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IST 605: Skill-Building in the Makerspace: Ideas and Activities for Educators and Librarians

What is a Makerspace? How can I start one? What will we do? What do we need?

Makerspace

Introduction:

Welcome to the Develop You

Teachers, school and public librarians, parents, students, and members of a maker community will find this guide provides a ton of useful makerspace information! 

  • resources to set up a makerspace

  • how to plan lessons and activities for a makerspace 

  • budget-friendly ideas and projects

  • resources to set up a makerspace and to  ignite creativity and innovation

Whether you're starting from scratch or enhancing an existing space, you'll find valuable tips on DIY craft supplies, basic electronics kits, sewing projects, 3D printing, coding and robotics, woodworking, digital media creation, upcycling, and more. This important guide can help anyone create an engaging and resourceful makerspace that encourages exploration, collaboration, and hands-on learning. Dive in and start building a vibrant makerspace today!

Makerspace, Teen Makerspace, DIY Crafts for teens,  Budget-Friendly Makerspace, Arduino Projects for Teens, Affordable 3D Printing, Beginner Coding projects, Robotics Kits for Teens, Beginner Sewing Projects , Upcycling Ideas for Teens, Makerspace Electronics Kits, Digital Media Creation, Woodworking for Teens, Library of Things, Makerspace Collaboration Ideas, paper craft, design thinking

 

Credit:  Teach Outside The Box

What is a Makerspace?:

 

What is a Makerspace in a Library?

 

What Is a Makerspace In a Classroom?

SEE ALSO How to Start a Small  Makerspace in the How Do I Start tab in this Guide

Credit:  Teach Outside The Box

 

How To Start A Makerspace: 

How to Start A Small Makerspace:

 

 

Credit:  Teach Outside The Box

Credit:  Teach Outside The Box

 

Arts and Crafts:

Engineering:

Technology:

Credit:  Teach Outside The Box

Makerspace Supply List

Basic Materials:

  • Toilet Paper Tubes: Reusable for various crafting and engineering projects.

  • Paper Towel Tubes: Useful for building structures and prototypes.

  • Shoeboxes: Ideal for creating storage solutions or small project containers.

  • Plastic Jars & Containers: Useful for storing small materials and components.

  • Legos: Versatile for building and engineering projects.

  • Egg Cartons: Good for organizing small items or as a base for creative projects.

  • Old CDs/DVDs: Can be repurposed for art and design projects.

  • CD Cases: Useful for organizing and storing small items.

  • Empty Soda Bottles: Reusable for various engineering and crafting projects.

  • Old Electronics: Especially solar devices, useful for integrating technology into projects.

  • Cardboard: Essential for building models and prototypes.

Dollar Store Items:

  • Coffee Filters: Useful for various crafting and filtering purposes.

  • Straws: Can be used in engineering and construction projects.

  • Toothpicks: Ideal for building structures and small-scale models.

  • Rubber Bands: Useful for creating tension and movement in projects.

  • Index Cards: Helpful for planning and prototyping.

  • Q-Tips: Useful for detailed crafting and cleaning.

  • Popsicle Sticks: Ideal for building and crafting projects.

  • Cupcake Liners: Useful for organizing and crafting.

  • Masking Tape: Essential for temporary fixes and project assembly.

  • Playing Cards: Can be used creatively in various projects.

  • Pipe Cleaners: Versatile for crafting and construction.

  • Mop Bucket: Useful for cleaning up after projects.

  • Paper Plates: Useful for mixing and organizing materials.

  • Plastic Silverware: Can be used in crafting and engineering projects.

  • Plastic Bins: For organizing and storing supplies.

  • Magnets: Useful for interactive and engineering projects.

  • Duct Tape: Strong adhesive for construction and repair.

  • Scotch Tape: General-purpose adhesive for various tasks.

  • Cotton Balls: Useful for crafting and as filler material.

  • Plastic Baggies: For storing small materials and parts.

  • Plastic Cups: Can be used in a variety of projects.

  • Felt: Useful for crafting and soft components.

  • Lunch Bags: For organizing and transporting materials.

  • String: Versatile for crafting and engineering tasks.

  • Dental Floss: Can be used for various applications in crafting.

  • Flashlights: Useful for projects involving light and visibility.

  • Envelopes: Good for organizing and storing small items.

  • Coffee Stirrers: Useful for mixing and crafting.

  • Paper Clips: For organizing and securing materials.

  • Foam Boards: Ideal for building models and prototypes.

  • Poster Board: Useful for large-scale projects and displays.

  • Marshmallows (regular and mini): Can be used in building and construction activities.

  • Gumdrops: Useful for construction projects.

  • Spaghetti (uncooked): Can be used in structural engineering projects.

  • Balloons: Useful for creating structures and demonstrations.

  • Battery Operated Toothbrushes: Can be repurposed for engineering projects involving motors.

Crafting Supplies:

  • Construction Paper: Useful for various crafting and visual projects.

  • Crayons: Ideal for drawing and decorating.

  • Glue: Essential for adhering materials in projects.

  • Markers: Useful for coloring and labeling.

  • Pom-Poms: Good for decorative and tactile projects.

  • Rubber Cement: Useful for flexible and layered adhesion.

  • Stamp Pads: Ideal for adding designs and patterns.

Engineering Supplies:

  • Wheels: Useful for engineering and moving parts in projects.

  • Cereal Boxes: Reusable for constructing models and prototypes.

  • Packing Supplies: Useful for cushioning and organizing parts.

  • Plastic Cups: Versatile for various applications.

Fabrication Supplies:

  • Computer Numerical Control (CNC) Tools: For precise cutting and shaping of materials.

  • Laser Cutters: For detailed and accurate material cutting.

  • 3D Printers: For creating three-dimensional objects and prototypes.

  • Vinyl/Craft Cutters: For cutting vinyl and other materials for custom designs.  Lib Guide: Cricut in the Makerspace

  • Digital-Fabrication Software: Software used for designing and controlling fabrication tools.

Additional Materials:

  • Scissors: Essential for cutting materials.

  • Clay: Useful for modeling and sculpting.

  • Textiles: Ideal for sewing and crafting projects.

  • Sewing Materials: Necessary for textile-based projects.    Lib Guide: Sewing in the Makerspace

  • Wooden Shapes: Useful for constructing and building models.

  • Model Magic or Sculpey: Ideal for creating detailed models.

  • Empty Plastic Containers: Reusable for various crafting and engineering projects.

  • Empty Metal Cans: Reusable for crafting and engineering projects.

Credit:  Teach Outside The Box

 

Project Ideas and Lessons for Library and Classroom Makerspaces:

 

Project Idea websites:

 

Video Tutorials:

 

Credit:  Teach Outside The Box

 

Where to find supplies and materials for your Makerspace:

 

Makerspace Supply Lists :