Maker space: A resource to begin STEM in School

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What is a Maker Space?

According to Makerspace.com, “A makerspace is a collaborative work space inside a school, library or separate public/private facility for making, learning, exploring and sharing that uses high tech to no tech tools.” (2020). A maker space is a physical space in a school, typically in a library, where students can process, design, and develop things. There are all kinds of maker spaces, but schools usually include low tech materials like cardboard and recycled materials, as well as mid-tech materials like iPads and laptops.

What does an effective Maker Space look like?

              With the variety of materials in a maker space and the encouraging open-ended nature of the space, there is plenty of opportunity for a maker space to be successful. However, simply filling a space with materials does not ensure the maker space will be effective. Since there are many avenues a school can take with designing a maker space, there is not one set design that makes an effective maker space. However, all effective maker spaces provide great opportunity for students to learn, create, and explore. According to Harry Roman, an effective maker space follows a set of considerations. An effective maker space:

·       Fits in well with 21st century learning

·       Exemplifies the digital workplace students will transition to in the future

·       Compliments STEM/STEAM learning

·       Combines “head and hands” learning

·       Can be used to practice team-based design and problem solving

Maker spaces are designed to inspire students to imagine and create. When the space is built to encourage students to explore, get involved, and stay engaged it has done its job.

How can a teacher implement a maker space into the class?

              Many schools have maker spaces located in the library. If this is the case, then the school should have a sign-out sheet. This can be a physical sign-out sheet or a digital sign-out all teachers can see. If the school creates the sheet via Google Sheets, then everyone can see when the maker space is available immediately. A teacher can utilize a maker space in almost any situation. If students are completing a project, then the teacher can use the maker space as a place for students to build their project.

              A teacher can also use a maker space to begin a course or unit. Students can learn to interact with each other, broadening their mind before focusing on a task. Schools also use maker spaces as free spaces. Students can sign out time at the maker space to design and think through ideas. This is done during a free period or resource time. Finally, teachers can present students with challenges during lessons and require them to use the materials in the maker space to develop a solution.

How does it promote creativity and problem-solving skills? 

              Maker spaces are designed to promote creativity. Since a maker space is filled with versatile materials, students are free to use them in an endless number of ways. One student might take a cardboard box and use it to create a mousetrap car. Another student might take the same cardboard box and develop an LED system that teaches students about the solar system. There is no rulebook in the maker space when it comes to how to use the materials.

              Maker spaces also promote problem-solving skills. Students are given a problem without a clear solution. Using the materials provided and their creativity, students need to develop a solution to the problem. With such an open-ended environment, students are encouraged to use the resources any way they can to form the solution. Students must think critically, collaborate with peers, and persevere to find a solution. All of these skills build a better character in the student and develop them into a mature citizen.

Why Maker Space?

              Maker spaces allow for students to express their creativity, while promoting grit. No task in the maker space is easy; from finding a solution to a problem, to maintaining organization and keeping the maker space clean. Schools can use a maker space to teach students the skills necessary to succeed in the 21st century world, while promoting personal freedoms and fun. Every teacher can find a use for a maker space. Students will love creating and teachers will love watching the students process as they learn. All in all, a maker space is a good use of materials and space to promote positive learning experiences for students.

References:

Roman, H. T. (2017). maker space design. Technology & Engineering Teacher, 77(1), 30–31.

What is a Makerspace? Is it a Hackerspace or a Makerspace?. Makerspaces.com. (2020).

Retrieved 4 August 2020, from https://www.makerspaces.com/what-is-a-makerspace/.


Comments

  1. Mrs. BAugust 4, 2020 at 3:25 AM

    Dean, I love that you mention grit. It's a trait lacking in many of our students when it comes to learning, and I honestly think it's because they don't see the value of what they are doing. When students are in the maker space, they are solving real-world problems that they themselves have identified, making the motivation much stronger. I think that creating is one of the ways we reflect the image of God, which I believe explains the joy we see in our students when they show us their creations!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Deborah DiernbachAugust 4, 2020 at 8:07 AM

    Dean, I liked your system for storing supplies in one place and than having teachers sign supplies out. This makes the idea of a makers space a lot less daunting. As a teacher sometimes I shy away from STEM because I don't have access to the resources. Having the resources would make me a lot more likely to add this into my teaching. I also think you make a great point about creativity. This is a skill that must be learned and practiced. Unfortunately, it is often not valued in education enough. Thank you for sharing your thoughts!
    Deborah

    ReplyDelete

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