With a changing and growing movement, many are declaring that there are right and wrong ways of doing things. We are getting so hung up on the specifics and our own ideas of what a makerspace SHOULD be, that we’re losing the sight of the big picture. We worry far too much about the stuff.
The Maker Movement in schools is exploding. It’s exciting to see so many schools starting makerspaces and offering students opportunities to express their creativity. But with this explosion also comes the desire to focus too much on the STUFF and not on the EXPERIENCE.
What You Really Need to Create a Makerspace
In my post on AASL Knowledge Quest, I share my ideas on the stuff you do and do not need to create a makerspace. Spoiler alert: It’s not about what stuff you should buy.
Someone once told me my makerspace at Stewart wasn’t a REAL makerspace because there were no power tools. They were missing the point.
The stuff is there to create the experiences, but stuff alone does not make an effective makerspace. There are so many more elements, in particular, a maker culture, that are far more critical for an effective makerspace.
Click on over to read more about what you REALLY need to create a makerspace.
PS: Want to learn even more about creating a maker culture in your school? Check out my book, Challenge Based Learning in the School Library Makerspace, that’s AVAILABLE NOW 🙂
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