Bringing Hands-On Learning to Middle School Science with Makerspace Collaborations
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Check out a recording of the short version of this presentation here:
Resources
Challenge Based Learning in the School Library Makerspace
My book that I co-wrote along with Colleen and Aaron Graves. Much of this presentation is based off of the content of this book, so if you find this presentation valuable, you’ll probably like the book too.
In this book, we go into depth about how to create a maker culture within your school, develop an interactive learning space and more. We discuss the logistics of hosting maker workshops, creating design challenge prompts and documenting the learning process.
Recommended Books
- Making Science: Reimagining STEM Education in Middle School and Beyond (My review) <<- Both the teacher and I read this book over the summer, and it has excellent ideas and advice for bringing hands-on making into the science classroom.
- Invent to Learn: Making, Tinkering and Engineering in the Classroom <<– The classic Maker text and a must-read.
Our 6th Grade Collaborations:
- How to Start a Classroom Makerspace from Scratch <<- This post includes a the process we took in creating a classroom makerspace for this project and what supplies we purchased.
- Science + Makerspace: Safety Device Challenge
- Science + Makerspace: Earthquake Design Challenge
Our IDEAlab and Makerspace:
- Starting a Makerspace from Scratch: Introducing the IDEAlab and Makerspace
- COVID Library Update: Our Makerspace in the Time of COVID
Best Practices:
- How to Create Makerspace Organization that Actually Works
- How to Choose the Right Makerspace Cart
- 5 Questions to Ask Yourself When Planning a Makerspace <<– If you’re just getting started, this post will help you brainstorm your makerspace collaboration.
Maker Days themes
- Cardboard Challenge Tips Part 1: The Tools << — We use a lot of these tools in our recycled materials projects
- Cardboard Challenge Tips Part 2: More Tips and Tricks
- How to Teach an Intro to 3D Printing Class