Makerspaces in the News

Hi friends!

I’ve been browsing around, looking for more input into my plans for a makerspace in my elementary school library next year. I’ve found some great ideas to share with you here. (I really love having the time in summer to think and plan!)

Low Tech, High Gains: Starting a Maker Program is Easier Than You Think: Don’t worry if you don’t have the budget for a video production studio or 3D printer. Build your makerspace with these less expensive alternatives: LEGOs, arts and crafts, gardening, cooking, astronomy, knitting, weaving, crochet, jewelry-making, sewing wood working, metal working, bike repair, button making, and paper airplane construction. Don’t be intimidated by the trendy “maker” label. Add some DIY supplies to a cart or table. Use downloadable projects from Make magazine.

Photo from http://www.thedigitalshift.com/2013/10/k-12/low-tech-high-gains-knitting-arts-and-crafts-bike-repair-anyingall-are-maker-activities/

Community is Key to Successful Library Makerspaces: Find out what your community wants. What hands-on activities are they missing in their school day? Marble Run Mania, create aliens from recyclables, create chairs from newspapers, partner with local businesses and organizations to create a coding camp, murals from sticky notes, create a display space or share photos on social media.

Makerspace Murals — Photo from http://www.thedigitalshift.com/2013/10/k-12/community-is-key-to-successful-library-maker-spaces-the-digital-shift-2013/

Computer Lab Transformed into a Maker Space

Library Closet Becomes a Maker Space

What Does the Next Generation School Library Look Like? Discusses the transition period, where students adjust to the freedom, through “social learning.”

Mason Elementary Makerspace LibGuide: includes a great list of maker activities, with materials, locations, and Texas education standards (TEKS)