What is Makerspace and how it will induce creativity in our schools?

April 2, 2020

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Makerspace is an idea to build a wall against the battling challenges of teaching different subjects in isolation. It is time to build potential in students to apply learning through practical experimentation and according to real-world scenarios.

Take a sigh and envisage that if all schools adopted practicing of maker culture learning as an integral part of the school curriculum then it will be easy to develop skills in children. Nowadays libraries are converting into the digital world and digital technology also demands new ways of learning, aptitude, and skills at schools by taking place of traditional libraries. The expression makerspace is one of the creative ways that inspire students and provide them ways to design and build projects. The interesting part of the makerspace aims to work together in a collective way and it induces creativity in schools. There exist endless opportunities in exploring new ideas and activities in the journey of makerspace. It can make plans and develop interests for preschool, primary and secondary school students. It is learning without limits and opens new roads to success for the students through playful learning. The students are encouraged to learn collaboratively and share their experiences while completing the designed projects. You can create makerspace with the use of the right material anywhere for children in schools including libraries, STEM labs, and classrooms.

 

Term “Maker” and “space”?

The term “make” means to create, invent or to generate something and space means capacity, area or room. Collectively makerspace reflects the environment that depends upon the imagination and thinking of the maker. It is a combination of STEM–Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math which works as a catalyst for developing different skills in the students.

 

Why Makerspace And Schools Classrooms Had Been So Popular Till Now?

Makerspace enables students to practically complete a picture of the project which has been developed in their imagination. Students can also develop something interesting a task with the use of cards, tape, and glue. There are some tools of makerspace like LilyPad Switch, Finch Robot, ArcBotics, Google Cardboard, piezo buzzer, Sewable Battery Holder, Rigamajig, vibration-motor, Plastic Syringe Tubing,  Alligator Clips, lightup, ply 90 connectors, Bloxels, Electric Paint, Kinetic Sand, Circuit Scribe, Strawbees, EverBlock, Makedo, Ardusat, and 3-D printers. There are a variety of projects which can be performed in school makerspace like an alarm for the treasure box, constructing a desk organizer and quilting or darning a hat, etc. However, before starting any project it is necessary to do research and survey whether formal or informal to determine the tools for the makerspace. Each student has its ability and capability in school. Makerspace work as a key for students to maintain their potential career paths by promoting computational thinking and continuing the process of discovery.

 

Are Makerspace And Schools Any Good? Steps developing an idea for starting Makerspace in School

Step 1: Show your interest in Maker Education

Step 2: Assure the Involvement of other participants

Step 3: Buy Makerspace Resources

Step 4: Develop a community of Makers by assigning different tasks

Step 5: Conduct workshops, training and prepare for the challenges

Step 6: Include the idea of Maker Education in assigned syllabus and curriculum

The Modern Rules Of Makerspace And Schools Classrooms. How do I start a Makerspace in my classroom?

  • Selecting an area for makerspace: Any corner of the classroom can be selected for the makerspace. A group of 3-5 students can work together for completing projects.
  • Collection of storage containers: Empty paint cans is a good idea to store different types of tools and parts. Baskets and bins could also be used for this purpose.
  • Create lists for essential items: Students should prepare a list for their essential items according to their projects.
  • Open and Closed sign: Display an open and closed sign in makerspace area so that students can analyze easily that when it will be open for further projects.
  • Hang a rules poster:  In the corner for makerspace, students can hang a poster displaying.
  1.  “Plan. Persevere. Put Away”
  2. “Support one another”
  3. “Innovation is encouraged”
  4. “Never walk away from a tool that is still on”
  5. “Clean and return all tools to where you got them”
  6. “Do not remove tools without permission from the Makerspace”
  7. “Ask for a guideline when you are not acquainted how to use equipment”
  8. “Operation of the 3D Printers and Laser Machine is restricted to Makerspace Technicians”
  • Display inventory list: Students should also display the inventory list so that it will be easy to examine the items that are running below for the projects. Wish list can also be made for the 3-D printer, alligator clips or Makey-Makey kit by keeping an eye on grants and donations of supplies.
  • Freedom for projects: Students must provide freedom to develop their projects and to learn from their own ideas and interests. Preschool students can create circuits and switches, crochet, build an alarm and a small hat by using empty paper towel rolls, duct tape,  scotch tape/masking tape, cardboard. 
  • Continue building: Throughout the process of discovering and completing new projects and ideas, things will never work in the right direction. But it is pertinent to make your children keep going and attempting again and again which is no doubt priceless.

Why Is Everyone Talking About Makerspace And Schools Libraries?

Makerspace adds value in school education and helps in exploring new creative ideas. A lot of research has been done and books have been published highlighting the need for makerspace in schools. Both school libraries and makerspaces have mutual goals towards learning. Libraries and makerspaces assure an equal level of access to the relevant material resources. Firstly, Libraries provide the material in the form of visual information, print data and computer-generated information. Secondly, makerspaces ensures the availability of material and tools that would be normally expensive for the students. Thirdly, Students can induce creativity by learning, designing and redesigning projects following the process of innovation.

The constructionism theory is related to makerspace which states that the creation and formation of new material objects by constructing models. It also helps students in understanding discovery learning where information is applied through curricular activities to gain more knowledge. Moreover, makerspaces and school libraries both assist in constructing knowledge and expedite in accessing the new ways of getting information through inspiring cooperative learning. Moreover, libraries possess all material relating to the different academic disciplines whereas makerspaces assure availability to physical resources as of robotics, crafting and designing.

Consequently, makerspace provides the best opportunity to grow in the right direction and finding a balance in schools. Librarians may perform a variety of desirable positions in makerspace where there exists a paucity of separate spaces. Schools can conduct workshops, arrange book club and training to encourage students for makerspace. On the other hand, structured programs, one-on-one guidance and mentoring are influential ways to develop the interest of makerspace in the students.

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