The Aim

With technology and innovation developing at exponential rates, children entering education now are likely in the future to be working in jobs that don’t yet exist and with technology that hasn’t been invented yet. If Industry 4.0 is relying on a workforce of dynamic, creative problem-solvers and innovators, it is essential that we equip children and young people in the UK with the skills and mindset to grow into these roles.

Within the Early Years and Primary stages, many schools lack the funding to keep up with the latest digital learning tools and many teachers have little knowledge and confidence to teach problem and maker-based learning. Makerspaces offer an opportunity to help schools and other settings develop a creative approach to learning through maker exploration and projects.

The primary aims of this collaborative project are to: (i) introduce schools, museums, libraries and community settings to the concept of makerspaces and maker education; (ii) develop a network of schools, libraries, museums and community settings with an interest in makerspaces; (iii) make a distinct contribution to the development of digital skills in Sheffield City Region; (iv) engage in knowledge exchange and public engagement activities in order to disseminate research findings; (v) provide opportunities for University of Sheffield students to share their knowledge and expertise with the general public, providing them with valuable opportunities to enhance employability; (vi) make the mobile makerspace financially viable in the long term.