Check out my post on Demco to learn more about design challenges in low tech makerspaces!
Many educators have the misconception that makerspace activities always need to involve expensive technology like 3-D printers and circuit kits. But this isn’t true. Students can have amazing learning experiences in makerspaces with low-tech and no-tech tools.
Design challenges are a favorite tool of mine for inspiring student creativity in makerspaces (that’s why I co-wrote a book about them). And by using low-tech materials in combination with design challenges, you can easily and affordably inspire student creativity. Low-tech materials remind us that a makerspace is not defined by the specific materials and tools they contain, but rather by the learning experiences they create for students.
3 Design Challenges for the Low Tech Makerspace
To help make it easier for you to try out low-tech design challenges, I’ve written up prompts (based off the format in the book), supply lists and recommended resources. Many of the supplies are things you may already have in your makerspace. If you don’t, you can easily source them.
Click on over to see the prompts and details for each design challenge
- The Cardboard Creature Challenge
- Tech Take-Apart Robot Challenge
- Recycled Book Art Gallery Challenge
Do you have a favorite low-tech or no tech makerspace activity? Share it out in the comments!