This is an updated version of a post that published on June 24, 2014.
As maker education gains steam, many educators are looking for ways to incorporate making and tinkering into their schools and classrooms — often on a shoestring budget.“Kids are saying they want to learn more about technology and science, but they also want to experience it creatively and use it personally,” said Dale Dougherty, founder of Make Media, which produces Maker Faire and Make Magazine. “One of the ways we can do that is create more makerspaces for kids.But what makes a makerspace? Dougherty and other maker movement advocates have identified several common elements of successful makerspaces:
- They promote learning through play and experimentation.
- They’re cross-disciplinary, with elements of art, science and craftsmanship.
- They offer tools and materials that encourage students to create rather than consume.
Makerspaces can be elaborate learning spaces equipped with sophisticated tools and supplies, but they don’t have to be. To find out how easy it is to create a makerspace with limited space and resources, take a look at the infographic below then read on for more information.
Source: ISTE | Infographic: Create a school makerspace in 3 easy steps
Makerspaces, Maker Education, STEM, and STEAM are gaining lots of traction in Kindergarten though college level education. Articles, resources on social media, and conference presentations on these topics are proliferating at a rate that most educators are now familiar with maker education. Makerspaces like vocational shops and science labs are great additions to schools. They often contain the tools, machinery, and technologies associated with making – 3D printers, laser cutters, vinyl cutters, high tech
