Makerspaces and 3D Printing in Schools
Makerspace: A 3 Step DIY Guide to Creating One in Your Classroom. (2019, September 18). Retrieved from https://www.leaderinme.org/blog/makerspace/
Keune, A., & Peppler, K. (2019). Materials‐to‐develop‐with: The making of a makerspace. British Journal of Educational Technology, 50(1), 280–293. https://doi.org/10.1111/bjet.12702
Summary
The official definition of a makerspace is a place where individuals with the same interests, focusing on technology and engineering, can come together to share ideas while working on projects and using different types of equipment.
According to Keune and Peppler (2019), “Celebrating hands-on making and technological inventiveness, the Maker Movement promotes the popularity of new makerspaces: learning environments filled with diverse materials for youth’s creative projects. Described as “constructionist learning environments,” makerspaces can be challenging to design because materials require substantial budgetary investments” (p. 1).
Evaluate
This 2019 article is an up-to-date article that explains all the tools that go into a makerspace. It shows readers how to set up a makerspace and the most important things to include. It mainly focuses on 3D printing and how beneficial it is within a makerspace.
I personally work in a school that has a makerspace and I love the way it gets the children’s minds moving. I fully believe this strategy of teaching works.
Edutopia. (2018, November 16). Learning Problem Solving and Growth Mindset in a Makerspace [Video file]. Youtube. Retrieved from https://youtu.be/oQvcbLmNfok.
Summary
In this video it explains how thinking and problem-solving is something that is very important to have in today’s day in age. A makerspace promotes this hands-on learning which benefits children not only in school, but in life.
This video also lets you see how the children feel about the makerspace and their opinion on it.
Evaluate
Edutopia put out a wonderful video on how makerspaces help students with learning how to problem-solve with engineering and technology. This video actually put you in one of these spaces where children learn to grow.
Reflection on Makerspaces and 3D Printing
I believe that Makerspaces and 3D Printing have very many benefits when it comes to early education. Younger minds need more hands-on connection in order to absorb the material that is being taught to them. Implementing these spaces within schools helps educators relay information to their students. Even though they are pricey to put together, the outcome is amazing.
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Makerspaces are great concepts to include into schools. It is a great way to get children involved in a classroom. A hands-on environment is very beneficial for all children regardless of age.
ReplyDeleteMadison, I really enjoyed reading your posting! I went to a high school that had a makerspace and it was awesome; however, some students tried to go in there to treat the space as a study hall instead of working on projects. With what I have experienced I feel it is important to expose students to makerspaces at a younger age. When the students are younger their skills are developing verses trying to cultivate these skills in students who have already established their habits, such as high school students.
ReplyDeleteI want to use makerspace activities in my own classroom because it allows the students to take their ideas and make them reality. The students will run into problems that they are encouraged to solve themselves and with their peers, instead of relying on an adult to fix their problems for them. Teachers are also there to regulate the space and provide help when needed to keep the space safe and functioning properly. I agree with you that makerspaces are worth the investment!
Makerspaces are awesome environments with lots of advantages. There was one at my high school, and at the college. It's important to have because it draws students into a STEM learning environment.
ReplyDelete