Making Makerspaces Matter: Design Thinking for All Learners

MakerSpaces are creative, DIY spaces where people can gather to create,

invent, and learn. They often have 3D printers, software, electronics, craft and

hardware supplies and tools, and more.

Children’s Engineering

• Project based on design brief that dictates materials, tools, and criteria.

Maker Activity• Project based on student

choice. Could be inspired by question or impulse the learner has. Might be based on a prompt (Brevity, Ambiguity, Immunity to Assessment).

Elementary Program• Focused on students in co-taught

classes

• Small group of students in a social skills group

• Expanded to integrated classrooms, FACES program, and MakerMondays(afterschool program)

Our MakerSpace Target Students

Middle School Program• Focused on students in self-contained

classes

Hack-o-Lanterns

FACES Program

Elementary FACES Program

Expanding Elementary Program: Integrated Classes

Maker Activities

Maker Activities

3D Printed Explorer Symbol Cookie Cutterswww.cookiecaster.com

Group Projects

Group Projects

MakerMondays• 6 weeks

• 2-5th Graders

• Goal: Develop Mentors for Summer Program

MakerMondays

Our Favorite Activities from MakerMonday

Little Bits

Cubelets

Squishy Circuits

Spheros

Marble Runs and Rack Tracks

Free Hot Wheels http://www.hotwheels.com/en-

us/speedometry.html

Q-Ba Maze

Homemade – Plans here: http://tinkering.exploratorium.edu

/marble-machines

Take Apart Toys Digital Bling

LEDs, CR2024 Batteries, Binder Clips, Foam, and

Craft supplies

MakerMondays

Simple Sewing

Donations and Book (Sewing School by Andria Lisle and Amie Plumley)

MakerMondays

Scribble and Brush Bots

http://tinkering.exploratorium.edu/scribbling-machines

Where we are going…

Elementary Program

• Continued Faculty Training for ALL Teachers

• Continued Programs During School Day

• Expanding to more schools

• More After-School Programs

• K-1 Students

• One Day Workshops

• Summer Program

Middle Program

• Explore more tools

• Littlebits, E-Textiles, Cubelets, 3D Printer

• Summer Program

• Hope for separate space