Makerspaces in Elementary School

 What is a Makerspace?

    According to the Oxford Language, a makerspace is “a place in which people with shared interests, especially in computing or technology, can gather to work on projects while sharing ideas, equipment, and knowledge.” (Oxford, 2023). Makerspaces in schools are commonly found in the media center, library, or in classrooms. It is a space where students collaborate, explore ideas, learn, and make them a reality. In this space, there could be a variety of high tech tools, such as “3D printers, laser cutters, cnc machines, soldering irons and even sewing machines” (What, n.d.). There could also be very little or no tech used, such as cardboard, building blocks, and art materials. The rising importance of STEM or STEAM education and related skills for the workplace has led to a growing implementation of makerspaces (Gerstein, 2019, p.6).

The Design of an Effective Makerspace

    To make an effective makerspace, one must first design the learning space. A makerspace is different from a regular traditional classroom. Since collaboration, creativity, innovation is key, learning spaces will need to include desks which are suitable for group work, e.g. circle, hexagonal or two rectangular tables put together, to allow for more students to sit together (Gerstein, p.56).

    Flexibility is important. The furniture in a makerspace should be multi-purpose, so it can be changed according to the activities conducted there, e.g. hands-on making, collaborating, using higher tech equipment such as laptops or ipads, 3D printers. So using “furniture with wheels, lightweight work tables, overstuffed pillows, moveable whiteboards, and shelving” allows teachers to put materials and equipment away to allow flexibility in the work environment (Gerstein, p.56). Teachers can create a cozy and relaxed environment by bringing in lamps and interesting posters on the walls to foster creativity and imagination.

    The makerspace will also need to be stocked with basic supplies like “printer paper, butcher block paper, crayons, scissors, tape, markers, rubber bands, paper clips that should be stored openly in bins or cubbies for learners to use when needed” since these materials are used by students to start brainstorming and planning their projects.

    It should be easy to clean, have access to wall sockets, as well as proximity to information where students can easily get inspiration for their projects. So, this could be located at the back or center of a library, or have computer workstations close by. Gerstein (2019, p.59) also includes a list of materials for any teacher or administrator who wants to start a makerspace. 

Implementing a Makerspace in the Classroom or Lessons

    Teachers can begin implementing a makerspace in their lessons by firstly identifying areas in their curriculum that are hands-on learning experiences, with real-life connections, interdisciplinary, and cross-curricular standards. Then teachers can use project-based learning for teaching and planning. Students show creativity and learn to overcome problems faced while working on these projects. These projects can range from simplex to complex ones (Austin, 2017, p.1). It is not always necessary to include the use of high tech digital equipment or 3D printers.

    One can ask the question of “How can I add a making element to my lessons to reinforce concepts being learned?” (Gerstein, 2019, p. 81). In addition, for subjects with labs, such as Science, there can be various practical ways a science lab can be turned into a project where students solve the problem of circuitry in a house using the concepts of light bulbs connected in parallel or in series. There are endless possibilities with what can be done in a makerspace. Most importantly, the teacher should consider the cross-cutting concepts across Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and also include Art whenever possible when planning for a lesson with the use of makerspaces.

How Does it Promote Creativity and Problem-solving Skills?

    Makerspaces provide a place where students can practice the 4C’s of education - critical thinking, creative thinking, communicating, and collaborating. These important learning and innovation skills that are reflected in this Framework for 21st Century Learning diagram are fostered in a makerspace.

    

    Students walk into a makerspace. The environment is different from a traditional classroom. They choose where they want to sit with flexible seating options; they solve the problem of who to sit with and how to accommodate best friends in class, and not leaving the odd student out. 

    

    Austin (2017) posits that “makerspaces may be one way to address the problem of supplying our world with more creative thinkers by providing an environment where creativity can flourish”. When working on the projects collaboratively, students have the opportunity to come up with divergent ideas and exercise their creativity. They can act on these ideas, create prototypes, and test their products’ ability to solve problems they set out to solve at the beginning of the project.

    

    A study found that makerspaces led to increases in communication, engagement, and motivation in students (Austin, 2017). The presence of a makerspace provides students with an opportunity to learn hands-on. The space doesn’t provide creativity and problem-solving skills. It is the teacher who communicates to students a maker mindset and who integrates making with various STEM or STEAM skills.

 

Source: Battelle for Kids (2019)

References

Austin, J. B. (2017). Making it Matters: Makerspaces’ Impact on Creativity in an Elementary School Media Center. Education Dissertations and Projects. 252. https://digitalcommons.gardner-webb.edu/education_etd/252

Framework for 21st Century Learning Definitions. (2019). Partnership for 21st Century Learning: A Network of Battelle for Kids.  Retrieved April 26, 2023, from https://static.battelleforkids.org/documents/p21/P21_Framework_DefinitionsBFK.pdf 

Gerstein, J. (2019). Learning in the Making : How to Plan, Execute, and Assess Powerful Makerspace Lessons. ASCD.

Oxford Languages and Google. (2023). Retrieved April 26, 2023, from https://languages.oup.com/google-dictionary-en/

What is a Makerspace? (n.d.). Retrieved April 26, 2023, from https://www.makerspaces.com/what-is-a-makerspace/