Makerspace Proposal

Students working on 

“Squishy Circuits”  at  

Harris County Public Library

Transitioning part of our Media Center to a Makerspace Lab will have a positive impact on both the teaching and learning in our school district.  As we have transitioned many of our resources to digital sources and our computer lab has turned into computer carts we have space available to transform into a makerspace.  

Makerspaces are influential in impacting teaching and learning because they provide students with the opportunity to become engaged in hands-on discovery of new ideas and creation of new products.  According to Kurti, Kurti, & Fleming (2014), these spaces are flexible learning environments that foster curiosity. The makerspace will enhance students’ collaboration, confidence, and enthusiasm in their learning.    

“Checking out a New Makerspace” at Gillman Barracks

My proposal for the makerspace area in the Media Center will allow for a central work area that is flexible for transition of students and types of projects.  All of the seating will be at tables to encourage collaboration among students.  The supplies and tools available to students will be stored in shelving along the outer walls of the area organized by purpose of material, however since the workstations are centrally located students can choose to integrate materials from multiple areas in their projects.

The makerspace should foster exploration and innovation of any areas related to Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, or Mathematics and supplies will be necessary for students to investigate questions and design products related to those areas. For the initial start-up of the makerspace, it will be necessary to invest in supplies that will meet the needs of basic and intermediate level makers.  To start we need building supplies and kits (legos and knex), exploration supplies (clay, magnets, maKey maKey kits), art supplies, recording supplies (including a green screen set up), and design supplies (3D printer and 3D software).  The current laptop cart can be used.  As the skill level and interest of students increases additional investments will be necessary to will allow for further student exploration. 

The success of the makerspace will require a culture shift among the staff and students. To encourage teachers to become invested mini-workshops will be offered so teachers can develop the maker attitude before it is even presented to students.  Cross-curriculum integration ideas will be developed and available and open time at the makerspace will be provided for each class.  The personal, experience, curriculum integration, and class-time will encourage teachers to get involved and support the change.

References:

Kurti, S.R, Kurti, D.L & Fleming, L. (2014). The philosophy of educational makerspaces. Teacher Librarian.

“Squishy Circuits” is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 2.0

“Checking out a New Makerspace” by J. Raisdana is licensed by CC BY-NC 2.0