Creating a Library Makerspace

This year with the support of several community partners, I created Library MakerSpace for my students.  Our MakerSpace is flexible learning environment giving students access to tools and resource that allow them to tinker, invent, create, and share their learning.  Initially, I planned to have 5 fixed maker "zones" but in the actual implementatation of the space I found that this placed limitations on the use of library.  I already needed to clean up and put away all of the maker components at the end of each day to allow for staff meetings and after school programming.  The maker stations need to be age appropriate which means I need to be able to change out activities for certain grade levels.  Also, some weeks depending on interest level,  I may need more than one area for certain popular maker activities like Legos.  I keep my supplies in baskets to make it easy to set up and put away each day.  Generally, the students have access to resources that fit into these maker catergories: 3D printing and design, coding and programming, robotics, DIY Crafts, Legos & Blocks, and a Production Studio.   It's important to note the "what" in the space is not as important as the HOW and WHY.   I believe that the library should provide students with access to the tools and resources necessary to become independent learners.  The library is also a place that can foster and nurture creativity.  

Below is a list of the available maker resources in our library makerspace.

Basic Technology that can be used in all of the maker stations

• Chromebooks on a syncing cart (20)
• Nexus 7 Tablets (20)
• Ipads (7)

3D Printing and Design:

Equipment:

Makerbot Replicator Desktop 3D printer: $2899

FREE Websites/Apps:

Thingiverse.com-Duplicating items already designed.  I recommend that you create an account for your class or library.  I think at the elementary level it would be wise to create a collection of objects for your students to print initially.  I have set up folders related to curriculum units. The searching process can be a little overwhelming if you don't know what you are looking for.

Tinkercad.com-Allows students to create 3D print files with basic shapes.  This is a great place for students to practice trial and error.  It may look great on the screen but will it actually print? If you don't get the result you intended, what should you do next?

Robotics:

Cubelets: Educator Kit $1096

Cubelets are  a system of interlocking and interacting blocks that allow you to create robots. There are 3 different kinds of cubelets: action(output), sense(input), and think(logic) Blocks are connected together to build robots.  Lego creations can be turned into robots using the brick adaptor. Cubelets has also added a bluetooth block and 3 apps that allow you to control and communicate with cubelets.  

Sphero: $799

Sphero is robot that kids can easily program.  Sphero provides students with a foundation for  learning to program.  Sphero includes a collection of free downloadable lessons.

Coding and Programing

In this area we'll be using the iPads, Chromebooks, and Nexus 7 devices to explore coding and programming.  There may be times when students also use the Cubelets and Sphero to practice programming and coding.

Coding Websites:

• Hour of Code: A full curriculum of resources for learning how to code
• Webmaker: Mozilla's digital literacy curriculum
• Scratch: Create stories, games and animations

DIY Arts and Crafts:

This area is well stocked with a variety of crafts supplies as well as household materials that can be upcycled. I rotate out a variety of art books each month to spark ideas.  However, my students are very good at coming up with their own craft projects. 

Legos and Blocks

Legos are very popular in the library makerspace and can be used across the curriculum.  Our Legos include a very large box of assorted bricks that was donate by a teacher and The Lego Education Story Starter Set. 

The Story Starter set motivates students to write about their creations.  I purchased the set that included the Lego Visualizer software so that students can take pictures of their creations and turn them into comic strips. Classroom sets include the StoryVisualizer Software and Curriculum.  The cost of the set for 6 students is $364.95 and a 30 student classroom pack is $1259.95.

In addition to the legos, we also have magnetic blocks and lincoln logs. 

Production Studio (Coming Fall of 2015):

• Green Screen
• USB WebCam and microphone
• Tripod with adaptors for webcam, iPad, and Nexus7
• Apps:

DoInk: $2.99

Lego Movie Maker: Free

littleBits

We also have a set of littleBits.  LittleBits are adaptable and reusable magnetic modules that can be used to foster creativity and collaboration.  LittleBits can fit into multiple categories from art to robotics.  The litteBits website has numerous resources for educators and they offer a 15% discount. Please keep in mind that littleBits are for ages 8 and up.  I found a set of littleBits task cards on Teachers Pay Teachers.  The task cards are a great way to introduce students to littleBits.