Makerspaces in Elementary Schools

    A makerspace is a dedicated area where students can use hands-on activities and tools to create something new, solve problems, and develop life-long skills (Arts Integration, 2023). It does not always have to be a physical space if there is no such space available, but can also be a mentality of setting aside time to create, explore, and learn (Anderson, 2023). While a makerspace can include STEM activities, it does not necessarily have to be STEM activities. The two go hand-in-hand, but can be kept separate from each other (Anderson, 2023). Makerspaces can include materials as simple as paper towel rolls, tissues, and tape, to as complex as 3D printers and iPads. Successful makerspaces have three elements in common. The first is that they "promote learning through play and experimentation," the second is that they are "cross-disciplinary, with elements of art, science, and craftsmanship," and the third is that they "offer tools and materials that encourage students to create rather than consume" (Krueger, 2022). 

    There are many benefits to incorporating makerspaces in school settings. The first is that it encourages creativity and innovation. While there may be some guidance for certain activities, students ultimately have the freedom to create what they want and to try out different things that they may not have had the opportunity to do in regular subjects in the classroom (Robbin, 2020). The second is that it requires students to experiment and revise their experiments many times in order to get the product that they are looking for. They will have to analyze problems to find solutions, collaborate with other classmates, listen to feedback, and find ways to improve, which are great 21st century skills for students to develop (Robbin, 2020). The third benefit is collaboration. Students learn how to work together in groups, how to design projects, communicate with one another, and accept feedback (Robbin, 2020). The fourth benefit is the development of resilience in students. Makerspaces are not meant to be easy, and students will learn that they need to change and adapt what they are working on and solve problems in order to be successful in what they are doing, which creates resilience (Robbin, 2020). 

    When a teacher is ready to create a makerspace in their elementary school the first thing they should consider is where the makerspace will be held. Is there any extra room in the school that can be used? As elementary teachers can you dedicate a portion of your classroom for makerspace activities with your students? Where will you store the materials? Once these questions have been answered you can then look for how to fund your makerspace. Elementary parents often have leftover craft supplies, legos, toys, broken electronics, or other materials that can be donated for a makerspace. Teachers can also seek support and funding from outside organizations like businesses or arts groups (Robbin, 2020). While it is great to have expensive technology and electronics like 3D printers for makerspaces, they are not required, and you can still have a makerspace without the price tag attached. Once you have the space and the materials you must come up with your intentions and goals for how the space will be used. Do you want students to create specific projects? Is it just a place of discovery and creativity? Answering these questions will determine how you use the space, how you set it up, and what specific materials you will need to run it (Arts Integration, 2023). 

    At the elementary level, too much freedom can be overwhelming and there will be many kids who do not know where to start (Krueger, 2022). They will need some sort of structure to begin creating and exploring. One way to do this is by providing simple materials. High-tech equipment and complicated materials will be more overwhelming to elementary aged students, when they would be just as satisfied with some paper and tape (Anderson, 2023). Another way to do this is through choice cards. Create a series of cards with multiple choices on what project to do that allow students choice and freedom with some structure so they can be successful in the makerspace area (Anderson, 2023). 

    Makerspaces are an easy, creative, and fun way to incorporate creating, making, and tinkering in the classroom. They can be as simple and cheap as you the teacher want them to be, making them accessible to any age and any classroom regardless of space or budget. The benefits of creating, innovating, collaborating, problem solving, and resilience building in our students' lives will be well worth the time creating makerspaces in the elementary school classrooms. 

References 

• Anderson, M. (2023). Makerspace Activities for Elementary. STEM Activities for Kids. https://stemactivitiesforkids.com/2022/04/16/makerspace-activities-for-elementary/ 
• Arts Integration. (2023). Makerspace Manual for K-12 Schools. Institute for Arts Integration and STEAM. https://artsintegration.com/makerspace-manual-for-k-12-schools/
• Krueger, N. (2022, May 9). Create a School Makerspace in 3 Simple Steps. ISTE. https://www.iste.org/explore/classroom/create-school-makerspace-3-simple-steps
• Robbin, A. (2020, August 24). The Benefits of a Makerspace in Schools. Graduate Programs for Educators. https://www.graduateprogram.org/2020/08/the-benefits-of-a-makerspace-in-schools/