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How to assess your lawn equipment, get ready for the spring and achieve maximum results

2018-03-07T12:01:00

(BPT) – Spring season marks the beginning of the lawn care regimen and many of us have big plans and strategies ready to make this season of lawn care our best yet.

Now we just have to make sure our tools are ready to carry out our vision.

After a long winter of dormancy, power tools like blowers, trimmers and lawn mowers require some early season maintenance to perform at their best throughout the summer. This maintenance includes checking the equipment for any wear and tear issues and cleaning off dirt and grime, but you may want to consider a few extra steps.

Before you start up your power tools for the season, apply these prep steps:

* Lubricate immediately. This first tip is really for mowers. Before using your mower this season, make sure the machine is greased and lubricated at all major function points. This is also a great time to check the tire pressure — adjusting as needed — and to make sure the deck is level and ready to go.

* Check and change the oil. Checking the oil in your mower utilizes a dip stick just like the oil gauge in your car, but in the spring you should probably plan to change your mower’s oil as well, as oil can deteriorate. This can be done by turning the mower so the spark plug side is facing up, opening the oil plug with a socket wrench and letting the oil spill into an oil-safe container. Recycle this oil and, before adding new oil, be sure you’re adding the right blend. The owner’s manual will tell you what type of oil your mower needs.

* Replace air filters. Air filters get clogged quickly in yard equipment because of all the dust, grass clippings and debris they collect. That’s why it’s a good idea to replace the filters in your tools at the start of the year. The air filter will be located behind a panel, near the engine, and this panel can be removed with a screwdriver, allowing you access to the air filter to make the replacement. Once again, before throwing your filter away, be sure you have the proper model to replace it.

* Drain and replace stale fuel. Like your engine’s oil, fuel that remained dormant all winter grows stale and can lead to sediment buildup. If you didn’t burn off the last of your fuel last season, drain the fuel now with a hand siphon before adding new fuel. Remember that fuel will be found not only in the fuel tank, but it may also be found in the carburetor and fuel lines.

* Fuel concerns for blowers. If a blower is part of your spring lawn care plans, addressing oil and fuel concerns in this piece of equipment changes slightly from what was listed above. To check the oil and fuel levels in your blower, choke the engine a few times first. This ensures all the fuel is out of the system. From there you can proceed with your adjustments knowing all the oil and fuel in the blower is accounted for.

* Check the deflectors. If you’re planning to get your trimmer ready for spring, you first need to clear off any dirt and grime accumulated while in storage and then make sure your deflectors are intact. The deflectors provide protection from flying debris, so it’s important to make sure they aren’t cracked or bent.

* Be sure the blades are ready. The blades beneath the deck of your mower are integral to your lawn care routine but as you place them in the thick of every project, they collect a fair amount of debris during the season. Thus, before starting your new lawn care regimen, be sure to check underneath the deck and scrape any existing debris free from the space. This is also a great time to be sure the blades are sharp and that everything is in good working condition.

Finding additional information

If you have a question about one of your tools that was not addressed in this guide or you’re unsure of your ability to fix on your own, don’t be afraid to seek professional help. Husqvarna’s dealer locator tool can help you find a list of experts in your area who can walk you through everything you need to do to get your tools ready for spring, so you can enjoy your best lawn care season yet.


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Are hidden leaks damaging your home, boosting water bills and harming the environment?

2018-02-26T10:53:00

(BPT) – Home water leaks waste 1 trillion gallons of water per year, and 10 percent of American homes have leaks that waste 90 gallons of water a day, according to the EPA.

Fixing easily detectable leaks like dripping faucets and malfunctioning toilets can reduce water bills and water waste. But what do you do about the leaks you can’t see?

Hidden leaks can be dangerous. Leaking pipes within walls can cause mold. Dripping faucets behind appliances can be a fire hazard. Leaking irrigation can cause significant lawn damage. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg.

In a national study of more than 300 homes, intelligent-water industry leader Phyn found that 17 percent of homes have some type of leak. Of those leaks, half were from a broken toilet flapper. This type of common leak wastes 800 to 1,100 gallons of water each day!

Uncovering hidden leaks is important for your budget, your safety and to protect your property investment. Here are some ways to easily detect hidden leaks so you don’t have to worry:

Proactive inspections: Look where hidden leaks commonly occur before you see signs of a problem. Early detection could prevent costly damage. Even new homes need this approach, since human error during construction could lead to hidden leaks later.

Inspect systems: First check your irrigation system by walking around the yard, looking for signs of leaks, like puddles of water or depressions in the ground near sprinkler heads or lines. Also, inspect around your water heater for moisture. Remember to watch the water meter, too. An unexpected spike in a water bill could indicate a problem.

Technology: New advancements help detect leaks using intelligent-water technology, such as the Phyn Plus smart water assistant + shutoff. Installed right after the meter on the main water line, this device analyzes your home’s water use by measuring tiny changes in pressure at 240 times per second. This allows the device to shut off the water automatically, so the owners can rest assured that they won’t come home to surprise water damage from a burst pipe.

Keep age in mind: Older homes have older pipes and systems that may be more prone to leaks, so it’s important to keep close attention on your home as it ages. That being said, new homes aren’t immune to water leaks. You may have heard stories of new homeowners hanging a picture on their wall, only to find a puddle on the floor the next day right below where the nail had punctured a pipe. Pipes and soldering can fail at any time, whether your home is brand new or 100 years old.

Use the pros: When in doubt, hire a professional to get expert insight and workmanship. For example, the Uponor Pro Squad is a group of authorized, intelligent-water specialists, dedicated to installing and servicing the Phyn Plus. Pro Squad members have been trained and certified to provide an expert installation experience, ensuring the quality and workability of the Phyn Plus device.

It’s important to detect hidden water leaks in your home. Learn more about water leaks and smart home technology at www.phyn.com.


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US agricultural trade helps feed the world while strengthening the economy

2018-03-19T12:01:00

(BPT) – Politicians spend a lot of time talking about America-First trade deals. Even though the average person may not think about U.S. trade often, it’s a key part of the economy — a topic that’s on everyone’s mind.

In 2017 alone, the U.S. exported around $132 billion worth of agricultural products. As experts hope to grow this number in 2018, possible trade deals could become big news.

The future of U.S. trading

Economists and agricultural experts want U.S. trade to remain strong, so that exports are equal to or more than what they were last year. However, the complexities of selling U.S. commodities internationally constantly increases.

Companies like Syngenta are working to grow agricultural trade to help Americans feed the world and build a stronger economy at home. Many agricultural associations and Syngenta employees work every day with foreign countries to develop positive relationships and a preference for U.S. commodities.

American farmers are the most efficient in the world, says Laura Peterson, federal government and industry relations head for Syngenta. “We rely on export markets for our products, and with prices as low as they are, now is an important time to protect and grow our markets,” she says. “We are able to produce far more than we consume and compete in a world of high supply, so remaining competitive is crucial for U.S. agriculture.”

Top U.S. agricultural exports

Corn, soybeans and nuts make up three of the top five agricultural exports from the U.S. There is a lot to know about these foods, including the following fascinating facts:

* Corn: One planted seed delivers more than 500 kernels of corn. Corn is widely grown around the globe, with more tons produced each year than any other grain.

* Soybeans: Soybeans are the largest source of protein in agriculture. They are also used to make a variety of nonfood products, including crayons, candles and haircare products. The U.S. exports about half of all its soybeans to other countries.

* Nuts: Nuts are wholesome and versatile. From using nuts in spreads and oils to snacking on roasted varieties, people, domestically and internationally, enjoy them every day. In December 2017 alone, the U.S. exported $936 million worth of nuts.

Negotiating trade agreements

Free trade agreements beneficial to agriculture can boost the marketability of U.S. crops like corn, soybeans and nuts even more overseas. One prime example of this is NAFTA (North American Free Trade Agreement).

“Syngenta remains engaged with U.S. government officials to monitor impacts in renegotiations and trade-dispute actions,” Peterson says. “The current threat of trade wars or withdrawing from trade agreements may harm agriculture.”

“We partner with groups such as BIO (Biotechnology Innovation Organization), U.S. Grains Council and national grower organizations to advocate on common issues that impact our interests,” Peterson says. “This collaboration and outreach is necessary to address uncertainty in markets and to grow our agriculture economy.”

Learn more about agriculture’s future

With so much going on in 2018, it’s likely more news headlines will be dedicated to the important topic of U.S. trade. To learn more about U.S. agriculture, including crop research and trade negotiations, visit http://www.syngenta-us.com/thrive.


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The Merchant Bill of Rights seeks to level the playing field for small businesses

2018-03-01T15:38:11

(BPT) – Consumers who make just a few purchases each day may not think much about the companies that process their credit card. But for a small or mid-sized business, processors who aren’t transparent about the costs they pass on can add up to an expensive headache. Heartland is celebrating 10 years of the Merchant Bill of Rights as an industry standard to promote fair card processing practices.

Its purpose: to enable merchants who don’t have the resources of large purchasing organizations to effectively manage their costs, determine which processor best meets their needs and realize significant savings.

1. The right to know the fee of every card transaction, who is charging it, and if there are surcharges and bill-backs.

Owners or operators of a small or mid-sized business deserve — and should expect — competitive pricing and the best value for payments processing including credit, debit and prepaid card processing.

Many processors and their middlemen hide arbitrary charges — often classified as “surcharges” — without disclosing them to merchants. These charges are pure profit to processors and their middlemen, making transactions that are already expensive even more costly.

2. The right to know the markup of major credit card fee increases and reductions.

Credit card companies typically adjust interchange rate categories and fees semi-annually in April and October. When rates go up, many processors seize the opportunity to inflate them even more and then deceptively blame the increase on the card brands.

3. The right to know all transaction middlemen, and have reasonable equipment costs.

The chain of events that begins when a merchant swipes a customer’s card is fairly straightforward. At minimum, it requires four essential entities to process the transaction: a bank, a credit card brand, a telephone or internet connection and a processor.

When big companies buy equipment, they often solicit proposals from multiple equipment manufacturers to drive the best deal. Owners of a small or mid-sized business may not have the time or resources to shop around for a payment device, and oftentimes turn to their processor for guidance. However, they may not be getting the deal they’ve bargained for — and most likely don’t know it.

4. The right to real-time, dedicated, live service 24/7/365.

Service and support are critical factors in implementing and maintaining a card acceptance program. Unlike national merchants, small local businesses may lack the resources needed to ensure proper training, ongoing support and the best available rates.

With most Americans relying on credit and debit cards for their purchases, one minor problem that prevents or delays the processing of transactions at the point of sale can have devastating effects. Combine the ripple effect of customer dissatisfaction with lost revenue, and it’s easy to see why live customer support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year is mission critical for all merchants.

5. The right to encrypted card numbers, secure transactions and real-time fraud and transaction monitoring.

Credit and debit card fraud costs American businesses billions of dollars every year. Thieves work overtime to find ways to steal from merchants. Often disgruntled or dishonest employees — even some customers — are masters at making money the illegal way, and not getting caught.

For more information, to share stories about dishonest business practices or scams, or to ask a question, visit MerchantBillofRights.org.


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Be wary of adult bullying and know where to turn if you are being targeted

2018-02-02T09:37:00

(BPT) – When you hear the word bully, you probably think of the big kid waiting in the school yard to steal your lunch money. However, bullies aren’t left behind when you move into adulthood.

Not by a long shot.

According to a recent Harris Poll, conducted on behalf of the American Osteopathic Association, 31 percent of Americans say they have been bullied as an adult. Bullying is defined as repeated, negative behavior intended to harm or intimidate, and it frequently happens at work.

Dealing with challenging people in the workplace is a common occurrence but sometimes these interactions can be more than just unfriendly. Before you know it an interaction can turn demeaning, confrontational or even hostile. The stress caused by these encounters rarely stays at work either. It can spill over into your home life, affecting your family interactions, sleep and well-being. You may not realize it at the time, but if you’ve experienced such encounters regularly, then you are being bullied.

The negative health effects of bullying

Those who are bullied can suffer myriad negative physical and mental health effects. For example, the survey revealed respondents had suffered from one or more of the following:

* Stress (71 percent)
* Anxiety/depression (70 percent)
* Loss of confidence (55 percent)
* Sleep loss (39 percent)
* Headaches (26 percent)
* Muscle tension and pain (22 percent)
* A mental breakdown (19 percent)
* An inability to function on a day-to-day basis (17 percent)

The many faces of the problem

Identifying bullying behavior is the first step toward correcting the problem. However, bullying is not always as easy to spot as you might think. The abuse can take the form of “the silent treatment” in which a group or an individual willfully ignores or disregards another person. Victims may also be targeted by lies or rumors that harm their reputation.

Bullying can even take on a more subtle form of manipulation known as gaslighting. This tactic sees the bully undermine their victim’s confidence and make them start to question their own memory, judgment and reality.

Any of these bullying tactics can make it difficult for an individual to acknowledge that they are a victim. You may try to ignore it or think it’s “just part of work.” It’s not. The threat is very real and, in many cases, you need outside help.

A full treatment

Bullying can be more than just mentally harmful; it can damage your physical health as well. Bullying victims report suffering gastrointestinal discomfort, nausea and high blood pressure. Treating physical issues as well as the emotional damage brought on by bullying requires the ability to care for the whole person in a way that goes beyond the surface symptoms. This is precisely what doctors of osteopathic medicine (DOs) are trained to do.

Osteopathic medicine is based on the philosophy of supporting the health of the whole person by focusing on wellness and prevention. DOs believe the mind, body and emotional status all contribute to a patient’s health and each should be treated as the vital component it is. DOs are trained to listen, so if you feel you’re the victim of bullying, talk to a physician or mental health specialist about your treatment options today.

The potential threats to your health are simply too important to ignore.


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Boost home office productivity with a pre-holiday freshening

2016-10-26T10:25:00

(BPT) – You engaged in spring cleaning and organization earlier this year, but with the holidays approaching, your home office could probably stand a bit of freshening up. Fall is the perfect time to make sure your office is a well-equipped and appealing workspace that boosts your efficiency and productivity.

The home office experts at Staples offer tips to refresh your office this autumn:

Improve organization

Does it seem like all the paperwork, junk mail and other useless stuff you cleared out in spring has found its way back to your office this fall? What are you going to do when holiday clutter starts to add up, too? It’s time to take another pass at organizing your office.

Redoing everything might not be practical, but it also might not be necessary. The desk is often the nexus of chaos in any home office, but it’s also the spot where most of your work gets done. Treat yourself to an array of desktop decluttering devices such as:

* All-in-one organizers merge file holders, paper trays, and storage compartments in a single, compact desktop display.

* Desk organizers that can hold files, reference materials and supplies.

* Letter sorters which allow you to prioritize incoming and outgoing mail, so you never miss a bill payment or request for proposal.

* Pencil cups are the simplest way to ensure you’re never hunting for a pen or pencil under a mound of paperwork while a client waits on the phone.

* Storage boxes are great for hiding supplies that you don’t need to use or see all the time.

Staples offers an array of desktop organizers, including the ZigZag suite of desktop products that include the All-in-One White ZigZag Desk Organizer, the White ZigZag Letter Sorter and the White Zigzag Storage Box. Visit www.staples.com to find more organization products.

Boost security

Bills, invoices and emails, attachments and downloads — a lot of valuable data will move through your home office during the holidays. It’s important to secure information and your home office hardware and software.

Make sure your anti-virus and firewall software are up to date. If you’re not sure, consider scheduling an appointment with a technician who can assess the security of your technology. Most security software providers now allow you to enroll in an automatic renewal program so that your protection never lapses.

Don’t overlook the importance of securing more mundane threats, like paperwork that contains proprietary information. If you don’t already have one, invest in a high-quality shredder, like the Staples 15-Sheet Cross-Cut Shredder, and be sure to shred paperwork before discarding it. Old invoices, bills, customer records and even junk mail can all be a source of valuable information for criminals.

Care for your comfort

You spend a lot of time in your home office, and if the holidays are a busy season for you, you’ll likely be at your desk for extended periods. It’s important that your workspace cares for your comfort as much as facilitates productivity — and that means having good office furniture.

It may not be practical to replace a less-than-perfect desk when the holidays are bearing down on you, but swapping out your old office chair for something newer, better looking and more comfortable is an easy fix. It’s also a cost-effective way to make your home office a more productive place.

Be sure to test drive multiple chairs before choosing one. Resources like Staples have plenty of floor models for you to try before you buy. Whether you prefer light and ergonomic, like the Staples Professional Series 1500TM Mesh Chair available in a range of colors, or a more traditional look, such as the Turcotte Luxura High Back Office Chair in basic black, you can find a new chair that will give your office a whole new feeling.


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Retailers find purpose and share it with customers

2018-02-09T14:46:00

(BPT) – Ninety-six percent of Americans are now shopping online, according to a recent study from CPC Strategy.

Building meaningful connections with local communities is one way to captivate today’s consumer, says Etienne Veber, president of Field Trip Factory, a firm that helps design, schedule and promote interactive learning experiences within retail environments.

“Technology provides greater convenience and lower prices,” Veber says, “but it is not a replacement for human interactions.”

The value of purpose

When companies express a sense of purpose to their customers, it has a profound effect on confidence in the brand. Eighty-five percent of companies with a strong sense of purpose say they are backed by their communities, because they are seen as “good and helpful corporate citizens,” according to a survey by Deloitte.

Of firms with a purpose, 89 percent say clients and customers trust the quality of their products and services — versus the 66 percent of firms that do not have this sense of purpose.

One example of an interactive program comes from food retailer Giant Eagle Inc., which developed a program that connects with local school children. “Be A Smart Shopper” helps young students and their families learn about making healthy food choices.

It has been a very effective way for Giant Eagle’s retail team members to uphold the company’s common purpose to improve people’s everyday lives and well-being in a community-centered way, and more than 600,000 families have been reached across Pennsylvania and Ohio. Educators say it supplements classroom curriculum and gets students engaged.

“Our Be A Smart Shopper program is an important part of how we fulfill our commitments to education and health and wellness,” says Giant Eagle CEO Laura Karet. “Through the program, our retail team members are able to meaningfully impact how the children in our communities think about the foods they eat, and encourage involvement from the children in family meal planning.”

Expressing purpose

A retailer can build trust and loyalty by expressing values in innovative ways:

Hosting in-store classes and events: Business leaders, store managers and longtime employees, with their industry knowledge, are community gurus. With that mindset, what better way to connect with the community than to open the doors for an on-site event? Businesses are offering things like hands-on demonstrations, seminars, consultations and even heading up an ongoing club to share knowledge and help people solve their most common problems.

Championing local causes: Company values and industry knowledge are being transformed into a community asset, and resources are being directed to solving problems in the community. Reaching out to local nonprofits, being a major sponsor to make a local event even bigger and better, or paying employees for their time to volunteer are all ways a business can build a meaningful community presence.

Working with a partner: Most businesses do not have the in-house expertise to organize, plan and publicize in-house events and initiatives, which is why some turn to a trusted partner for expertise in that field. For example, as Giant Eagle planned its Be A Smart Shopper Program, Field Trip Factory took the lead with the curriculum (with input from educators), and created the online tool that makes it easy for teachers to discover the program and sign up their class for an event.

Today’s retail climate is a challenging one, due to the rise in technology. To learn more about how businesses are engaging with customers and communities, visit fieldtripfactory.com.


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How to inspire your teen to expand their horizons and find their passion

2018-02-08T06:01:00

(BPT) – With mounting pressures and expectations, the high school years can feel overwhelming — for students and parents alike. Teens grapple with questions like: Which colleges should I apply to? What should I choose as a major? What do I really want to do with my life? What if I don’t have a clue?

As a parent you naturally want to give advice and steer them in the right direction, but you also know it’s a tricky balance. It’s their life, after all, as they’ll often remind you.

So how can you help? Encourage them to explore different interests, with no strings attached. Look for activities beyond the usual choices. Research extracurricular programs at your school, in your community, even overseas so they can see the breadth of what’s out there. Expose them to a range of possibilities and see what they pick.

Does your teen already have a clear focus? Look for innovative programs that allow them to dig even deeper in real-world settings. Or maybe your son or daughter is shy or stuck in a rut and needs a gentle nudge to try something new? It’s amazing how a change of scenery can inspire students and tap hidden talents. Over time they’ll gravitate toward one thing or another, and the journey will be rich with self-discovery.

From local to global, there are many valuable paths that help spark new interests while building self-knowledge, confidence and 21st century skills along the way.

Global clubs and activities spark interest in the world at large

Most high schools offer a range of extracurricular opportunities to get involved in a topic of interest or try out something new, from sports and theater to robotics and debate. Many offer programs with an international theme as well. After-school language clubs provide a chance to practice conversational skills in a relaxed environment while joining in cooking and other cultural activities. And bonding with other language enthusiasts inspires many to want to travel to experience different cultures first-hand! Larger high schools offer more languages, from French, Spanish and German to Mandarin, Arabic and Japanese, while teens with more limited offerings can often find regional programs a bus ride away.

Model UN is another valuable program that teaches students about the world around them, and builds confidence as well as leadership and communication skills. A new activity picked up on a whim may turn into a lifetime source of joy or even a career. If options are limited at school, branch out. Urge your teen to get involved in the local community, meet new people, and bond with others who share similar interests. They’ll see what’s out there in the bigger world while demonstrating to colleges and employers that they’re engaged beyond the standard classroom requirements.

Service programs help teens gain valuable perspective

When teens offer their time and talent to nonprofits and worthy causes, they gain more than just real-world experience for their college resumes. They gain maturity, perspective, practical skills and a greater appreciation for what they’ve got. Volunteering can be customized to one’s own interests, whether it means walking dogs at an animal shelter or building a website for an environmental group. Adventurous students can take it one step further by participating in service programs abroad. Whether working to raise social awareness, lending a hand with environmental and conservation project, or mentoring underprivileged youth, teens grow exponentially during a summer far away from their usual routine.

Study abroad transforms the way a teen looks at fields of study — and life

Studying abroad is not just for college. More and more high school students are making the leap overseas for summer programs or for a semester or gap year. As many students, parents and guidance counselors have discovered, this is an opportune time to develop valuable lifelong skills, learn a new language and discover career interests in a way that is not possible in an everyday classroom environment. Perhaps the ultimate opportunity for personal growth, studying abroad also expands communication skills and helps students understand different cultures and ways of living.

Not sure study abroad has crossed your teen’s mind? Surf the web together for resources and get on mailing lists for brochures. CIEE (Council on International Educational Exchange), a nonprofit that operates high school study abroad programs in more than 30 global destinations, is a good place to start. Transported to a world far different from their own, teens find themselves fully immersed in a new topic and a foreign culture. Programs range from three weeks in the summer to a full semester or academic year.

Planning ahead is key. By involving a teacher or counselor in the discussion early on, you’ll ensure a smooth transition to and from the study abroad experience. It also gives you more time to plan finances and research scholarships to make the opportunity possible. Do your research sooner rather than later: Organizations like CIEE offer scholarships based on merit and financial considerations, but be sure to check the application deadlines so you don’t miss out.

To learn more about CIEE’s Global Navigator High School Study Abroad program and available scholarships, visit ciee.org/globalnavigators.


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5 fun ideas for creating a makerspace in your classroom

2018-01-23T08:13:00

(BPT) – A teacher’s ultimate goal is to instill a lifelong love of learning in their students. When kids are passionate about learning, the sky is the limit! Educators can support students’ creativity and natural curiosity in numerous ways, and one method getting a lot of attention recently is playful, hands-on learning.

When kids have fun and explore their interests, learning comes naturally. That’s why play has a fundamental role in the curriculum of students at any age. At the center of this playful learning movement is something called a makerspace, which is a collaborative workspace where kids can explore, create and learn by using a number of different materials and tools.

Makerspaces have appeared in libraries, schools and community centers, and when you implement one into your classroom design, you’re sure to be impressed with the results. Students will line up to use this space during free periods, making it a worthwhile investment for any grade level. To get started, consider these five tips from the educational experts at LEGO Education.

1. You can make a makerspace anywhere.

You don’t need a designated makerspace to lead a maker project. Making can happen anywhere! Many schools are opening makerspaces in classrooms, libraries, and STEM labs, but you can make a makerspace anywhere with a simple collection of materials on a classroom shelf, in a cart, or even organized on a LEGO® baseplate.

2. Mix up your media.

Makers often use mixed media to create rapid prototypes, so it’s recommend to start with a modest assortment of supplies, including:

• Paper and cardboard

• Buttons

• Fabric and fibers

• Recycled and reusable objects

• Photos

• Objects from nature

• Pencils, crayons and markers

Including mixed media allows students to unleash their imagination, and develop their creative design skills and understanding of aesthetics. You could also consider providing a ‘materials library’ of arts and crafts materials that you already have in your classroom.

3. Be inspired.

Are your students studying community? Why not design a new transportation system, building, or bridge? Does a character in a book they are reading face a challenge? Your students could design something to solve it! Studying Mars? Try designing a new colony, habitat, or exploration rover. You could even ask your students what they want to make. The opportunities are endless.

To help you deliver inspiring Maker projects, LEGO® Education has created a variety of Maker Lesson Plans for Preschool, Elementary and Middle School.

4. Start simple to help build creative confidence.

Don’t overthink how students create in the makerspace. Curiosity and imagination should guide them; there doesn’t need to be a set curriculum. However, you can use concepts in your curriculum to support makerspace activities. For example, have plenty of yarn and fabric available in your makerspace after discussing ancient textiles. Or, bring in an old radio for tinkering after you teach about radio frequencies.

5. A makerspace is what you make it.

You and your students ultimately decide how to create your makerspace. By encouraging playful learning and tinkering, you have the ability to:

• Support the social and emotional development, creativity, and academic skills of your students.

• Build knowledge, and critical-thinking & collaboration skills.

• Give students the chance to be risk takers and helping them accept and learn from their mistakes.

• Enable an environment of student choice and self-directed learning.