Makerspace Lessons

I created low-tech makerspaces in both Union High School and Kawameeh Middle School to engage students in hands-on learning, experimentation, and problem-solving.

At the high school level, students were left to use the space during their own time.

At the middle school level, I have had great success in incorporating the makerspace materials into the curriculum. Classes come into the library to participate in hands-on lessons to demonstrate the culmination of classroom learning.

Middle School Makerspace Lessons

Ancient Roman Aqueducts

Students were challenged to use what they learned about Ancient Rome to build an aqueduct using the materials of the Library Makerspace.

They were required to include 2 elements: at least 2 arches and a trough for the water. If they were able, they were given the additional challenges of adding an inverted siphon and multiple tiers.

Ancient Japan Activity Stations

Students were able to create ancient Japanese art-forms at the following 3 stations:

Manga - the history of manga dates back to around 1200 AD. Students had fun using their imaginations and drawing skills to create their own manga stories
Origami can be traced to 6th century Japan. Students used their hand-eye coordination, spacial visualization, and fine motor control to follow the directions when creating their own origami pieces
Calligraphy - students used watercolors to create Japanese calligraphy while following a video tutorial

Ancient Egyptian Pyramid

Students were challenged to use what they learned about Ancient Egypt to build a pyramid using the materials of the Library Makerspace. They were required to include the following rooms: king's chamber, queen's chamber, gallery, and entrance. If they were able, they were given the additional challenges of adding a secret chamber and an air shaft.

Puppets

Students are able to use puppets to enhance storytelling, as reading partners, to star in videos when students are uncomfortable to show their faces, to put on shows to demonstrate understanding, or anything else the students can imagine.

Moveable Type

As a culmination to learning about the invention of the printing press, students came to the library to try their hand at putting together moveable type to create words and sentences. They started with the sentence, "The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog" to ensure that they used all of the letters of the alphabet, and then were encouraged to print their names and other messages.

High School Makerspace

Students sat together to talk and have fun while coloring 2' x 4' coloring pages
Students built, created, and challenged themselves with Keva Planks
Students problem solved and used spacial reasoning as they put together jigsaw puzzles

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