Maker Space in the Classroom

 


A makerspace in a school is a place that supplies students with materials to explore and create which provides opportunities for critical thinking and problem solving development for all. According to Jennifer Cooper of Edutopia, a makerspace can "provide hands-on, creative ways to encourage students to design, experiment, build and invent as they deeply engage in science, engineering and tinkering" (Designing a School Makerspace). A maker space can be created with a variety of materials with a variety of purposes. For instance, a school can create a makerspace filled with craft supplies, electronic circuits, robotics materials, digital processing devices, school appropriate construction tools, etc (Smith, Tips and Ideas for Creating a Makerspace). 

There are many different purposes and uses of a makerspace in a classroom or school. They can act as a supplement to a class or lesson, rest/break period, class reward, etc. Makerspaces are a great resource for students who need to take frequent breaks and can refresh their ability to focus through doing something creative and hands on. Makerspaces can also be catered to all learning styles through providing hands on opportunities with directions or without directions in order to promote creativity. 

A makerspace can be collaborative, student independent, teacher lead, etc. It truly is a customizable environment that can be geared towards the desired outcome of learning. For instance, if a teacher wants the students to learn something specifically through problem-solving and creativity, they can lead the classroom in use of the makerspace. However, if an educator desires for the students to explore their specific interests and learn how to be innovative/creative, they can provide free time within the makerspace for more independent work. 

Overall, makerspaces in the classroom promote collaboration with teachers and students. They also help with developing creative and problem-solving skills through trial and error exploration of the resources within the space. Students can learn how to develop educated reasoning and assessment of specific outcomes they may happen due to their experimenting. It is a great way to allow students to learn through their own thinking process and desires; while promoting thinking outside of the box and independence.


Resources:

https://www.teachstarter.com/us/blog/tips-and-ideas-for-creating-a-makerspace-in-the-classroom-us/

https://www.edutopia.org/blog/designing-a-school-makerspace-jennifer-cooper

Comments

  1. AngelApril 30, 2023 at 6:58 PM

    Hi Sarah, I like the idea of using a makerspace for rest, reward, class reward, on top of the systematic incorporation of STEM or STEAM integration activities. I wonder if there is a school that has done so - to write activities for STEM integration for each lesson unit and to include the use of makerspaces for such exploration. Finally, I also wonder if this long-term approach towards fostering creativity and problem-solving has been found to be effective in reality. It's hard to put a quantifiable measure or to correlate students' success in STEM fields due to the use of makerspaces, but I am glad that students get to learn how to work with one another while using their hands and creativity at the very least.

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