"Makerspace"-- the term has been around for a while...but just what is it?
To some, it looks like play-- and that is OK! A Makerspace holds the idea of exploration, and sometimes that comes in the form of play. But what is really going on?
Laura Fleming, from Worlds of Making, explains a Makerspace by stating, "To define a school makerspace by its purpose and simplest of terms, it is a place where young people have an opportunity to explore their own interests; learn to use tools and materials, both physical and virtual; and develop creative projects"
When students come to the library media center, they often have the opportunity to utilize our makerspace. Sometimes the lessons are direct with a specific outcome, and sometimes students are given time to just explore, create and invent.
Check out what items we have available for student use below!
Ozobots https://ozobot.com/ Ozobots are a great starter resource for coding. These devices can easily tie into school topics tp extend learning.
Dot and Dash https://www.makewonder.com/ We have two sets of Dot and Dash in our library. It is a great tool for bock coding, or simply remote control
Green Screen http://www.doink.com/ We no have a Green Screen studio! Students can use DoInk to design and create movies, clips, plays, weather reports, and so much more!
Sphero https://www.sphero.com/sphero-sprk-plus We have twelve Spheros in our library. They are a wonderful tool to teach programming and coding
Knex and Lego Wall These resources are a great way for students to create, design and invent! We have Lego in Education kits that are tied to an app where students design specific engineering designs.
Bookmarks, Coloring, Weaving, Duct Tape, Thank You Cards, Whiteboard space These are low-tech makerspace items for our student's creative side! These items support STEAM curriculum and the process of design can be tranferable to higher-tech activities.
Typing Agent Not quite "Makerspace", but students are exposed to proper typing technique. In today's digital society, learning the proper techniques increase skill and speed!