Maker Faire where you live.

Produced by the Long Island Explorium since 2015.

About the Long Island Explorium

The Long Island Explorium is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit and is chartered with the New York State Department of Education.  Our vision is to be a leader in STEM discovery, learning, and innovation that will shape the intellect, social values, and principles of future generations. Our curriculum, exhibits, and educational approach are unique by design, developed to spark inventive solutions, build confidence by embracing the “fail forward” concept and foster teamwork. We are recognized as Long Island’s Family Maker Space. To learn more, visit www.longislandexplorium.org/ and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

Press Release: Maker Faire Long Island is Back for 2023

Maker Faire Long Island returns for the 6th year!
Call for Makers registration is open now!

Long Island, NY – The excitement is palpable as Maker Faire Long Island returns for its 6th edition on Saturday, June 3rd, 2023, at the Long Island Explorium in Port Jefferson. This event is a celebration of creativity and innovation in the fields of science, technology, engineering, art, and math, and it promises to be the most exciting yet!

Last year’s event attracted more than 2000 participants from around the country, with over 80 makers showcasing cutting-edge exhibits and performances. This year’s Maker Faire Long Island promises to be even bigger and better, with new and exciting exhibits and performances, including a demonstration of blacksmithing techniques and the return of the popular Saber Guild Endor temple.

The Call for Makers, Performers, Artisans, and Crafters is now open through May 5th. Groups or individuals interested in exhibiting or offering a hands-on experience should complete the online application at https://longisland.makerfaire.com/call-for-makers/. Apply soon for early placement! Event organizers will reply to applications with further instructions for participation.

“Maker Faire Long Island is a unique event that brings together makers and innovators from all around the country,” said Angeline Judex, Executive Director of the Long Island Explorium. “We’re excited to see what new and innovative projects our makers will bring to the event this year. This event is a celebration of creativity and innovation, and we hope that attendees will leave feeling inspired and motivated to pursue their own creative projects.”

The Faire will be open Saturday, June 3rd, 2023, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Early bird tickets are available now at https://www.eventbrite.es/e/maker-faire-long-island-2023-tickets-529639003517. Early bird rates end on May 6, 2023. Don’t miss out on this exciting event!

For more information on Maker Faire Long Island, including ticket sales and a full list of exhibitors and performances, please visit the Maker Faire website, https://longisland.makerfaire.com, and follow us on social media for updates on programming content and schedules!

Instagram: instagram.com/makerfaireli

Twitter: twitter.com/MakerFaireLI

Facebook: facebook.com/MakerFaireLI

Mastodon: mastodon.online/@MakerFaireLI

Media Contacts:

Lisa Rodriguez
Maker Faire Long Island, Co-Producer
lisa@longislandexplorium.org

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Maker Faire Long Island is produced by the Long Island Explorium, a children’s museum focused on science and engineering under license from Make Community LLC. Follow the development of Maker Faire Long Island on Twitter @MakerFaireLI, on Facebook @MakerFaireLI, and on Instagram @makerfaireli.

About the Long Island Explorium

The Long Island Explorium is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit and is chartered with the New York State Department of Education.  Our vision is to be a leader in STEM discovery, learning, and innovation that will shape the intellect, social values, and principles of future generations. Our curriculum, exhibits, and educational approach are unique by design, developed to spark inventive solutions, build confidence by embracing the “fail forward” concept, and foster teamwork. We are recognized as Long Island’s Family Maker Space.

Maker Faires are produced under license from Make Community LLC.

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Press Release: Maker Faire Long Island is Back for 2022

Maker Faire Long Island returns for the fifth year!

Call for Makers registration is open now!

March 23, 2022, Port Jefferson, NY: The Long Island Explorium is proud to bring the Maker Faire Long Island back on June 11, 2022, after a 2-year hiatus, and will once again be held in the picturesque Village of Port Jefferson. Maker Faire combines the traditional science fair with innovation, creativity, imagination, and engineering, building on the Maker movement to create something entirely new. Formerly called the Eastern Long Island Mini Maker Faire, it has grown into the exhibition of Maker ingenuity it is today; the event is known as the “Greatest Show & Tell on Earth.” Since 2015, Maker Faire Long Island has attracted more than 100 Makers and 2000 visitors annually from the New York Tri-State region.

“This showcase of STEAM innovation and creativity is one of its kind on Long Island. Bridging the gap between textbook science and real-world applications is key to inspiring the next generation into STEM careers”, explains Angeline Judex, MPA, Executive Director, Long Island Explorium. Our Makers embody the spirit of resilience and creativity that prevailed during the pandemic to help unite and lift people through the periods of isolation.

The Call for Makers, Performers, Artisan, and Crafters is open now through May 1st.  Groups or individuals interested in exhibiting or offering a hands-on experience should complete the online application at https://longisland.makerfaire.com/call-for-makers/.  Apply soon for early placement!  Event organizers will reply to applications with further instructions for participation.  

As part of the internationally acclaimed Maker Faire program that offers hands-on making events in cities and towns around the world, Maker Faire Long Island celebrates creativity and innovation in the areas of Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math. This year will feature both Makers from the Tri-State area, California, and across the midwest. We are pleased to announce the first-time participation of creator, 3D designer, and self-taught robot maker, Jorvon Moss (known as Odd_Jay) this year! Visitors can also expect to experience innovative robotics, kinetic and interactive art, fine sculptures, exploring the ocean through virtual reality, and many more at the Long Island Explorium and the neighboring Port Jefferson Village Center and Harborfront Park. Our Makers embody the spirit of resilience, innovation and expertise that prevailed during the pandemic.

The Faire will be open Saturday, June 11^th, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Early bird tickets are available at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/maker-faire-long-island-2022-tickets-298702436027. Early bird rates end on May 1, 2022.

Mark your calendar and follow https://longisland.makerfaire.com/ and on social media for updates on programming content and schedules!

Media Contacts:

Lisa Rodriguez
Maker Faire Long Island, Co-Producer
lisa@longislandexplorium.org

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Maker Faire Long Island is produced by the Long Island Explorium, a children’s museum focused on science and engineering under license from Make Community LLC. Follow the development of Maker Faire Long Island on Twitter @MakerFaireLI, on Facebook @MakerFaireLI, and on Instagram @makerfaireli.

About the Long Island Explorium

The Long Island Explorium is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit and is chartered with the New York State Department of Education.  Our vision is to be a leader in STEM discovery, learning, and innovation that will shape the intellect, social values, and principles of future generations. Our curriculum, exhibits, and educational approach are unique by design, developed to spark inventive solutions, build confidence by embracing the “fail forward” concept and foster teamwork. We are recognized as Long Island’s Family Maker Space.

Maker Faires are produced under license from Make Community LLC.

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Press Release: Featured Maker Announcement and more

ANNOUNCEMENT:
See Our Full Schedule: https://makerfaire.com/empire-maker-faire-2020/empire-state-schedule-page/
See All Our Maker: https://makerfaire.com/empire-maker-faire-2020/empire-state-makers/

On Friday, October 16th and Saturday, October 17th the Empire State Maker Faire, a statewide showcase organized by local producers throughout New York State, will share the creative work and technical know-how of all kinds of makers who share a passion for making.  As part of the internationally acclaimed maker movement, the event features demonstrations, performances and how-to workshops – everything from 3D printed chocolate, cosplay, and robots to programming haunted houses, creating cardboard creations, and hacking board games.  Empire State Maker Faire is online, free, and open to the public.

Our Call for Makers has closed and we had a tremendous response from creative people throughout New York State, as well as globally. 

On Friday, October 16th, the Empire State Maker Faire will launch with our Student Day, which runs from 9:00am through 6pm* and is geared toward students and educators, whether they are learning in person, remotely, or are homeschooled. You won’t want to miss Mario the Maker Magician, Friday’s keynote speaker! Students will love learning how to recycle electronic waste into jewelry, create an animated hero, and discover some cool new twists on origami, robotics, and more! Parents and teachers will appreciate workshops on incorporating STEM/STEAM into your own curriculum. And everyone will enjoy the Five Minute Lightning Talks featuring a wide variety of Makers inspiring creativity for all ages!

Saturday, October 17th, will feature a full schedule of Makers, exhibits, tours and more across 3 streaming channels from 9:00am to 8:00pm. Several makerspaces throughout New York State will give tours and demonstrations of their community members’ work. You’ll learn about saving the bees with recycled materials, as well as how to make puppets — both traditional and robotic. Did we say 3D printed chocolate? Saturday’s keynote speaker will be Limor Fried, founder and CEO of Adafruit Industries.

Mark your calendar and follow https://makerfaire.com/empire-maker-faire-2020/ and on social media for updates on programming content and schedules!

Empire State Maker Faire is presented by the producers of Maker Faires in Rochester, Long Island, Buffalo, Fredonia, Twin Tiers, Syracuse, and World Maker Faire, in conjunction with Make: Community (https://make.co/ )
Maker Faires are produced under license from Make Community LLC.

Media Contacts:

Lisa Rodriguez
Maker Faire Long Island, Co-Producer
Empire State Maker Faire, Co-Producer
lisa@longislandexplorium.org

Gillian Mutti

Maker Faire/Make Community
Gillian@make.co

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Maker Faire Long Island is produced by the Long Island Explorium, a children’s museum focused on science and engineering under license from Make Community LLC. Follow the development of Maker Faire Long Island on Twitter @MakerFaireLI, on Facebook @MakerFaireLI and on Instagram @makerfaireli.

About the Long Island Explorium

The Long Island Explorium is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit and is chartered with the New York State Department of Education.  Our vision is to be a leader in STEM discovery, learning and innovation that will shape the intellect, social values and principles of future generations Our curriculum, exhibits and educational approach are unique by design, developed to spark inventive solutions, build confidence by embracing the “fail forward” concept and foster teamwork. We are recognized as Long Island’s Family Maker Space.

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Keynote Speakers include:

Empire State Maker Faire Keynote by Limor Fried of Adafruit

Limor Fried is an American electrical engineer and owner of the electronics hobbyist company Adafruit Industries. She is influential in the open-source hardware community, having participated in the first Open Source Hardware Summit and the drafting of the Open Source Hardware definition, and is known for her moniker ladyada, a homage to Lady Ada Lovelace.

Adafruit Industries is an open-source hardware company based in New York City. It was founded by Limor Fried in 2005.[2] The company designs, manufactures and sells a number of electronics products, electronics components, tools and accessories. It also produces a number of learning resources, including live and recorded videos related to electronics, technology, and programming.

The Magic of Making with Mario the Maker Magician

Mario is a NY-based, touring performer with an all-ages theater show full of homespun magic, diy robotics, and punk rock slapstick. it’s magic through the lens of the maker movement! Mario has appeared on Sesame Street, Universal kids, and

live on tour with David Blaine, who calls him “the best kids magician in the world!!”

Mario offers a half-hour keynote presentation for Student Day, in which he shares his personal journey with making and how to adapt making to your life in the most fulfilling way. Offering some demos of his own creative works, and inspiration for kids to discover their own unique paths. Do what you love. Use what you have. And have fun.