Embedded Files
Class Makerspace Visits
Class Makerspace Visits
Each Maker Space that we experienced has its own distinct personality based on the resources it has available and how it is laid out. All of them are vibrant environments that inspire the creative-making process.
Sonoma State University
Sonoma State University
Some of Everything with Space
Some of Everything with Space
The SSU Makerspace has some of everything to offer with a variety of supplies and materials, technical tools and resources, and abundant space with large tables for working and building. The adjacent library space on the weekends is an added bonus because we could spread out to work in teams.
The marble chute race pictured above took place in the library hall. The long smooth carpeted surface made a great competitive field.
McNear Elementary
McNear Elementary
Portable Packed with Materials
Portable Packed with Materials
The portable makerspace at the back of McNear Elementary School has an impressive array of materials available that are organized in a visually inspiring layout. The work tables make good use of the limited space and the blacktop outside provides more room to expand.
The mobile I built in the space shows off some of the many materials they have available, everything from old toy parts, costume jewelry, and beads to reappropriated wood, wire, and plastic pieces.
Sonoma County Office of Education
Sonoma County Office of Education
Tools and Tech Learning
Tools and Tech Learning
The SCOE Makerspace is stocked with a variety of high-tech maker tools (3D printers, laser cutters, vinyl cutters) that make great use of a compact space with a large work table in the middle of the room. It has a large adjacent computer room as well as work tables that are laid out well for group projects that need a durable space.
The photo above shows the Glow Forge laser cutter etching hand drawn art onto a tile. It can also burn drawings into wood.
Satellite Makerspaces
Satellite Makerspaces
My Mobile Makerspace
My Mobile Makerspace
Making is a mindset and it can be embraced outside a formal makerspace environment. I take my programs to schools, organizations, and events. My mobile maker space is a pull wagon stacked with carefully packed bins and a good assortment of cardboard. I hope to grow my modular system of bins and portable projects and visit more schools, especially those lacking in maker resources, and eventually have a space of my own (visualized to the left) where I can hold small classes.
The following excerpt from the Make: Tinkering book by Kurt Gabrielson resonated with me. It is great to see others making this model of making work on a larger scale. It is from "Vignette: Emilyn’s Tinkering System for the Satellite Sites".
"She designed simple cabinets and storage systems that we slide in and out of the van with extreme efficiency, and then began building relationships with dozens of the denizens of these low-income sites. Within months, it was clear that not only is it possible, in the long term this scheme is more sustainable than presenting single projects. Kids of all ages can find good stuff to do, stuff they’ve never done before, and continue learning each week in their own way, at their own level."
Community Makerspace Visits
Community Makerspace Visits
Chimera Art & Maker Space
Chimera Art & Maker Space
The Chimera Art & Maker Space in Sebastopol is a wonderful community space with a wide variety of resources available for members as well as classes for members and non-members. Great for spreading out, getting access to professional grade tools, and learning new skills.
Digital Fabrication - laser Cutters, 3D printers (FDM, Resin), CNC machine, CAD design computers
Jewelry Studio - soldering Stations, kilns, specialized shaping tools, wax injector, casting equipment, and more
Woodworking - compound miter saw, bandsaws, table saws, planer, wood lathe, jointer, CNC and hand routers, drill press, and lots of hand tools
Electronics/Robotics - test equipment, oscilloscopes, power supplies, soldering irons and lots of components for your electronics and robotics projects
Welding & Metalwork - welders (MIG, TIG, Oxyacetylene), plasma cutter, metal lathe+mill, bandsaw, sheet metal brake, drill press and other metal tools
Crafts & Textiles - stained glass, sewing machines, painting, leather, drawing, etc.
Coworking Space - wifi, printers, scanners, meeting areas
Google Sites
Report abuse