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A good post in which Vicki Davis (@coolcatteacher) discusses the ways education can utilise the interest in, and strengths of, the maker movement. "A new generation of inventors is surfing the tide of the Maker movement. These classrooms emphasize making, inventing, and creativity. Let's look at the terminology and trends that will help educators understand the Maker movement."

Some good ideas about how to start your maker space

A reflection on the maker scene as it was in the last 12 months in schools and libraries. Wide-ranging and inspiring.

A reflection on the maker scene as it was in the last 12 months in schools and libraries. Wide-ranging and inspiring.

"Links to resources and tools to help bring elements of maker culture into schools and classrooms, and encourage students to explore STEAM subjects within the context of maker projects."

The post offers eight ways to support teachers with the emphasis on what can principals do to support the teachers who want to develop curriculum. "To implement true, rigorous units you need eager, innovative teachers and supportive principals. "

"Makerspaces.com is made up of makers, geeks, educators, technology/stem leaders, library media specialists, librarians, school principals & superintendents, instructional technology specialists, edtech leaders, maker educators, makerspace operators, 3d printing enthusiasts, robotics club and so much more. Our mission is to bring makerspaces into the educational system, so we can bring the educational system into the 21st century. "

Maker Space -

"The best way to activate your classroom is for your students to make something. This might an amazing high-tech invention or it might take the form of costumes for a historical reenactment, homemade math manipulatives, a new curtain for the local auditorium, toys, a pet habitat, a messy science experiment, or a zillion other things. Best of all, you don't need expensive hardware, or to start by mastering a programming language. You can begin with found materials: buttons, bottle caps, string, clay, construction paper, broken toys, popsicle sticks, or tape (hint: Google "tapigami" or "duck tape projects"). What are you having your students "make" to help them learn English?"

"Many teachers are excited about the maker movement andcreating projects for their classrooms. How will assessment be done? How can teachers prove that deep, rich learning is occurring through making? How do we justify a grade to students and parents alike? By crafting a three-part rubric that assesses process, understanding, and product, teachers can rest assured that they are covering all the bases."

Maker spaces in Ohio libraries

"This article, reprinted from the October 2014 issue of Teacher Librarian: The Journal for School Library Professionals, is the second in a series of three articles which provides a thoughtful and insightful examination of the philosophy and pedagogical underpinnings of the maker movement, as well as expert guidance on how to establish a program. The third article in the series will be published in the December edition of TL and on this website."

"This article, reprinted from the June 2014 issue of Teacher Librarian: The Journal for School Library Professionals, is a thoughtful and insightful  examination of the philosophy and pedagogical underpinnings of the maker movement.  The authors' analysis and argument are strong, and the benefits they tout are inspiring."

"Where should you start to build a makerspace? Here at EdSurge, we've rolled up our sleeves, put on our protective goggles, and built a Maker Guide from scratch, just for you.  There are ideas here from the educators and entrepreneurs who think making 24/7, including what is involved with project-based learning and making in the classroom and tried-and-true lessons from the field on starting your makerspace. If you are making on a budget, there ideas for stocking your space with resources from your arts and crafts closet, plus inspiration from educators working to bring makerspaces to low-income and all-girls classrooms."

"Children learn through play and exploration. From floating sticks downstream to ducks in the tub, early lessons in how the world works come from play.  By building upon play, a mode of learning that is rooted in curiosity and joy, we can engage our students in a truly authentic way. For instance, a project involving electronics can be launched with a session with circuit boards, or wood working with a one-block challenge. Both of these activities originate from two of my favorite resources for exploration-based maker activities: the Tinkering Studio at the Exploratorium, and the Makerspace at the New York Hall of Science. "

""Tools and Materials" contains lists and examples of useful tools and resources in making activities and makerspaces, including suggestions for consumables, hardware, machines, open source software, and other technologies. This category also includes guidance or tutorials on specific tools or skills. The resources in the post are listed in alphabetical order, as a default. They are also organized into subcategories, accessible by the tabs at the top of the grid. When hovering over each box, keywords provide a simple description and glimpse into the content of the resource, which is accessible by clicking on the arrow in the upper right-hand corner."

"3D printing and hands-on learning opens up new worlds to some students"

"Makerspaces are collaborative workshops where young people gain practical hands-on experience with new technologies and innovative processes to design and build projects. They provide a flexible environment where learning is made physical by applying science, technology, math, and creativity to solve problems and build things." Ideas, costings and discussion about makerspaces.

"At Elizabeth Forward High School, the 2015 Pittsburgh FAB Institute was held June 15 - 18, 2015. Sponsored by the Grable Foundation, the 2015 Pittsburgh FAB Institute provided a rich professional development to 75 teachers across the country focusing on digital fabrication. These educators ranged from beginners to experts, elementary, middle and high school teachers, educators from museums, college professors and school administrators and these educators were interested in what aFABLab looks like in schools."

"English artist Nicola Nobo creates particular origami artworks. In fact he curves book pages to make impressive sculptures when we look it in front. The precision of foldings is offering creations that seem to be cut or sculpted. But this work didn't need any paper transformation, except the folding."