The Maker Movement has definitely made its way into the school library over the last several years, usually in the form of Makerspaces that focus on Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math (STEAM) activities and resources.
A Makerspace is a collaborative space in your library that encourages creating, sharing, exploring, and learning. It may contain craft supplies, building materials, 3D printers and pens, robots, drawing materials, devices with technology and coding apps, and so much more!
Students may access this space during free time before or after school, as a class during the school day, or perhaps on an as-need basis or even by special invite.
Libraries can also highlight the importance of both STEAM and reading by creating displays with STEAM-related books and resources. This provides a great connection for students, and may just get those STEAM-centric students to pick up a book!
In SDSL's free databases, you can find a variety of STEAM and Makerspace related activities and articles. And, of course, there are so many resources available on the internet. Check out the Choice Board below (with resources from both) that you can share with your students! It's also fully customizable, so you can change any of the choices before sharing if you'd like.
*When you click on the Choice Board, you'll make a copy, and it's all yours! There's even a blank board included.
