A Maker space allows students to make their thinking visible and make solutions to problems. They can develop, test and communicate concepts through tangible and digital models. It’s a space that brings together learning from across the entire curriculum. It is where learning comes alive!
Inspiration: inviting students to participate in the creative economy and to direct their own future
Innovation: grassroots invention - Fostering the I can think it , I can make it, I can make a positive change mentality
Education: Building a connection between subjects and the real world.
Communication and Learning Styles- Kinesthetic, visual, spatial and mathematical learners may be able to develop and express themselves and their ideas better though non-verbal or written means of communication such as drawing and making.
Digital, coding, robotics, electronics- Maker spaces are not only spaces for physical making but also use digital media, programming, robotics, and electronics to express, develop and test ideas and to create digital solutions to problems.
CAD/CAM (Computer Aided Design and Manufacture) bridges the two worlds of digital and physical design. Using laser cutters, vinyl cutters, CNC routers, and 3D printers to accurately create products.
Inspirational Space outside of the traditional classroom which has the equipment and resources for making and in an inspirational dynamic space. Additionally, Maker carts can also be useful as they can be moved to classrooms or other locations within the school. The Maker space can also be used for extra-curricular programmes such as robotics, F1 in schools, remote control car building, skateboard making, entrepreneurial groups, CAS groups, whatever the students want to create!
Equipment and Resources- Drawing equipment, modeling materials (including paper and board, styrofoam, plasticine, clay, polymorph, wood, metal, fabric, repurposed materials, smart materials etc.) Tools and machines for cutting, forming, abrading, shaping, joining, and finishing materials, electronics soldering equipment, CAD/CAM (laser cutters, vinyl cutters, 3D printers, CNC routers etc), sublimation printing, programmable microcontrollers such as Arduino, programmable Wedo Lego, robotics kits such as Lego Mindstorms or VEX robotics. Computers with software such as Techsoft 2D design, Autodesk Fusion 360, the Adobe suite, website building software such as Webflow or Google sites, game programming software such as Scratch etc. can all be used in a Maker space to enhance student's learning.
Experienced Design Teacher(s) to organize and run the Maker space and resources, assist with the making, ensure other teachers and children are safe and assist with curriculum development to fully utilize the space and to run extracurricular projects. Additionally, to communicate with companies, universities, experts, guest speakers/makers, and the school community to further enhance and promote the students' learning!