Resources: Makerspaces: Getting Started

Getting Started

What is a Makerspace?

A place where people can come together to use, and learn to use materials as well as develop creative projects. A makerspace is a constructivist learning space where learning is done through play. It can be created in a classroom or a learning commons. Makerspaces are sued to teach design-based learning in a fun way. The important idea is that it is a place that can be used for a range of activities with changing and flexible educational goals and creative purposes.

100+ Makerspace Products & Materials
This list contains products that are makerspace friendly. They are ranked in no particular order and are all worth checking out.
edutopia: Maker Education
Find videos and articles about how educators are harnessing the energy of Maker Education to inspire student exploration across multiple subjects.
Maker Ed
This site has an extensive collection of resources for getting started with makerspaces and making. Educators will also find project ideas and professional learning.
National Film Board: Makers and Creators
The National Film Board has created a playlist of videos that will be of interest to teachers involved in makerspaces and getting students involved with creating and the Maker Movement.
Resources for Youth Makerspaces
The Youth Makerspace Playbook is a resource for planning makerspaces. It offers practical suggestions on finding and outfitting spaces with tools and materials, exploring the possible educational approaches within spaces, and sustaining spaces in the long-term.
We Are Makers
This video tells the story of the Maker Movement. Different people share their viewpoints "on why new technologies and communities of making are bringing us back to something deeply human."
What is a Makerspace?
This excellent explanation of a makerspace addresses the learning aspect of moving students from consumption to creation. There are embedded videos, an image gallery, and infographic.
What is a Makerspace?
This article from Makerspaces.com defines a makerspace and provides examples. The article also digs deeper to provide clarification about hackerspaces.