Makerspaces Blast Off!

Young, Christina

IL

Kurti, S (2015) Makerspaces Blast Off! Teacher Librarian, 42(3), 54-55. Retrieved from:http://discover.sjlibrary.org:50080/ebsco-w-b/ehost/pdfviewer/pdfviewer?sid=f92f34bc-5def-4fe0-831c-5cebde19e2e1%40sessionmgr102&vid=1&hid=101

This article focuses on a school in Melbourne, Florida that set up a makerspace with the help of a $10,000 grant from a local telecommunications company. The makerspace is in the corner of the library and consists of countertops, stools, and a whiteboard, a Makey Makey kit, a 3D printer, a Raspberry Pi, Littlebits electronic circuit modules, and a few other simple tools.

There is also a train table where students create Rube Goldberg type machines. Students were initially reluctant to use the makerspace, but after being introduced to youtube videos and peer teaching the makerspace became used. It has been transformative in a social sense as a student who was viewed as “quirky” became a peer makerspace leader.

It was interesting to me that students were initially reluctant to use the space. It was also that makerspaces allow students who may not always feel valued in school to become peer leaders.

Toy Take-Apart for Library Makerspaces

Bradley, Rebecca

ET

Fontichiaro, K.. (2017) Toy take-apart: mass destruction for a purpose. Retrieved from: http://teacherlibrarian.com/2017/02/12/library-makerspaces-february-2017/

Summary:

This short but sweet article gives very clear and helpful instructions on how to start a "wreck lab" in a school library. Topics include an general introduction, how to find toys with little or no money, getting the best equipment for these kinds of projects to ensure safety and success, how to organize kids during the toy take-parts activities, follow-up activities, and many practical tips. 

Evaluation:

If you are a school librarian with limited space, time, and funds, I recommend this article as a starting point in forming your new "makerspace." It is a perfect way to get your feet wet, learn about makerspaces, and have fun with students at your school. In fact, of all of the books and articles I have read about creating makerspaces in libraries, this article seems the most doable. Enjoy!