MakerSpace

By definition, a MakerSpace is:

Makerspaces, sometimes also referred to as hackerspaces, hackspaces, and fab labs are creative, DIY spaces where people can gather to create, invent, and learn. In libraries, they often have 3D printers, software, electronics, craft and hardware supplies and tools, and more.

In the PGM MakerSpace, we currently have:

  • Ozobots -- robots that are programmed by series of colored lines and dots, block programming, and via an iPad app.
  • Stickbots -- used for making stop-motion videos
  • MakeyMakey -- connected to a computer, can be made into an input device using a multitude of conductive materials. Ie., we’ve made human pianos, banana/orange pianos, Play-Doh video game controllers.
  • littleBits -- magnetic electronic Legos
  • Meccanoid robot -- a 4’ tall personal assistant robot that can be programmed by voice or via the computer; can be built in the shape of a robot, dog, or dinosaur.
  • BB8 -- the Sphero robot made famous by the newest Star Wars movie can be driven around the library with the app
  • Materials for creating cards, project displays, scrapbooking -- students are welcome to use the die-cut machines
  • An assortment of popsicle sticks, rubber bands, index cards, cotton balls, dental floss, straws, toothpicks, etc for building contraptions
  • Coloring pages
  • A sewing machine
  • Digital photography -- camera, computer to edit pictures
  • Viewmaster Virtual Reality Goggles
  • Legos, cups, and MagnaTiles for building
  • MakerBot Replicator 3-D printer


I will be adding (I hope…):

  • Minecraft station
  • Augmented Reality apps


If you ever yard sale, flea market, dollar store, etc and come across any of these things, I would love donations of:

  • Legos
  • Tinkertoys
  • Old (they don't have to work) DVD players/VCRs/electronics (not TVs) that the kids can take apart -- you wouldn’t believe the number of kids who I taught to use a screwdriver last year!
  • Fabric/yarn/knitting needles/crochet needles
  • Electric toothbrushes
  • Anything else that looks MakerSpace-ish!


Thomas Edison said, "To invent, you need a good imagination and a pile of junk."


Just a couple of guidelines for using the space...

--Be respectful of other students’ projects-in-progress and other students’ materials. So basically, if it’s not yours, don’t touch it.

--Everyone must clean up after him/herself. This is a MUST.

--Students using the MakerSpace must have a pass and check in with the library staff before beginning work.

--If you don’t know how to do or use something, ask!