Makerspaces

A month ago, I attended ITEC 2015.  It was an exceptional conference where I was able to collaborate with educators in my field and see the latest technology trends in education.  My big take away from the conference was makerspaces.  After reporting back to my building administrators, I'm excited to say we are in the beginning stages of creating our own makerspace.  

What is a Makerspace?  A makerspace is an interactive area for students to be create, ticker, invent, learn, and explore STEM topics.  I was intrigued with this idea because of the critical thinking and problem solving skills students would demonstrate.  Using the makerspace, students are the content creators instead of content consumers.  Some projects include technology, while other projects require little to no technology.  Some makerspaces have 3D printers, EV3, Sphero, Cubelets, Dash, and MakeyMakey.  Other makerspaces utilize Legos, marble and cardboard challenges.      

Below are two resources obtained at ITEC to learn more about makerspaces.

• Makerspace.com is an excellent resource for setting up a makerspace, brainstorming project ideas, and gleaning tips from the pros.   
• Diana Rendina's blog is a well rounded foundation with many makerspace resources.

Does your district have a makerspace?  If so, what are some of the projects you have done?  What have the students created?  What resources do you recommend?  Please share your thoughts below.