Full STEAM Ahead!

A tiny history of making...

The Aha Moment:

"Wait, I'm a maker, too?"

*Start with what they know--Minecraft, Legos, Art

*After my aha moment at the Mini-Makerfaire, I decided to implement a makerspace during my summer library program.

*This is the library, afterall.

*Many times we read a story and then make creations inspired from our reading.

*During the summer program--we would read a book and then create something from the story.

*These robots are from the book--If I Had a Robot, by Dan Yaccarino

*The only diretion I gave them was to create a robot--they decided the what and how.

*With donations from teachers, staff, neighbors, and friends--I started to build a collection of materials.

*I'm always open to donations--space can be an issue! (Embrace your inner hoarder!)

*Students use Makey Makey learn about circuits by doing (and playing)

*Stop animation movie making is another favorite

*Students build and create new worlds with MinecraftEdu

*After the huge success of the makerspace summer program, I created a more permenant spot in our library for a year round makerspace.

*I took a corner that was previously being used for my professional collection for our makerspace.

*Makerspaces can be as simple as a couple bins of materials--they can be mobile!

Things I've learned:

*Letting go of control--there are going to be messes (LOTS of messes)

*Let students lead their own learning and discovery

*Be more of an observer and give support when needed

*Creating a schedule that includes check-out AND makerspace time has been helpful

*Making is a state of mind!