Ep. 82: STEAM Education in China and Makers Culture, with Luke “Skywalker” Henderson of Wikifactory

Luke Henderson came to China five years ago. First he taught English but soon after he realized Shenzhen was a paradise for makers. As a young maker himself, he started riding the wave of 3D printing and teaching 3D design classes to kids. Now he has developed a full curriculum of steam classes and become a connector for people who are interested in looking for maker resources in Shenzhen.

Episode Content:

• Shlomo and Mike talk about RISE Conference
• Mike announces a new way of connecting to our WeChat group
• Introducing Luke "Skywalker" Henderson
• Luke explains the differences between STEAM and STEM.
• Luke is the community manager of Wikifactory and runs his own STEAM classes. He shares what those titles entail.
• Being a maker from a young age, what did you perceive of the maker’s culture in Shenzhen compared to your home country’s?
• Why did you choose to do STEAM education for kids here and what were the challenges in the beginning?
• Luke talks about the challenges he encountered in the beginning of his STEAM education journey
• The concept (STEAM education) is very hot now and more companies are doing it. In your opinion, what are the key elements in making good workshops for kids?
• In the past few years, you have held many maker trips in Shenzhen. What are some maker organizations or communities worth noticing?
• Luke shares tips to new makers in Shenzhen - the must-sees and must-dos
• Luke's next steps
• How people can get in touch with Luke

Episode Mentions:

• Intro GFA Event during the RISE Conference
• New way of connecting with China Business Cast through WeChat

Interview

• Sign up for [Wikifactory's Alpha] (http://wikifactory.com)
• Luke Henderson's WeChat ID - lukasmaximus89
• SteamHead Makerspace

Download and Subscribe

• Download this episode: right click and choose "save as"
• Subscribe to China Business Cast on iTunes
• Or check out the full list on subscription options
• Add Mike ('michelini') or Shlomo ('shlomof') on wechat to join China Business Cast WeChat group

Thanks to the production team that made this episode happen: Grace, Honey, Jessa and Boban.