MAKING A MAKERSPACE

Our Makerspace, or Tinkerspace as the girls call it, currently consists of a somewhat random collection of tools for our students. We started with a Makerbot Replicator 2, and as the girls have shown interest in different tools we have purchased the 3Doodler, Legos, K'Nex, the Arduino Starter Kit, Makey Makey, and Snap Circuits Pro. One wall is covered with a seamless, white board surface, one holds three large cork boards and the third wall has  a smaller white board and a pull down screen for the wireless projector and AppleTV. While the space is a great start, and has been totally student driven, the space is not currently living up to its potential. The girls love to hang out between classes and use the space for studying during study halls and for hours after school, there is very little actual MAKING going on.

I am constantly thinking about how we can create a space were students are able to explore their interests and deepen their understanding by TINKERING and MAKING! 

THE GOAL

My goal is to create a place for students (and teachers) that promotes curiosity, exploration and creation. I want students to be able to try things they have never tried before and to explore things they might have been introduced to in class at a much deeper level. I want to promote learning through play, exploration, tinkering and creation.  I hope this space will spark curiosity and ignite passion. While the space should be completely student driven and change based on the needs and interests of the girls I also believe that if we build it, they will come! This is exactly why I became a teacher!

"Great educational makerspaces inspire students to own their learning and deepen their thinking by exploring the world with all their senses. In a makerspace designed for independent exploration, curious students tinker and iterate their way through projects inspired by the space. A great educational makerspace motivates more questions than answers because asking the right questions leads to deeper understanding". [teacherlibrarian.com]

In order to continue to develop our Makerspace I am working to compile a wish list of tools and materials and collecting resources worth checking out. What is on your Makerspace wish list? Have you found some great Makerspace resources?  

WISH LIST

• Circuit Scribe (how cool is this!?)
• Sewing Machine 
• Materials for soft circuitry (wearable electronics)
• littleBits Deluxe Kit
• Soldering supplies
• Woodworking supplies
• Legos-lots of Legos!
• Consumables: super glue, epoxy, sand paper, markers, poster board, clay, balsa wood, cardboard, etc. 
• Tools: files, Exacto knives, glue guns
• Large Format Printer
• Vinyl Cutter
• Signage (created by students)
• QR Codes directing users to more information about specific tools and activities (created by students)

RESOURCES

Makerspace Playbook School Edition [Makerspace]

Create a school makerspace in 3 simple steps [ISTE]

Classroom Makerspace: Resources [Digital Harbor]

Classroom Makerspace Workshop [Digital Harbor]
Friday Favorites: The Maker Movement [Holton Tech Tips]