I have always been fascinated with the idea of hands-on learning and experiential education. This is why I've created games, simulations and a variety of other "creative" endeavors for my students to engage in. However, these are always things dictated by me, with little room for creativity by the students. So, as I've pivoted more into the arena of pushing for more student-owned knowledge production, I wanted to figure out how I could easily transform what I had already been doing into a more student-led process. My solution, was to begin creating a makerspace in my classroom.
The humble beginnings of my mobile makerspace...
In both Government and Economics,many of the concepts and theories we cover in class could be better understood by students if they were able to create tangible projects and models. I found an account that I hadn't used in years to purchase some things, and then posted on google classroom and sent emails to folks looking for materials that they may be willing to donate to the cause. Before the cart arrived, I literally had 60 canisters of play doh sitting on a table, and the first thing my students said was..."can we play with this?" From that very second, I knew I was on to something, and instead of suggesting that kids play and/or be creative, I needed to channel my inner Field of Dreams moment.
Here are the top 5 reasons I think you should join me on the quest to create makerspaces with whatever materials you can procure!
1. Makerspaces Encourage Creativity:
Maker spaces are designed to promote creativity in a hands-on and collaborative environment. They allow students to express themselves through a variety of mediums and explore their interests in a supportive and dynamic atmosphere. A maker space is a gateway to creativity that can unleash hidden talents and passions in students. This is why I've picked a variety of different sets of blocks, knex, play doh and more. They can find that "childhood spark" of creativity from their toys of yesteryear.
2. Makerspaces Foster Innovation:
By providing students with the tools and resources to create and tinker, a maker space helps them become innovative problem-solvers. They learn to approach challenges with a can-do attitude, and this innovative mindset is invaluable to them beyond the classroom.
3. Makerspaces Facilitate Hands-On Learning:
Students learn best through hands-on experiences. Maker spaces are equipped with tools that students can use to create something tangible. My goal is to get a variety of pieces of technology (I'm looking at you 3d printer...) for the students to take things that they build physically or electronically and create something they can replicate endlessly. This type of experiential learning engages students and helps them retain information in a meaningful way.
4. Makerspaces Ease Cross-Curricular Integration:
A maker space can bring together multiple areas of study, allowing students to see how different subjects can overlap and work together. The interdisciplinary nature of the space promotes collaboration and exposure to a diverse range of ideas. My goal is to find more ways to lean into these cross-curicular connections as I create assignments for things to be "made" where we can work with students across the building in a variety of subjects to create tangible products.
5. Makerspaces Promote Real-World Skills:
A maker space teaches students practical skills that will help them succeed in life beyond the classroom. From coding and programming to sewing and woodworking, the skills acquired in a maker space are transferable and applicable to everyday life. This is why I procured a cricut and am eyeing a variety of other items the students can use to bring data to life, or create a project with tangible ends in mind. I want them to find ways to develop real transferrable skills to integrate what they can play with and create in any content area, into a broader understanding of technology and their own capacity of what they can/not do!
I am hoping that throughout the spring semester, and well into the future, that I can use my ever-evolving maker space to create a dynamic and exciting learning environment that inspires my students to think outside of the box. The engaging and hands-on nature of the space has the potential to help students develop skillsets they may not have otherwise explored, as well as create an inclusive and fun atmosphere for all involved.
Since I'm a total novice to this, I'm looking for ideas of materials, lessons, or things to help embrace trial and error as I plan for the return of students in January. If you have any thoughts, please feel free to share!
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