Makerspace Resources

Makerspace Resources | Whether you're just getting started learning about makerspaces or already have a thriving Maker program going, there will be something on this page for you. I've curated articles, links, video and tons of other resources here to help you along your Maker journey.

All the Makerspace resources you could hope for (and more)

I first started learning about the Maker Movement in education and makerspaces in late 2013.  Since then, I’ve been using this page to compile and curate some of the best articles, videos, blogs, books and other resources that have helped me along the way.  My hope is that you will consider this a go-to resource as you progress along your own Maker journey.  No matter whether you’re just getting started with makerspaces or are looking to grow your program, there’s something here for you.

What is the Maker Movement?

The Maker Movement has been around for a lot longer than many of us realize.  Really, the desire to make things with our hands has existed since the dawn of humanity and DIY culture has long played an important role. Make Magazine has been around since 2005 and the first Maker Faire was held in 2006.   Check out the articles below for a great take on what the Maker Movement means for education.

(Page contains affiliate links.  If you make a purchase using them, I get a small commission that helps support running this blog.)

Renovated Learning Makerspace Posts

5 QUESTIONS to ask yourself when planning a MAKERSPACE | Many educators want to create makerspaces in their schools but aren't sure of where to get started. These five questions can help you to start the planning process and figure out where you want to go. | RenovatedLearning.com
Defining MAKERSPACES: What the research says: After receiving criticism that my space was not a "real makerspace", I decided to draft my own definition and take a look at how research defines makerspaces.
Building a MAKERSPACE LIBRARY : Having books on topics related to makerspaces is essential for supporting the independent learning of your makers. In this post, I offer up ideas for books to add to your makerspace library. | RenovatedLearning.com
How to run an AWESOME After-school Makers Club | I've run an after-school Makers Club at my school for the last two years. Learn my tips on setting norms and routines, balancing guided projects & free time, building in reflection and sharing your projects with the world.

More posts:

Maker Blogs to Follow

Create, Collaborate, Innovate:

Colleen Grave’s first started a makerspace at Lamar Middle School and then when on to pilot a makerspace at Ryan High School.  She shares all about her experiences, projects her students are making and has gathered substantial resource lists as well.  Her blog is seriously awesome. (Of course, I’m biased because we wrote a book together)

Expect the Miraculous:

Andy Plemmons’ blog; in addition to being an all-around awesome librarian, Andy does an amazing job of bringing making into Barrow Elementary School.  He collaborates with the University of Georgia and often brings the makerspace into his curriculum collaborations with teachers.  He’s also amazing at fundraising and creating big, school-wide projects.

The Daring Librarian:

Gwyneth Jones is an all around awesome (now retired) librarian who shares resources relentlessly on her blog.  She started a makerspace in her library recently and has taken a balanced approach, starting with a few affordable centers.  She also makes amazing posters and graphics and offers them for FREE on her blog.

Teen Librarian Toolbox:

Blog run by public librarians who work with young adults.  The write about all things YA and have quite a few posts on makerspaces and maker programs.

Project ideas & other resources:

  • The Maker Education Initiative’s Resource Page: From the people who started it all, this page is an amazing resource for anyone interesting in making in education.  From getting started, to tools, to project ideas, this is a great site for Makers.
  • Instructables : If you want to learn how to do pretty much anything, whether it’s bake a cake or build a roller coaster out of K’nex, you can find it on this website.  A great project for students who be to have them document their work and create Instructables on their own projects.
  • Invent to Learn : Gary Stager and Sylvia Martinez’s website is an amazing resource.  Make sure to check out their Constructing Modern Knowledge professional development program.
  • Make it @ Your library: Project database for making in libraries.  Easily sortable by age range, cost, size of groups, etc.
  • Library Makers: Another great library blog with tons of awesome project ideas, especially for the little ones.
  • Cybraryman’s Makerspace Resources page: Tons of Makerspace links and a list of Twitter handles to follow

Social Media

There’s so many amazing MakerEd educators and companies on Twitter, Instagram and other platforms that I couldn’t list them all here.  So check out some of these hashtags to find great accounts to follow.

Hashtags to follow:

Maker Books to Read:

Challenge-Based Learning in the School Library Makerspace

Challenge-Based Learning in the School Library Makerspace

Co-written by me, Colleen Graves and Aaron Graves, this book is packed full of lots of practical information and real-life examples of using design challenges in makerspaces.  We cover everything from building a maker culture and setting up the physical space of your makerspace to organizing global collaborations and sharing your projects through Maker Fests.  We go into detail about creating design challenge prompts that can inspire your makers.  The book has sections specifically focused on elementary and secondary curriculum connections and we feature interviews with a ton of amazing maker educators at all grade levels.

Available from Bookshop.org, Amazon and other book sellers now!

Invent to Learn

Invent To Learn: Making, Tinkering, and Engineering in the Classroom: This is the must-read of Maker Education.  This book covers everything from the history and pedagogy of making in the classroom to practical steps you can take to get started.  It also has a great section on advocacy and research that is an excellent resource for grant writing.  My review here.

Design, Make, Play

Design, Make, Play: Growing the Next Generation of STEM Innovators: This great book looks at how design and creativity is essential for the success of our students.  Each chapter is by a different expert in a different field and features a variety of educational settings, including schools, museums and even playgrounds.  My review here.

Makerspace Playbook

Makerspace Playbook (FREE pdf!!): From the people at Make, this is a great book to help you get started creating a Makerspace.  It can be pretty broad in it’s scope, but there’s lots of great ideas on how to set up a space, keep things organized and coordinate projects.

Worlds of Making

Worlds of Making: Best Practices for Establishing a Makerspace for Your School: Laura Fleming was one of the first school librarians that I knew of to start a makerspace.  Her book is short and sweet and helps you to quickly grasp best practices for starting a makerspace to create a participatory culture in your school.  My review here.

Make Space

Make Space: How to Set the Stage for Creative Collaboration:  This book is written more as a resource for how design of physical spaces can make an environment for collaboration.  It focuses more on college and office environments, but there are many applications to schools, especially when it comes to creating an environment designed for making and experimentation.  My review here.

The Third Teacher

The Third Teacher : This book is focused on how the physical learning environment acts as a third teacher for students.  Its focus is quite broad, but it frequently discusses the importance of having flexible spaces, giving kids hands-on learning opportunities, creating space for flow and allows students room for creativity.  My review here.

The Art of Tinkering

The Art of Tinkering:  This beautiful book looks at over 150 different artists and makers and how they weave science and technology into their work.  It’s beautifully designed and inspiring.   It clearly demonstrates the important part that art, whimsy and creativity play in making.  It also includes clear instructions for hands-on maker projects.  My review here.

The Big Book of Makerspace Projects

The Big Book of Makerspace Projects  Trust me when I say that you need to have this book in your collection. This is like a makerspace cookbook.  There’s tons of awesome projects with step-by-step directions to help your build your maker skills, and each project offers challenges to help you get even more creative.  My review here.

Videos to watch:

New Milford High School Getting Creative with Makerspace

I had been hearing all about makerspaces and how awesome they were, but it wasn’t until I saw this video featuring Laura Fleming’s makerspace that I realized that this was absolutely something I could accomplish at my school.

Caine’s Arcade

If you ever doubt the power of cardboard or the power of one individual to make a difference, you NEED watch this. This is the inspirational story of Caine,  a LA kid who created an entire arcade from cardboard boxes, complete with tickets, prizes and funpasses.  One day an independent filmmaker happened up Caine’s arcade and the rest is history.  I use this video every year to introduce my students to the Cardboard Challenge.

Dale Dougherty’s TED Talk: We Are Makers

This video is a fantastic introduction to the Maker Movement.  Dale Dougherty, founder of Make Magazine, shares about how we are all makers, about how we all need to nurture our creative spirits.  Check it out and be inspired.

Do Schools Kill Creativity? Sir Ken Robinson

While not directly on makerspaces, this video tells the powerful story of how many of our school structures are killing creativity, and what we can do about that.  A key element of the Maker Movement is to bring creativity back into schools and this video reminds us of why this is absolutely essential.

(Note: Page contains affiliate links.  Actions taken may result in commissions for Renovated Learning.  All opinions are my own.)

11 thoughts on “Makerspace Resources”

  1. Pingback: The Mega List of Maker Education Resouces | eLearning Faculty
  2. Pingback: Ask and You Shall Receive… | Adventures in Leading and Learning
  3. Hi,

    I had a question regarding the “Resources” page on your website. Are you accepting suggestions for the page?

    If you are, I would like to suggest adding Maker Pro under the “Project ideas & other resources:” header. They are an active, open source platform for maker projects much like Hack A Day. These projects are centered around Arduino, Raspberry Pi, Intel Edison, home automation and more. And better yet, the content is completely user generated. Here is the URL for their website if you would like to have a look:

    https://Maker.Pro/

    Let me know what you think of this suggestion or if you need any additional information!

    Best,
    Marge

  4. Hi,

    I was wondering what your thoughts were on “Maker Pro”, would you consider adding them to the “Resources” page? Here is the URL for their website if you would like to have a look:

    https://maker.pro/

    I am looking forward to hearing from you the soonest.

    Best,
    Marge

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