Makerspaces

Lately, I have been thinking about the concept of makerspaces. It is a buzzword right now in education, and the concept is intriguing to me. So much so, in fact, that I have been doing some research on the topic.

The first thing I discovered is that there really isn't any pure definition of what a makerspace is or should be. Some say it should involve tools, such as 3-D printers and power tools, others say it is a place to think, invent, create, collaborate and tinker. As I plan for a makerspace in my kindergarten classroom, this is the definition I prefer.

The concept of a makerspace fits with my belief of providing a developmentally appropriate education, along with my belief that it is my duty to provide rigorous, engaging learning experiences that prepare students for life in the 21st century. The research I found seems to support these beliefs, as well:

“What do you do in a makerspace? The simple answer is you make things. Things that you are curious about. Things that spring from your imagination. Things that inspire you and things that you admire. The informal, playful atmosphere allows learning to unfold, rather than conform to a rigid agenda. Making, rather than consuming is the focus. It is craft, engineering, technology and wonder-driven.” Thinkers and Tinkerers

“Makerspaces provide hands-on, creative ways to encourage students to design, experiment, build and invent as they deeply engage in science, engineering and tinkering.” Jennifer Cooper, Designing a School Makerspace (Edutopia)

I have made a few very basic makerspaces this year--mostly containing craft-type supplies. They were an instant hit and one of the most popular places to be during Discovery Time in my classroom. 

I require students to make a plan prior to creating. I do this because I want them to realize that the design process is a very important step, and that sometimes we have to modify our designs when things don't work the way we intended. Currently, this planning page is very simple, but I plan to revise it to create a materials list, now that most students are able to write words clearly.

Here are some of their creations, along with their plans:

Recently, I have expanded the types of materials I have at my makerspace to include pieces from the take apart station (computer keyboard pieces, screws, etc.) This was a bit of a game changer in terms of what the students designed and created. Unfortunately, I forgot to take pictures of those creations.

In light of this piece of research: “… [It is a] space where kids have the opportunity to make – a place where some tools, materials, and enough expertise can get them started. These places, called makerspaces, share some aspects of the shop class, home economics class, the art studio and science labs. In effect, a makerspace is a physical mash-up of different places that allows makers and projects to integrate these different kinds of skills.” Dale Dougherty, The Maker Mindset, in Design, Make, Play, my goal is to expand the types of materials I place at our classroom makerspace and to insert myself into the process alongside the students from time to time, in order to further their skill set and to challenge them to think more deeply.

I would love to see how other teachers are using makerspaces in their classrooms. Please share pictures and ideas in the comments below!