Knowledge
Maker Space resources and information for educators to facilitate Project-based learning and Design Thinking
Tinkering is a powerful form of ‘learning by doing’. Real science and engineering is done through tinkering. We owe it to our children to give them the tools and experiences that actual scientists and engineers use, and now is the time is to bring these tools & learning opportunities into classrooms
What is the Maker Movement?
Whether you have never heard of the Maker Movement or are wondering what all the fuss is about, thisarticle will help clarify and inspire you to create your own Makerspace. These searchable terms all connect to the Maker Movement: DIY Makers, FabLab, Hacker Space, Hacker Movement, Library Laboratories, Library Makers, Maker Classroom, Maker Projects, Makerspace, Maker Tools, Maker Space, Maker Program, Maker Kids, Maker Works, Maker Faire, Maker Educator, Maker Teacher, Maker Education, Maker Store, Makerbot, Recycle Shop, Studio, Tinkering, Tinker Studio, Tinkering Space, TechShop and Workshop.
The primary promoter of the Maker Movement is Dale Dougherty; when he launched Make Magazine in 2005 he sparked a worldwide Maker Movement.
What do you do in a Maker Space?
The simple answer is you make things. Things that you are curious about. Things that spring from your imagination. Things that inspire you and things that you admire. The informal, playful atmosphere allows learning to unfold, rather than conform to a rigid agenda. Making, rather than consuming is the focus. It is craft, engineering, technology and wonder-driven.
“Tinkering is a powerful form of ‘learning by doing’…Real science and engineering is done through tinkering. We owe it to our children to give them the tools and experiences that actual scientists and engineers use, and now is the time is to bring these tools and learning opportunities into classrooms” (Martinez and Stager, 2013). Project Based Learning “leads to deeper understanding for students…because kids are working on things they care about, and when they do that, they are empowered to really make a difference" (The Journal, para. 6).
How do I get started with "Making"?
A great starting place might be to look at some of the links we have included below to get some ideas:
“Instructables is place that lets you explore, document, and share your creations”, as stated on their site. Anyone could upload their own creations and show people how they did it. You can learn from others on how they built their own solar-powered bicycle to how to get a free yacht! The most popular DIY projects are about electronics, practical homemade tools and gardening.
Instructables started off at the MIT Media Lab as the future founders of Squid Labs built places to share their projects, connect with others, and make an impact on the world. Instructables was officially spun out of Squid Labs in the summer of 2006, and has gone on to grow from a modest hundreds of projects to over one hundred thousand. The community that now calls the site home, is an amazing mix of wonder from around the world. Every day we continue to be amazed by the imagination, curiosity, and simple awesomeness of everyone who shares their creations with us on Instructables.
Makezine is a great place to start with ideas and projects for your Maker Space. We suggest checking out the projects area to get some ideas. While many of the projects are prescribed you may wish to find some ways to open up ideas for thinking outside the box and providing for innovation. Explore the different areas including science, electronics, art, and design.
The Exploritorium Tinkerer Collection
Tinkering is another word for Making, you may wish to introduce your students to some amazing Tinkerers and the occupations that surround them. It is fun to see what your students can Make of it!
Do It Yourself is a platform for students to discover skills and share what they make and do with each other and the global community. Teachers can explore skill-based learning and introduce collaboration into your classroom. Visit this website to discover ways to blend the DIY Skills platform into the core curriculum, or let students explore new subjects while practicing skills and Making.
Maker Camp presents an opportunity for students to join other young inventors and artists from around the world on Google+ to make awesome projects, go on epic virtual “field trips,” and meet the world’s coolest makers. You will find that Maker Camp inspires kids ages 13-18 to embrace their inner maker, get their hands dirty, fix some things, break some things, and have a lot of fun doing it. Everything is archived so all lessons and projects will be available at Maker Camp even after the summer so you and your students can Make all year long.
We hope you found this information interesting and worth using in your classroom, school and other educators. As always , we invite you to share your feedback and suggestions on editor@scoonews.com. To ensure you do not miss a future article or other resource covering Education, Education Technology, STEM, 21st century learning, and current educational news items, please follow us on Facebook & Twitter – @ScooNews.
Have a great weekend and get started Making!
Image courtesy – MakerSpace.com