Answers to the question, "What is a makerspace?" are as varied as the possible uses and applications for them are. In general, A makerspace is a learning environment that allows users to tinker, play, explore, imagine, envision, create, innovate, and experiment, while emphasizes collaboration and sharing. It helps to develops skills such as iterative problem solving, critical thinking, and perseverance. It is not subject specific - rather it is cross-disciplinary and includes elements of art, science, and craftsmanship as it connects skills to content. Most importantly, it encourages failure as a means to success and offers opportunities for students to create rather than consume.
Why your students should be making
Connecting the standards to your makerspace
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How to use a makerspace with your students
Since the main focus of a makerspace is for the students to pursue their own passions, mandated curricula could get "in the way" of authentic learning. Typically, a makerspace is used outside of "regular" school-directed activities. However, there are resources available that teachers may use to find makerspace projects that they can connect to their curriculum. Teachers who have access to a makerspace in their school or community will need to check to see if the space has the neccesary tools and resources to complete those projects.
- Make Magazine has an online project page sorted by project type but ideas are also available in their Maker Shed.
- Project H has a similar toolbox filled with projects that range from short to long-term commitments.
- The Makerspace Playbook not only provides guidance throughout the process of starting a makerspace, it also contains a section on possible projects for a high school makerspace.
- The Instructables website allows users to type a keyword and search for possible projects.
- The book Invent of Learn has an accompaning website that includes and exhaustive list of resources for project ideas.
Resources:
- http://21centuryedtech.wordpress.com/2014/07/27/maker-space-in-education-series-20-reasons-your-students-should-be-making/
- http://www.iste.org/docs/pdfs/20-14_ISTE_Standards-S_PDF.pdf
- http://www.ncpublicschools.org/dtl/standards/ites/