MakerSpace

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Why put a makerspace in your school or classroom?

💗💗 Promote creativity, problem-solving, 
and a chance to see student ideas in 3D.💗💗 


The concept of a makerspace is fairly easy to visualize: 

  • An area open for students to design and construct.  
  • Similar to a crafting area, with supplies students can manipulate however they want.
  • While there can still be rules or limits to specific items used, the idea is to give the students access to the materials.

Specific elements of the makerspace may include: 

  • The size of the area can be as small as a table, or as large of a building available.
  • Supervision for the area can have designated hours, a designated person, or designated shifts.
  • Crafting supplies can include scissors, tape, glue, Velcro, paint, etc.
  • Technology: 3D printers, coding applications, computers, old electronics, circuits, etc.
  • Building with recyclables, such as paper, cardboard, glass, plastic, tin, aluminum, etc.
  • Safety stimuli may include personal protective equipment (PPE), emergency plans, and general safety rules.

Once you have your space, it can be used in many ways:

  • For a particular project.
  • To try to solve a specific problem.
  • Create a competition to build the smallest, farthest throwing, quickest, etc.
  • Team collaborative tasks.
  • A time for students to pursue their personal interests.


Benefits of a makerspace:

  • Hands-on learning.
  • Increased student engagement.
  • Integrated STEM learning.
  • Student led activities and student-centered learning.
  • Students may pay more attention to details and instructions.
  • Students learn to work together or independently.
  • Students have a product to show for their work
  • Students have the opportunity to share.



Image Credits:

https://i.pinimg.com/originals/e8/2c/00/e82c0042e17504caab10be9cb9229629.jpg 

https://i.pinimg.com/originals/dd/4a/7e/dd4a7e51ecb3a1d7282b2802ede58277.jpg

https://www.makerspaces.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/Ultimate-Makerspace-Guide-Header.jpg

https://ideas.demco.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/Makerspace_young_girl.jpg



Comments

  1. JoshEich98April 28, 2021 at 10:25 AM

    I really like how you laid out each piece individually so that readers can look at each different part. Another thing that I really liked is the fact that you gave real life applications for this strategy so that teachers can see how to use them in the classroom. Something else that I liked is the fact that you go over the benefits of this strategy.

    ReplyDelete
  2. KrystalMay 1, 2021 at 3:55 AM

    Taralah,
    Thanks for the easy-to-read format! I like that you included safety measures (logical but something I didn't include/think to include) as well. Another benefit is that the makerspace in conjunction with STEM/STEAM lessons is the interdisciplinary/cross-curricular approach which includes the application of academic skills. I find that often, students lack the ability to see the application of what they are learning in the classroom, and the STEM/STEAM lessons embed these skills. Still, I enjoy your post!
    -Krystal

    ReplyDelete

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