Having a makerspace in class can present various challenges and rewards. Whether you operate a full-scale makerspace in your building, a makerspace in the library, or a smaller makerspace corner in your classroom, there are several options for how you can layout your space and offer varying levels of projects — all while keeping students safe. These are a few tips to consider.
1. Safety first.
Regardless of how the space is equipped, there are possible risks involved with allowing students to use tools or equipment. To keep students safe as they create, they must learn the proper use of and respect for tools and equipment.
When planning for safety, it is a good idea to post signs with rules and checklists in a clearly visible place, so students become familiar with and can easily refer to safety guidelines. Agreeing to follow those rules should be required of anyone using the space. Be sure to check if your school or school system has existing safety rules or guidelines in place to draw from.
Here are some other safety considerations to keep in mind:
- Make sure there is enough space for tools to be used safely. Keeping stations spread out is a good idea if possible. If a piece of equipment is particularly popular, have a queuing system set up to prevent overcrowding.
- Have safety equipment on hand such as protective eyewear, earplugs, aprons, and gloves. Encourage participants to wear closed toed shoes and proper footwear when using the space.
- Keep all pathways and exits clear.
- Make sure the space is well lit and ventilated. Some tools may create dust, debris or fumes, so keep in mind that you may need access to an open window or door to let fresh air in. Fume extractors may be another option to pair with equipment like laser cutters.
- Have a first aid kit and a fire extinguisher on site and know how to use them.
- Require students to clean up after every use to keep the space free from clutter. Keep workstations clear and tidy by requiring students to follow a strict clean-up procedure. Minimize the number of wires running across workspaces or floors by covering cords to avoid the risk of tripping.
- Check for broken supplies and equipment regularly and remove anything that could cause harm.
2. Consider your tools and equipment.
Every makerspace is unique, and the tools and equipment required depend on the goals of the space, as well as your budget. Here are some types of tools you may consider adding to your makerspace.
- Low-Tech Items – Tools for cutting, joining, and splicing, such as scissors, wire cutters, glue guns, soldering irons, hand tools, crafting supplies, Legos, paper, carboard, plastic, wood, fabric and metals.
- Medium-Tech Items – Electronics kits, sewing machine, binding machine, power tools and heat presses.
- High-Tech Items – Computers, laptops, tablets, video monitors, 3D printers, laser cutters, 3D scanners, vinyl cutters and vacuum formers.
You don’t need a ton of tools to get your makerspace up and running. Consider asking for donations or picking up second-hand tools from a thrift store or garage sale. Start students out small and allow them to work their way up to larger equipment or power tools. If you’d like to add more advanced equipment, consider applying for grants if budget is a concern.
3. Prioritize storage and utility.
Storage and utility are essential for making a makerspace functional. Students should be able to collaborate and share, but ideally they won’t be crammed so closely together that it stifles creativity or does not allow them space to work. To avoid overcrowding in workspaces, consider including smart storage solutions for supplies, equipment and projects.
Here are some key questions to think about:
- Does the space have adequate power supplies and internet access?
- Do desks and tables include large surfaces for working?
- Are materials easy to find? Consider using clear or mesh containers for storing materials so they are easily visible, or at least clearly label their containers.
- Are cleaning supplies easily accessible for cleaning up the space when you’re done using it?
- Is there space to showcase student projects? Past projects can serve as inspiration for a new wave of creations.
4. Flexibility can add functionality.
A makerspace is ever changing and evolving, so fixed furniture and equipment may not be the best fit for the space. Instead, opt for furniture that is mobile, or can be easily arranged in numerous positions to promote a variety of student groups and activities. If fixed equipment and furniture is the only option, it should be universal enough to accommodate change.
Some furniture ideas of that can add functionality to the space include:
- Adjustable-height stools give students flexibility and ownership of the space.
- Collaborative tables with whiteboard tops allow quick notetaking or visualization of ideas.
- Mobile storage carts with removable bins keep supplies accessible and organized. If space is a concern, a mobile cart stocked with makerspace supplies can even be shared among classrooms.
Explore some furniture and storage solutions here.
5. Promote gathering and collaboration.
In general, makerspaces are geared toward collaborative learning. In school-based makerspaces, the goal is for students to share their interests and ideas, learn from each other, and create new things. The space should encourage innovation through creativity as well as collaboration with others.
An easy way to promote collaboration is to include open, informal spaces for students to gather, brainstorm, and bounce ideas off one other. Soft seating options can make the space comfortable and are inviting for students to congregate.
Another way to foster collaborative learning is through intentional projects and activities. We have many resources on our blog for makerspace projects and planning, from woodworking project ideas to tutorials on laser cutting, 3D printing and more.
6. Focus on real-world applications.
Hands-on learning takes ideas taught in the classroom through lecture or textbooks and allows students to move from an abstract concept to a real-world understanding. Students are then able to practice creating tangible solutions to real-world problems.
Ideally, you’ll want to select makerspace activities that align with your learning objectives. Choose activities that match your students’ grade and skill level. We recommend reviewing your curriculum and identifying objectives that can be enhanced or reinforced through makerspace projects. For example, if you’re teaching a unit on geometry, you may consider incorporating a 3D printing project that requires students to design and print a geometric shape.
Read more about how to sync your makerspace with your curriculum in this blog post here.
7. Have fun and enjoy the benefits!
When the rules are set and the projects are brainstormed, the makerspace will hopefully be a place that students look forward to using again and again. Allow students the creative freedom to work alongside one another, take risks and make mistakes. Some benefits students might gain from creating in a makerspace are:
- Innovation and creativity from trying to make things they may haven’t thought of before.
- Experimentation and revision from analyzing what is working in their project, how to fix any problems that may arise, and adjusting as needed.
- Collaboration from working together to problem solve, design plans, assign jobs and determine how the group can be successful.
- Resiliency and self-worth from adapting to problems as they arise, and learning how to correct efforts if things don’t work the first time around.
If you need more guidance on how to manage a makerspace, tips for budgeting or other resources, our blog is a great place to start. You can also contact us.
