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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."

"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 -

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

"An interesting sketchnote about how to introduce maker stations to the Learning Commons. Of course it's not the only way but this is how we are attempting to change the culture in our school and to foster entrepreneurial spirit in our students. We would love feed back or comments on how others are doing it!"

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. "

"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."

"One librarian discusses what makes a maker lab/space more desirable than engaging in more traditional library programming."

"This guide is the result of a collaboration among a group of individuals who were grantees of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Global Libraries initiative. We came together as a voluntary project group to share our research, insights and experiences from Chile, Poland, Ukraine and other countries about the value of making in public libraries. We have compiled this short guide to share our learnings about: the case to support making in libraries; different services libraries can provide to encourage making; lists of equipment, software and other tools you can use to create physical or digital content; tips and ideas on how to implement maker activities; as well as links to other maker spaces, resources, and much more"

The library now also has reading lounge areas with comfortable modular seating, as well as tables with chairs and stools that students are free to move around; two music studios; a HackerSpace (with high-tech equipment such as a microscope, 3D printer, gaming hardware and software, and a green screen for filming) and a Maker Space that also houses a 3D printer and serves as a "hands-on" craft room where old technology can be disassembled and re-configured with other materials. In short, the Monticello Library Media Center has become a "Learning Commons."

" A small poster listing 100 things will keep you making until your next trip to any Maker Faire near you no matter where you live."

Maker spaces in Ohio libraries

"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?"

"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. "