Maker Spaces

Maker spaces are creative, D.I.Y. areas  where students can  create, invent, and learn. The contents vary but contain materials and supporting technologies that support design thinking and creating. Maker spaces are often used in conjunction with student inquiry-based or project-based learning or Genius (20%) Time.
Students usually work collaboratively but can work alone. Maker Spaces should support learner agency and allow students to take control of their learning.

Supporting Websites

Maker Education.com - loads of resources on many aspects of maker education including:

• Art Bots & Scribbling Machines
• Wearables
• Circuits & LEDs
• D.I.Y. Science Toys​

MakerEdNZ Facebook group
Picture Books to inspire Making - Paula Jamieson's list of books with their themes and some links to student work
​Scaffolding Maker Spaces
​8 Picture Books for Little Engineers and Builders
Pinterest Board of Maker space Resources
Te Aku ki Papamoa School's Makerspace blog
Design Thinking & UDL Planning Tool
​

Resources
Appearing on these lists does not indicate endorsement

Some hardware that may be found in maker spaces:

• 3D Printers
• Laser cutters
• Makey Makey kits
• ​Electronics kits & Circuitry incl. squishy circuits
• Robotics kits​

Consumables

• Glues, glue guns, sticky tape, string etc
• Construction materials like straws, iceblock sticks, plastic containers, pipe cleaners, 
• Pens, felt tips, crayons, paints
• Paper, card, boxes
• Fabric, wool
• Wire, LED diodes - AliExpress is a cheap source for these, allow extra time for delivery
• Old toys and electronic gadgets
• ​Natural materials e.g. sticks, shells etc.
• Magnets, magnetic strips

Re-usable items​

• Lego or similar construction sets
• ​​Containers to store things in

Kits and Suppliers

STEAM Kits
​AliExpress allow extra time for delivery