The document discusses the origins and key concepts of makerspaces. It describes makerspaces as learning environments that bring people together around tools and projects to make things. The document outlines some of the key ingredients for starting a makerspace, including securing space, acquiring tools and materials, developing programming, and cultivating a makerspace mindset. It provides examples of existing makerspaces and ideas for documenting makerspace activities.

1. Sara Gold sgold@wils.org
Community Liaison & Service
Specialist, WiLS
WEMTA 2014

2. A Makerspace
“serves as a gathering point for tools, projects, mentors and
expertise. A collection of tools does not define a Makerspace.
Rather, we define it by what it enables: making”.
“A Makerspace is a learning environment rich with possibilities”.
From MakerSpace.com

4. Beginnings: What & Why
of the Makerspace
Maker Ingredients
Space
Tools and Materials
Programming
Makerspace Mindset
Source: Makerspace Playbook School Edition
Nuts and Bolts
Inventory
Budget
Safety
Getting Started
Documenting
WI Makerspaces

5. What we are doing and why: origins of the Maker movement

6. Maker Movement was spurred by new
technologies which encourage
experimental play.
2005 MAKE magazine launched by
MAKERSPACE , Sebastopol, CA
2006 First Maker Faire hosted

7. Believe if you can imagine it you can make it
Seek out opportunities to learn to do new
things
A community of creative people who help one
another do better
Celebrate other makers

8. Experimental play is a source of creativity,
inspiration and innovation.
Formal education does not make room for play in
curriculum
Jet Propulsion Lab

9. Making is innovative and resourceful
 Intrinsically motivated
Identify challenges and are persistent
Take risks, are creative & open-minded
Learn to collaborate as well as take and give
advice
Develop a sense of social responsibility

10. Physical Spaces
Tools & Toys
Programming
MS Mindset

11. Computer lab
Library
Home Ec/Darkroom
Stagecraft
Outdoors
Cafeteria

12. Make Space: How to Set the Stage for Creative
Collaboration by Scott Doorley and Scott Witthoft.
Space should be conducive to inspiration, collaboration
and conversation
Balance between promoting social interaction and privacy
Aim for easily changed layouts for your space
Include “hang out “ areas if possible

13. LittleBits
Makey Makey
Legos
Recycled Materials
Technology Toolbox
Monkey Jump

14. Assess what your Maker Space requires before
buying materials
Acquire general-use equipment before task-specific
tools
Keep in mind that equipment begets equipment
Include a first aid kit
Page 10 of Makerspace Playbook has a tool list

15. Starter projects
Crafts for Kids
Howtoons
Browse MAKE:
Projects
Exploratorium’s
Tinkering Studio

16. Figure out what you want to
learn
Cut and collect
Play with something new
See what’s out there

17. Defining scope
Setting schedules
Teaching new skills and keeping it fresh
Working together and apart

18. • Making is about
developing one’s
full potential
• Everyone is a
maker
• Our world is what
we make it
• It’s all right to
make mistakes
• We help one
another do better

20. Find an advocate with a wallet
Beg and Borrow
RECYCLE
Buy Used
Just in-time purchasing
Partner with other teachers
 See Resources in Makerspace Playbook for “Makerspace in a Box” toolkit

21. Dream Big, Start Small
Ask your Parent Teacher Organization
for help
Wait for critical mass to purchase items
Ask for donations over the summer

22. Plan for safety
Post safety checklists
Use tools right
Dress right
Clean up
Create a set of behavioral expectations and common
safety rules and discuss them with makers

23. Spread your idea
Identify student makers
Come up with an identity
Find funding
Setup a website or blog
Recruit mentors
Set a deadline and meeting dates

24. Notebooks for students
Blogs
Project binders
Photos
Posters
Videos
Digital Stories

26.  2014 inaugural year, Corey hosting three events after school from 6-8pm for
students and parents.
 1st event in January was to make anything participants wanted to with the goal
being to explore the maker concept.
 2nd event was to make games for the school carnival in March
 3rd event in April is aimed at making things with 3D modeling software.
 Currently do not have drop-in hours

27. Concept:
VV Makerspace reflects a conceptual shift in the LMC overall. Information can be made into
something else just like cardboard or wires.
Planning:
Started planning Fall 2013 for 3-4 events in 2014
Funding:
 Building funds for some light art supplies and glue guns. Most of what we used was recyclable
materials and was donated.
 For the 3D printing night, might charge a nominal fee to cover costs of materials or have it
remain free to build interest in technology and process. The PTO and private donations funded
3D printer.

28. http://www.youtube.com/v/a7ld2cMZDjI

29. • Inspiration was the
quote:
"An avalanche begins with
a snowflake”
~Joseph Compton
• 2200 students and 150
staff and almost every
person created a
snowflake
• Many teachers
incorporated the activity
into their lesson plans.

30. • Project inspired by Dreaming
Up: A Celebration of
Celebration by Christy Hale
• First graders rotated through
5 stations using a variety of
materials to build.
• Dedicated two class sessions
so each student could visit
each station.
• Each station had an iPad to
allow students to document
their work.
Photos:
http://readingtl.blogspot.com/2013/10/dreamin
g-up.htmlstations
Book Jacket Image: Lee and Low

31. Started with some chess sets and
Makey Makey sets