A Makerspace is a versatile, collaborative learning environment that empowers users to explore, create, and innovate. It is typically equipped with a wide range of tools, supplies, and technologies, including 3D printers, vinyl cutters, electronics components, and more.
Within this space, students can engage in hands-on activities, design and build projects, experiment with STEM concepts, and unleash their creativity.
Benefits of a Makerspace
Makerspaces are not only about fostering technical skills but also promoting critical thinking, problem-solving, and teamwork, making them invaluable additions to educational institutions at all levels.
Creativity: The core activity in any Makerspace will be to provide students with a prompt, then have them use their creativity to design and build a solution.
Critical Thinking: Most projects will require multiple attempts at a solution. When the first idea doesn’t work out, students will need to figure out why and develop another solution to fix it.
Collaboration: Many Makerspace activities will be done in groups, or have each child responsible for a specific part of the project, then bring them all together to finish it.
Communication: Every child will see each problem and solution in a unique way, and they’ll need to be able to communicate that to other students to complete the project.
Makerspace Supplies, Tools & Equipment
When creating your Makerspace materials list you’ll want to have plenty of refillable supplies like colored pencils, drawing pencils, markers, paper, foam board, pipe cleaners, googly eyes, craft paints, and other similar materials. Other materials needed for a Makerspace include balsa wood sticks or sheets, bridge building kits, K’NEX, and LEGOs. You may also consider what recycled materials you can use for a Makerspace such as magazines and catalogs, paper and plastic bags, junk mail, cardboard, fabric scraps, and old electronics.
In addition to these materials for makers, you’ll want to include some Makerspace tools such as paint brushes, easels, whiteboards, chalk boards, scissors, screwdrivers, tweezers, and hammers.
For your Makerspace equipment list, you’ll want to consider your school’s budget for the program, since the best Makerspace equipment can get quite expensive. Some great items for a Makerspace classroom are 3D printers, laser cutters, vinyl cutters, robots, science kits, electronics project kits, and electronics supplies.
Makerspace Furniture
If you’re able to have an entire room for a Makerspace in your school, you may want to spend your time and budget on purchasing the right furniture, instead of focusing on supplies. A mobile cart will be essential for you to move around the classroom while still carrying the necessary supplies students need. Also consider how you’ll store your Makerspace equipment and supplies. Cabinets with shelves and bins are a great way to keep everything organized.
Makerspace Curriculum
The best Makerspace curriculum is designed with Makerspaces, project-based learning, and fun in mind. Lessons should be aligned to your local state standards, as well as national standards including NGSS and STEM Careers.
Lessons should showcase how to combine several subjects and academic standards to create worthwhile, complete products that students are interested in making. Ideally, lessons should be able to be completed in a Makerspace or classroom and designed for your school’s class period length.
Makerspace curriculum gives teachers the tools and resources they need to implement making and project-based learning in a variety of content areas. The curriculum should enhance your school's investment in the Makerspace and equipment.
Learn More About Makerspaces in Our Upcoming eBook!
This summer, we’ll be publishing our full guide to Makerspaces, right here on our website! Sign up for our email newsletter to be the first to know when it’s released!
