In this blog post from Modern Teaching Aids, we introduce the concept of Makerspace, outline the benefits and suggest ideas to set up a Makerspace in your school.
Providing math students with manipulatives and art supplies can bring excitement, engagement, and elements of a Makerspace into the classroom.
Thaumatropes are a simple craft that kids will enjoy making - and they will be amazed at the visual effects when the spinning pictures merge! The following post contains affiliate links, which means that at no extra cost to you I can make a tiny bit of money to help support this blog. Thank you! Have you ever heard of a Thaumatrope? Here's what Wiki has to say: A thaumatrope is an optical toy that was popular in the 19th century. A disk with a picture on each side is attached to two pieces of string. When the strings are twirled
Learn how to make a simple Newton's Cradle, the classic science project demonstrating momentum!
Make a working catapult with elastic bands and lollysticks to demonstrate the concept of elasticity. What is elasticity?
This craft stick harmonica is fun to play, and you can adjust the pitch by moving the straws! It’s a neat project, and a good one to make with a group because the materials are very inexpensive. You can fit in a little science learning too – see the bottom of the post for ways […]
I received a sample of this product in exchange for my review. However, I only recommend products or services I love, that I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. The links to Amazon in this post are affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase using them. […]
Check out the coolest printable ever! Grab one, color it and glue together to make a totally awesome flextangle!
K'nex Basketball Game: Cool easy make game that can be finished in under a half an hour. Perfect for on your desk or in an office.
The blend of people, process, and place that makes a school makerspace successful.
Makerspace projects are fun for students of all ages. This 18-slide PowerPoint features step-by-step visual instructions on how to make a creation with moldable plastics. A PDF copy is also included for those who do not have access to PowerPoint. There are 11-total steps, and the remainder of the...
These are the key skills that many job candidates lack https://t.co/aJoEcHtDZW #leadership
COLUMBUS, Ohio — This Midwestern city may just be the heart and soul of the maker movement. Its techies, artists, welders and machinists have earned
How to Make a Desktop Viking Catapult (with a Bonus Wargame to Play).: The other main types of siege engine (trebuchet, torsion catapult, slingshot) are already well represented on Instructables, but we don't seem to have a Viking Catapult.Inspired by a combination of Scout lashing activities and the books of William G…
The Leonardo's Girls Who Code Club learned computer science, received state competition awards and launched candy with a medieval siege weapon. All in 11 weeks.
This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Sphero. The opinions and text are all mine. Coding. Robots. STEM. As parents and teachers, we know that we need to incorporate technology and computer science into our kids’ education, but it can be a little overwhelming, especially for those of us who grew […]
Learn how to create a plan for using your classroom makerspace, by using 3 types of makerspace challenges across the kindergarten year.
In this blog post from Modern Teaching Aids, we introduce the concept of Makerspace, outline the benefits and suggest ideas to set up a Makerspace in your school.
What do you get when you combine makerspace tasks with choice boards? Make-Tac-Toe! These highly engaging challenges are perfect for your makers, regardless of how much space you have! These tasks have been designed around a central material, so that students all start with a basic material and then pull in other materials as needed. This takes some of the guess work out of the materials portion of the makerspace challenge (and translates well to mobile STEM carts). This set of Make-Tac-Toe cards is designed to be used primarily with paper. What You'll Get Teacher Instructions Helpful links (general and specific links for idea springboarding) Makerspace planning pages: includes 2 printable plus digital recording options Rubric options: lower elementary and upper elementary/secondary rubrics included, plus digital editable rubric options Digital, editable, donation request letter templates so you may request materials you need for your makerspace Make-Tac-Toe Board: includes 9 makerspace activity challenges (students can work together, in pairs, or teams to try and get 3 in a row!). Two boards are included: one with 9 defined task, and another with 9 defined tasks and a maker's choice (free space). You may also opt to use this resource over several weeks and have students completely fill their makerspace choice board! If you do this, the board will last for 3-6 class periods. ***Please note these boards are full page but can be printed at 2 or 4 pages per sheet. Where can I used Make-Tac-Toe boards? You don't need a physical makerspace to use these tasks! Makerspace activities can happen anywhere - at STEM or science stations, in your library, at STEM family night, or try Maker Mondays! How are makerspace tasks different than STEM challenges? Makerspace tasks encourage exploration of materials and tools, may use instructions to complete a build, and are a way for students to build skills that will come in handy when completing STEM challenges. This is a great time for "experts" to share their knowledge and collaborate with others (you may have some students who are skilled at paper folding, using certain tools, or know how to create stable structures. Let them share their knowledge in your space!). STEM challenges require that students follow the engineering design process (EDP) to attempt to solve a problem. STEM challenges will not follow step-by-step building instructions and often times result in prototype failure (this is to be expected!). Students will use skills such as joining and measuring techniques, and rely on some previous or newly acquired knowledge to solve the problem. I like to think of makerspace tasks as tasks that are more easily achieved, to build confidence in creating, crafting, tinkering, and making, and STEM challenges as tasks that may or may not be successfully achieved, but should strive to build perseverance and growth mindset while following the EDP.
Interested in learning how to start, schedule, and manage an elementary Makerspace?! Check out these supply suggestions, organization tips, and more.
Open exploration in makerspaces allows time for students to pursue projects and ideas that interest them. Here are some best practices to help.
Find out the necessary components to create an effective space for your maker community.
Identify ways to organize a makerspace so that it meets the needs of your classroom. When designing a makerspace for your students, keep in mind the following things.
Makerspace Name Ideas You have the space, you have the gear, now for the name! There are a lot of great name ideas out there, so I have compiled a list of some you may like, as well as a makerspace name generator of sorts! Unique Makerspace Names These names may combine words, utilize a play on words, or just sound fun: Collaboratory Imaginarium Mindcave Da Vinci's Workshop Simple Makerspace Names Or why not try something simple? Eureka! The Brainstorm STEM Lab Makerplace Fablab I also created this simple chart for coming up with a makerspace name. Just pick one word from each column and you're done! It couldn't be easier. Makerspace Names That Suit YOUR Makerspace Still not sure? Here are some tips for coming up with a unique name: Think about what your makerspace's focus is. Is it on building? Arts? Robotics? Environmentally friendly design? Try using a word that supports your makerspace's mission and feel. Get input from your students. How do they feel in the makerspace? What are their favorite tools and projects? Describe your space. Is it on an upper floor? A basement? In a nook? In a library? What's the history of the space? Try incorporating an aspect of the physical space into your name and it's sure to fit. What do you call your makerspace or STEM lab? Comment below or head to the STEM educator support group on Facebook to share your name with us! Looking for more ideas while setting up your makerspace? You may find the following articles useful: Setting up Your Makerspace Setting up an Elementary STEM Lab by Sarah Lalonde So You Want to Start A Makerspace? by Teach Outside the Box Pin these ideas for later:
What is a makerspace? We're glad you asked.
Educators are bringing more hands-on experiences to their students. Create one of these enriching learning areas by building a makerspace.
When the students used the Makerspaces in the library well, Makerspaces were everything that I wanted them to be … creative and thoughtful spaces for the kids to express themselves! They were centers of learning and making. There were ingenious structures, beautiful creations, and thought-provoking problems to be solved! However, more often then not, they seemed […]
Whether you're just getting started or already have a thriving Maker program going, there will be makerspace resources here for you.
Are you trying to figure out what to put in your makerspace? We created this big list of makerspace supplies and ideas that are easy to find!
Educators are bringing more hands-on experiences to their students. Create one of these enriching learning areas by building a makerspace.
Are you trying to figure out what to put in your makerspace? We created this big list of makerspace supplies and ideas that are easy to find!
Interested in setting up a makerspace?! Congratulations on taking the first step by doing some research. If a makerspace is properly set up and introduced, it can be a great tool for igniting student imagination and curiosity as well as building classroom community. The following are fou
28 engaging hands-on STEM activities that use recylced and craft materials for a home, library, or classroom makerspace
Identify tools & materials that can be used within a makerspace. Most of what is in my makerspace has been donated and collected by my students and their families, except for makerspace technology!
I learned about MakeDo Cardboard Construction Kits while at TLA Annual earlier this year. We bought several kits for our Teen MakerSpace and a fun new station was born. A basic kit comes with a safety saw, a whole punch, several screws, and some hinges. Everything works great except for the safety saw. The safety […]
Ready to create a school makerspace? Use this manual to decide what items you need, what you don’t, and how to get your space up and running.
A Teacher Blog by Jessica Meacham
MakerSpace has been the the hot thing for a couple of years now. We see it EVERYWHERE! But I think everyone has the same question… “Ok, I have a space for my Makers, now what do I …
I receive a few questions a week asking what I use in my makerspace and how to begin one. This blog post will provide you with tips on creating a makerspace no matter what your budget is. According to Makerspaces.Com, “A makerspace is a collaborative work space inside a school, library or separate facility for ... Read more
