You’ve done the budgeting, secured the funding, and have a solid idea of how to create and manage your makerspace. The only thing left to do is make!
We recently discussed how to sync your makerspace with your curriculum, first select makerspace projects that align with your learning objectives and that are age and skill level appropriate for your students.
Each makerspace project plan should include the learning objectives, materials needed, instructions, and assessment criteria. Be sure your students understand the project expectations and how it relates to the curriculum.
If you’re stumped on what to create, below are some of our favorite examples of makerspace projects and planning ideas organized by technology.
3D Printers
The sky is the limit for 3D printing—which can make planning projects overwhelming. Luckily, industry leaders Stratasys and UltiMaker have cultivated resources for educators to develop meaningful 3D lessons and projects using 3D printing technology.
Stratasys’ Education Resources for 3D Printing guide is broken into three sections by learning level: grades K-8, grades 9-12, and higher education. Possible projects include designing and printing a prosthetic arm, making a topography map of your own country, and designing a chess set. Lessons can also incorporate 3D CAD software like Solidworks.
The UltiMaker Thingiverse community houses hundreds of free lesson plans from subjects ranging from art to engineering for any grade level. Makers can create things like name plates, a personalized Rubik’s cube, or an automotive alternator.
Find more tips for adding 3D printers to your makerspace here.
3D Scanners
When you determine which 3D scanner is best for your makerspace, narrowing down what to capture can be a challenge. 3D scanning lessons can be applied to a broad variety of industries such as art, engineering, automotive, industrial design, archeology, and more.
In this post, a university research team created projects such as a customized soccer ball among others using the Creaform ACADEMIA 3D scanner. Take a look at Creaform’s full archive of 3D scanning projects on their blog here.
3D scanning can also be combined with other makerspace technology, such as 3D printing. Recently, Amtek Company Support Specialist Lucas Stiim hosted a 3D scanning webinar (you can watch it above) in which he demonstrated how to capture data from a broken mechanical part, reverse engineer the scan in SolidWorks and print a new functional part on a Stratasys F170 3D printer. It’s also possible to 3D scan and print parts in full color, as we demoed here using Creaform’s Go!Scan Spark 3D Scanner and Stratasys’ J55 full color 3D printer.
Laser Cutters / Engravers
We’ve covered projects for laser cutters on the blog before, as they can be a versatile piece of equipment in the classroom or makerspace. If makers are just getting started, they can crank out projects like 3D puzzles, customized key chains, or laser cut boxes. Other applications can include architectural models, cutting intricate design and custom fabrics, graphic imaging, packaging, signage, and more.
The rotary function of a laser cutter alone adds many possibilities of what can be created, as stated in this blog post projects can include customization of tumblers, cups, phone cases, laptop covers, etc.; inventory management and asset tagging; laser cut assemblies like bird houses, display stands, etc.; and crafts and creations like shadow boxes, artwork, ornaments, etc.
In our recent webinar, Amtek Company Support Specialist Jake Shortt demonstrates how to utilize the rotary fixture on a Universal Laser System to engrave designs on cylindrical objects like water bottles. Throughout this webinar, Jake walks through tips and tricks as you embark on your own projects. Watch it here or above.
Printer-Cutters
Another dynamic piece of equipment for makerspaces is printer-cutters. From art and design to prototyping and CTE, students and makers can create projects like decals, signs, posters, car wraps, apparel, packaging, and more.
In our recent webinar (linked here or watch above) Amtek Company Support Specialist Corey Cohen shows how to use a Roland DGA printer-cutter and VersaWorks6 software to design, print, and cut stickers or wall decals for your school or makerspace. Roland DGA even offers project-based learning tutorials for educators and makers that include easy-to-follow sign and print graphics projects.
CNC Machines
A common technology found in makerspaces are CNC machines. Our recent blog post about makerspace woodworking projects is a great resource for machining project ideas.
One highlighted project is a two-part series on how to make a simple sign with a Denford CNC machine– find the full tutorial in Part 1 here and Part 2 here. We also have a tutorial on the blog for making a custom wooden box of chocolates using a Denford machine and Solidworks CAD software.
Other project ideas include designing and machining a custom jewelry box like we demonstrated in a past workshop or cutting and assembling a wooden stool, as participants did in Johns Hopkins University’s makerspace.
Design Software
A fun design project that doubles as a handy storage solution for your makerspace is a custom foam tool kit that can be designed using CorelDraw. In just a few simple steps, you’ll have a design that can be sent to a laser cutter system to cut out the final product.
We’ve used Solidworks EDU to create some unique projects that stand alone or can be paired with other technology in a makerspace to bring it to life, like this tutorial that teaches how to design a vase in Solidworks that is based on a face.
Further, this tutorial teaches advanced 3D modeling techniques by designing a 3D-printable pumpkin in Solidworks, while this tutorial walks you through how to design a 3D-printable stamp based on a logo or image.
Robotics
In an increasingly automated world, many makerspaces are incorporating robotics, coding, electronics, and microcontroller technology. Educational kits can be a good option for beginners. Options we like include the robotics kit from LJ Create or DOBOT Magician.
DOBOT also offers an AI-Starter Kit that teaches programming knowledge and critical thinking, while Minds-I robotics kits challenge students with real-world applications using C++ programming and technologically advanced open-source robots.
Vacuum Forming
Our Maker Education Vacuum Forming Guide is a good all-in-one resource for applications, tips and tricks, troubleshooting, and more for this popular makerspace technology. Makers can create projects like custom chocolate molds, as detailed in this blog post. Or, take inspiration from Oakland High School in Illinois who have used a Formech vacuum former across a variety of subjects like: chocolate molds in a food technology class, music stands in a music lesson, theatrical masks in an English class, a voting box in geography, and more.
Multiple Technologies Combined
As we’ve stated above, some projects can utilize multiple makerspace technologies for one creative outcome. Some further examples that we didn’t want to leave out include a trebuchet that incorporates SolidWorks CAD design software, Stratasys and MakerBot 3D printing, Denford CNC machining, and Universal Laser Systems laser cutting — all in one singular lesson plan.
A more advanced project example is a 3D printed guitar that was designed with Solidworks, scanned with a Creaform scanner, and 3D printed on a Stratasys 3D printer.
If you are still in the beginning stages of planning your makerspace, our blog has many resources and makerspace tips. You can also download our maker education makerspace checklist here.
