Makerspace
Curriculum
learning disguised as exploration and play
Design process, math, science, technology, crafts and language arts are all a part of the daily work
reflect, using problem solving and critical thinking as they refine and improve their products
Social skills and team work are developed through seeking help from peers and adults
What is it?
are collaborative spaces where people gather to get creative with DIY projects, invent new ones, and share ideas
hands on space where you turn an idea into reality
making rather than consuming is the focus
the act of making is not competitive so the students use their own strength and problem-solving strategies to maintain their own progress
Making Makers video by AnnMarie Thomas:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vo5R8x6tyGg
shares stories about how important it is for children to just get their hands dirty and figure out how to do it themselves
Resources
Carey, B., Hernberg M., Hobbs, T., Paul, K. 2014. Thinkers and Tinkers The Movement. Retrieved from: https://hernbergm.wixsite.com/maker-movement/background
2019. A Librarians Guide to Makerspace. Retrieved from: https://oedb.org/ilibrarian/a-librarians-guide-to-makerspaces/
What does it need?
What is its purpose in the larger focus?
first hand discovery
real life testing to make purposeful connections
People hired: Tech savy, creative, nurturing, a maker, cheerleader for teacher and students to use the space
A space to nurture creative talent
Easy for parents to get involved as well
have a little building space in the corner of a room with hands on materials- give them challenges with only certain resources
The benefits
Gift of taking initiative, getting their hands dirty, being resourceful to solve the problem, never giving up, mindset of no limits but the ones they teach themselves, wisdom of the universe is within them if they can build it-so can they
Funding
Thinking of start up costs and the continual running of the program
School Board
Investors?
Community
School Council
Fundraisers/Bursaries/Grants
Maker spaces in the backs of trucks? Makes it portable but not as consistently available but good idea for starting out as it may cost lots in the beginning-- good stepping stone