Makerspace - Blog Post #8

Reading about all the different ideas for makerspaces this week was really inspiring! There are so many possibilities for a makerspace, and so many benefits to making this a key element in the school library. In Dr. Moorefield-Lang's lecture on makerspaces, she shares examples of how makerspaces can be used in the library including high-tech and low-tech options (TechFifteen, 2021). Dr. Moorefield-Lang includes one librarian's insightful perspective on the connection between makerspaces and the library. This librarian felt that "information literacy and research and makerspaces go hand in hand" because the library materials provide the means to learn how to do something and the makerspace provides an opportunity to try it (TechFifteen, 2021, 19:50). The library's function is to be a creation space as much as an information space. 

Image: A screenshot of the logo for the blog "Little Bins for Little Hands." The logo includes graphics of a test tube, Lego, and slime splatter with bold, black lettering of the blog name.  

Dr. Moorefield-Lang's lecture introduced makerspace options that don't rely on technology or expensive equipment. With often limited budgets, being able to create valuable makerspaces that do not reply on expensive tech is an essential skill for school librarians. Keeping this low-tech approach in mind, the blog Little Bins for Little Hands has a ton of creative, innovative activities around STEAM topics for students that don't involve high-tech or digital tools. One particularly interesting post is the 12 Fun Engineering Projects for Kids. These projects are designed to introduce students to engineering and show them some principles in engineer design while they practice making their own creations. The post also includes links to a post about what an engineer does and a post about engineering terms, if the students wanted to learn more. The post also includes questions to ask about the project to inspire critical thinking that connects these projects to real world examples of engineering. All of the projects include simple tools and materials (string, tape, paper, scissors, food items, bags, etc.) to create things like paper bridges, pipelines, satellites, hovercrafts, water wheels, and more. As Dr. Moorefield-Lang points out, a great way to keep a makerspace low cost is to ask people for donations or buy materials in bulk (TechFifteen, 2021, 29:40). The projects included in this post, and the variety of projects included across the blog, all inspire educators and students to use these simple materials to create exciting projects. As Fontichiaro (2019) points out, "kids like making stuff to take home" (51). Many of the activities included in this post are not only low-budget, but students can keep their projects and share them with others. The same materials are used for many of these twelve projects so the library could provide this engineering makerspace with multiple options for students, saving both library space and money. This also allows students to learn about different parts of engineering in one makerspace. 

Image: A screenshot of the "12 Days of Jr. Engineering Challenges" worksheet. The title of the worksheet appears in bold lettering across the top with the words "Build A:" underneath. There are six activities shown with a graphic drawing of the project or object the project represents. From left the right, the projects are marble coaster, water wheel, pipeline, satellite, hovercraft, and strong shapes. There is the option to click on the activity name for a link to that activity.   

The hands-on aspect of makerspaces give them "the potential to demystify science, math, technology, and engineering" and "promote learning through play" (Britton, 2012). Engineering projects are perfect for a makerspace since these projects can simplify these complex topics and could spark student's curiosity about the field. Due to its complexity, engineering might not be included in science or math class, especially for younger students. These projects give them an excellent way to explore engineering concepts. Additionally, students might be learning or already learned some of the science and math concepts that are used in these activities and now get the chance to apply those concepts in their creations. By introducing engineering to students through creation and play, these activities showcase this important aspect and benefit of a makerspace. 

This is just one example of the many projects included in this blog. Another post called Famous Women in STEM for Kids, is full of projects based on the work of women in STEM and art with information about their creations and their lives and careers. For example, there is a geology project of a topography world map inspired by cartographer Marie Tharp's scientific map of the Atlantic Ocean floor. This would be a great project that incorporates science with history. There is also an entire seasonal section with activities for every holiday to incorporate STEAM projects throughout the school year. Activities like these are valuable to incorporate in a library makerspace along with more high-tech or digital options so students are able to use their imaginations and fuel their curiosity in a variety of ways. 

References: 

Birtton, L. (2012, October 1). The making of maker spaces, part 1: Space for creation, not just consumption. The Digital Shift. http://www.thedigitalshift.com/2012/10/public-services/the-makings-of-maker-spaces-part-1-space-for-creation-not-just-consumption/

Fontichiaro, K. (2019, April). What I've learned from 7 years of the maker movement in schools and libraries. Teacher Librarian, 46(4), 51-53. 

Little Bins for Little Hands. (n.d.). Famous women in STEM for kids. Retrieved November 2, 2022, from https://littlebinsforlittlehands.com/famous-women-in-stem-for-kids/

Little Bins for Little Hands. (n.d.). 12 fun engineering projects for kids. Retrieved November 2, 2022, from https://littlebinsforlittlehands.com/engineering-projects-for-kids/

TechFifteen. (2021, May 17). Makerspaces summer [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DWQ6B4UnZaA