Maker Spaces
NCDPI / UNCG
Why Use Maker Spaces?
Maker spaces help kids develop skills to solve problems.
How to convince your administrator:
How to convince your administrator:
- Involve your administrators to take a tour of the UNCG innovation studio.
- Share articles and make yourself the specialist to be able to answer questions and offer ideas.
- Advocating for maker-spaces in the Media center
http://knowledgequest.aasl.org/advocating-makerspaces-libraries/
- Ideas for utilizing STEAM in media centers using maker-spaces https://www.smore.com/jzjbm
Kansas Students Solve Water Crisis for School in Kenya over Skype
Best Practices with Maker Spaces
- Tailor the maker-space experience to the student needs.
- Make it mobile and take it to the room, or schedule time for the class to visit the space.
- Try "Maker-Space Monday's" or select a day where the space opens up and classes or small groups can schedule time with a specific curricular purpose.
- "Pop-Up Maker-Spaces" tailored to the needs of the media specialists.
- "Maker Clubs"- Have the students in the club take ownership of your maker-space and organize materials. - Task cards that possibly don't have an exact answer. Open ended and problem solving opportunities.
- Collaborate with all areas to gather supplies. Involve custodians, or do a parent drive to get consumable pieces for your spaces.
Innovative Maker-Space Ideas
Maker Space task cards
- Create an item you could use to survive when camping.
- Introduce a new toy into the story that moves on its own even when the humans are gone.
- May the force be with you…. Design… anything!
Cubelets
1- Create a flashlight to help with finding your way on a camping trip.
Magformers
2- Create a car that moves or other toy that involves shapes.
Tinker Toys
3-Create a cart, water wheel, or other useful tool
Need Ideas for Your Maker-Space?
Need Funding for Your Maker-Space?
Grant Opportunities: