“Play is the highest form of research- Albert Einstein”
Maker Movement is creating useful products from the ‘not so useful’ electronic products or any discarded computer related device. This process of recreating and assembling stuff into something useful calls for creativity and if kids are introduced to this thing early in the classrooms, chances are that they just might stop asking for toys, as they will start creating some cool ones for themselves.
Like Einstein quoted, play is associated with intense thought activity and rapid intellectual growth; therefore introduction of maker movement can be a great initiative by educational authorities for kids to develop in better ways.
And before you start to have maker kids in your school there are some things that you must know about. Check them out below!
Maker Space Communities
— Maker Space: The Online Community for Makers
An online community that inspires makers of all ages and types with DIY (Do It Yourself) projects, How Tos, tech news, electronics, crafts and ideas.
This community promotes creativity, and environmental stewardship through creative reuse and arts education. They work by collecting donations of used material that would otherwise end up in a landfill.
LA Makerspace is a community-based organization whose mission is to foster innovation by offering increased access to new opportunities in STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, mathematics).
A non-profit community for curious minds who want to make something.
With a mission to encourage creativity, learning and collaboration; this community provide low cost and free access to sophisticated tools, offering a wide variety of classes and by providing opportunities for makers, artist and craftsperson of all kinds to meet and learn from each other.
The primary focus of this community is STEM Education and the community is open to teens, adults and families with younger kids.
— MakerBridge:
Maker community especially for libraries, educators and schools. Get in touch with the educational maker community via this community.
— STEAMLabs:
STEAMLabs is a non-profit community for MakerSpace Education, where people of all ages and abilities come together for access to high tech tools, to learn, and to create. It’s a place where Science, Technology Engineering, Art and Math can all be used to invent the future; a place where your imagination can come to play!
Ways to Start with Maker Education in School:
Before you start to initiate the maker movement and accommodate a MakerSpace Education in your school, it is essential that you understand all the things that you need to keep in mind:
à It is not solely dedicated to one particular kind of activity but a variety of activities are being practiced. It contains elements found in various places like science lab, woodshop, computer lab or even an art & craft workshop. Therefore, make sure your makerspace is equipped with the tools that will be needed by students while trying their hands at things. Students can be from art background or from science background so equipment and materials that students require must be available.
à Educators connecting to an open and collaborative network of the worldwide maker community, all doing this work will help educators to pass on some help to students. Share insight, ideas, and best practices from one Makerspace to another. Connect on a local level with makers on the ground and community partners who support making.
à Allow new makers to filter projects based on their own interest, ability, and available equipment. These projects make it easy to get started and get better. For better result, engage students in projects and mix disciplines.
à Make students believe that if they can imagine it they can make it. The idea behind the Makers Movement includes allowing people to imagine, envision, create, innovate, play, formatively learn, experiment, collaborate, share, and most of all dream of possibilities. With makerspaces, Learning turns out to be an experience for kids and so start early with maker education.
Few examples of Schools that are Practicing Makerspace:
Lewis And Clark Elementary School
Their Maker Space inspires students to become the creators and innovators. They also provide am amazing list of resources that can be useful for students to get started with maker moving.
Supported by KCD Fab Lab, their maker education helps students in physics and engineering classes.
Students at Mary Mount invent to learn. Supported by Fab Labs, they have collection of tools like 3D scanners and printers, laser cutters, soldering irons, Arduino micro controllers, sewing machines and drills with which students can make and learn.
Does your school believe in maker education? Share with us in the comment section below.
