about this Virtual Makerspace

Featured Websites

Criteria for Inclusion

The websites included on our site focus on:

• 1. Creating

  2. Constructing

  3. Tinkering

  4. Experimenting

  5. Inventing

  6. Designing

  7. Inquiring

  8. Dreaming

  9. Recharging

  10. Practicing

Selection Process

Each website was selected for a grade-level band based on the following considerations:

• Does it encourage one or more of the ten behaviors listed above?

• Could most students navigate and use it with a moderate-to-high level of independence?

• Is it free or does it at least have a free option with many useable features that will not expire?

• For news and information sites: Does it present facts and information in a predominantly unbiased way and include creator information to allow for credential verification?

Downloading & Logging In

Many of the included websites do require users to sign up for free accounts in order to access all features. Students should ALWAYS get permission from an adult before signing up for an account! Once permission has been given, it is recommended that students, parents/guardians, and teachers set up the account using the student's PPS login info as it will stay the same through high school and lessen the risk of forgetting the username and/or password for the account.

Participatory Culture

The wonderful thing about the digital age we are in is that useful new websites are being released all the time! In fact, there is far too much for one person to know about and track. That is why this Virtual Makerspace site is meant to be a community-wide creation. If you know of a website that should be considered for inclusion, please head to the Contact Us page and complete the Google Form to share your suggestion. Similarly, if you notice one of the included websites has stopped being free, now has lots of inappropriate ads, or another issue of concern, please email Louise Chambers (Teacher Librarian/Media Specialist) at lchambers@pps.net to share your observations so it can be re-evaluated for continued inclusion.