Thing 23: Makerspaces

     I have been interested in Makerspaces for quite a while now. My library isn't perfect as far as layout, but I want to give it a try. Hopefully, working on this lesson will help me to get it going.

     The first thing I did was to read through the blog post and watch the video:

What is a Maker or Innovation Space?

Next, I read the article: 

Stop, hey, what’s that sound… Maker Spaces are Going Round

I liked several of the points in the article because I realized a space doesn't have to be too tech-heavy. I can start simply and feel out what students and staff would like.  :) That sounds good.

     I have picked my space - the study room off the library and have had one wall painted with Idea Paint so that it is one large whiteboard. See the picture below which is its first creative use.  :)

Drawing by Alyssa Sta. Ageuda, CPCS student

   

  I participated in the edWeb webinar, February 17th by Leslie Preddy called:

 Makerspaces: The Now Revolution in School Libraries!

I enjoyed that hour and spent a lot of time jotting down ideas as she presented.  Again, it made me feel like I can handle this by starting small-ish and working my way along. 

     I have decided to email teachers about the supplies I am getting together so they know. I will also ask about ideas they have for using the space and what I can help with to get their ideas into actions. I will also email the same information to my middle school and high school students. My plan is to also ask for donations of certain items for upcycling and recycling purposes. But, I am waiting on that until I better understand how much use the space may get.  I am also working on developing a Google form to get information about what the school would like as far as guided  offerings in the space.  That I will send out as soon as our mid-winter break ends. 

     I pulled out an old large metal cart that will serve as our storage unit and bought 12 plastic bins that will sit nicely on the shelves. As far as materials, I have gotten lots of art supplies, markers galore for the whitewall, wikki stix, a 3D pen and filament, small spirographs, a makey makey kit, several units of littleBits kits, and lots of legos.

      Next week, I am starting (I know, whack me on the head, another online course when I can't even keep up with this one...) a free online course in littleBits use and creation (http://littlebits.cc/invent-anything ) called "Learn How to #Inventanything" so that I can show my kids how to do this. I am very excited about learning enough to get the kids going.  

    I have purchased several books on Makerspaces and Tinkering and will have those as references when needed.  I also hope to create several pathfinders on topics that our students are interested in once I send out my Google form to them. last, I will add to my whitewall a "wish list/what I want to do" corner so the kids can make suggestions and give feedback as they work.  There will also be a supplies used area.  That is it for now!  :)