This is the purpose statement that I wrote this fall, as we kicked off a MakerSpace in the library here at the high school. I started out in the fall by placing challenges in the MakerSpace, which students could work on at their leisure. Challenges have ranged from "What can you make out of Duct tape?" to Lego challenges to Origam
i, and lots in between. While we have continued to provide these self paced challenges, we have added Maker Monday times when we provide some instruction on more in depth projects.
I worked with a small student advisory team to brainstorm different project ideas, wanting to cover STEAM topics, with varying levels of technology. Students have also been instrumental in sharing their expertise in the MakerSpace. I really
envision this as a student run area, with me serving mostly as advisor, and providing the materials and support for what they want to create.
I have been very excited by the range of students who have come to use the MakerSpace. It has been a space where students of all ages can come together and be creative.
I feel like we are still very much in the learning stages of this MakerSpace venture, so the resources this month have been invaluable to me, adding to my repertoire of project ideas and resources. The Tinkerspace blog has some especially helpful ideas for organization. This will increasingly be an area that I explore, as we grow and have more supplies to manage.
