What is a Maker Space ?

What is a Maker Space?

A maker space is a dedicated area where students create, explore, experiment, tinker, invent and collaborate using tools and materials. Maker spaces use the engineering design process to help students become critical thinkers, develop problem solving skills and encourage creativity and innovation while promoting "outside the box" thinking. Students learn to work collaboratively using listening and speaking skills while respecting other ideas and thoughts.   Maker space instruction can develop valuable 21st-century skills such as problem-solving and digital literacy while inspiring new passions and strengthening a love for learning. Materials found in maker spaces vary depending on the age of students and funding available.   In our maker space, we will have maker toys such as legos and K’Nex, board games, card games, and STEM kits. We will also have recycled materials, craft materials, and fabrics. 

Your Help Is Needed Now and Throughout the Year:

We have over 500 students who visit the library each week!  Although our maker space has some materials to get started, maker spaces exist with help from families.  To build and maintain our maker space, we will need help from you now and throughout the school year.  If you would like to help please look through the list below and choose how you would like to help.   Donations can be sent in with your child and/or dropped off in the main office at any time during the school year. Currently we are in need of recycled items and with Christmas coming I want to be sure families have the chance to collect these items.  If you would like to donate/purchase other items for the maker space it would be very much appreciated!  Please see the list on the Maker Space Supplies Needed page for ideas. The list will be updated regularly so please continue to check back.