MakerSpace in the Classroom
Presenter: Laura McDonell
@lmcdonell14
Website: mcdonell14.com
Email: lmcdonell@ecsd.us
Ways to integrate Makerspace
Maker Space- What is it?
A place in which people with shared interests, especially in computing or technology, can gather to work on projects while sharing ideas, equipment, and knowledge….
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nu0iDG-sVSs
*The intent is to combine technology. The main focus is to teach students the process of trial and error and learning to fail forward and focus on creating. It is important to teach them how to visualize, create and solve problems.
Box/Envelope Challenges
*Generate an ongoing list of objectives for students to create.
*Have students take 6(or whichever number) items and create something with the items.
*Utilize video to capture the project from start to finish or have students create a computer model when they are finished.
*Teachers can collaborate with box challenges.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XhaxZHhB2qg
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wxwBga8BH8M
Objectives
*Some students will just “get working” and create.
*Creation with Limits (Give an envelope of 6 items with an objective and a time limit.)
*Create a challenge for another classroom or student (Objective and materials)
*Give to students when they are finished with their work.
*Choose objectives around areas you are studying in the classroom. (Underground railroad, Science concepts)
Earth Day Makerspace
Earth Day is an excellent time to launch a makerspace. Students, parents, community members can create a treasure box of items that can be used for the purpose of inventing something new.
https://mcdonell14.com/2015/04/22/makerspace-earth-day-2015/?iframe=true&theme_preview=true
Litterati app started with Instagram and Google Maps. Digital makerspace)
No space: No problem!
*Creating mini makerspaces has never been easier.
*Use what you have where you are. (Anything is possible)
* Utilize the Envelope or Box challenge (Collaboration)
*Makerspace on a cart.
*Allow students to take a virtual tour and post pictures of the work electronically.
*Each student has a box containing their work/ or materials.
Holiday and DIY events
Students love designing items for lockers, or making decorations for Holidays.
The Magazine “MAKE”
Using Legos
Legos are perfect for a Makerspace!
Poetry/writing assignments
Building computers and keyboard models.
Students can also be given lego pieces in exchange for correct answers on a review. They can then be part of a challenge with the legos.
Students tell stories with legos/scenes and characters.
http://www.teachingideas.co.uk/maths/ways-to-use-lego-in-the-classroom
Wonderopolis- for ideas and inspiration
http://wonderopolis.org/wonders
Students can learn about how things were invented and problems were solved. They can then try and create things based on ideas that they learn from this site.
Learn background behind problems and issues that need to be solved.
Using Digital Tools
*Use the “Snipping” tool to capture a picture of what you made on a screen.
*Use Google Docs or New Google Websites to create a digital portfolio of Makerspace projects.
*Pictures can be uploaded to Google Documents, imovie projects, announcements, facebook pages, school websites and newspapers for students to take a “Virtual Tour”.
Voxels (Computer Program)
Scratch
Typically students are given an objective to create, with specific requirements, such as ____ number of speaking parts, and specific tools or commands to use.
https://scratch.mit.edu/
Planner 5D
Planner 5D is a great site to allow students to design a room. I used it with scenes from the Christmas Carol.
Sketch.io and Quick Draw
Makey Makey
Makey Makey is a great way to introduce the MakerSpace.
*Students are guided with examples of how to set up the cords.
*Creativity and prediction/experimentation is encouraged.
*
http://www.makeymakey.com/
Genius Hour
Genius Hour can be used along with the Makerspace concept.
Students could make a model for part of their project.
Blogging, creating a website, photo story, video or report along with their makerspace creation is a great way to enhance Genius Hour.
This could be incorporated into any sort of research paper.
Evaluating and improving work
A google doc, or paper copy is a great way to catalog the work students complete.
Even as small as 1 sentence entries can be helpful at later stages to remember the process.
Color Coded Cleanup and Storage
-Evaluate the space you have for storage, presentation and work space.
-Consider color coding and pictures or labels for easy clean up
-Everything needs a place
http://lighthousecreativitylab.org/2014/02/color-coded-clean-up-organizing-your-makerspace/
Resources