I've been reading and learning about makerspaces for a while now, and this week, I dove in! I started a "Maker Club" with 4th and 5th graders. This month, I choose to use some K'Nex kits I could check out from our district media center to get started. The kits helped students learn about gears, pulleys, levers, etc. I hope to use different materials and have different challenges each month.
I was torn between having a directed or common challenge for students to complete, and just letting them have free reign to create anything they wanted. I understand the importance of "tinkering" with makerspace materials, but the educator in me, has a hard time letting go of the focus completely. I need to work on that! Additionally, I wanted to foster the development of some collaboration, creativity, critical thinking, and communication skills. Ultimately, I created a hybrid, I think it turned out pretty well.
I was torn between having a directed or common challenge for students to complete, and just letting them have free reign to create anything they wanted. I understand the importance of "tinkering" with makerspace materials, but the educator in me, has a hard time letting go of the focus completely. I need to work on that! Additionally, I wanted to foster the development of some collaboration, creativity, critical thinking, and communication skills. Ultimately, I created a hybrid, I think it turned out pretty well.
As the students came into the club afterschool, I randomly put them into groups of 3. Then, I described the 3 roles for the groups, and had them each take a role. Next week, they will be with the same groups, but choose a different roles.
- Project Manager: Makes sure everyone has a voice and helps make decisions
- Supply Manager: Is responsible for collecting and organizing supplies
- Reader: (I may rename to the technician) Read the information from the cards and interpret the design directions for their groups
Then, I gave each group of the K'Nex topics and spiral activity books (one group did pulleys, one group did levers, etc). Their job was to read the first "all about" page to learn the basics of their simple machine, and then select a project to complete.
Lastly. the students shot a short video explaining what they did and what they learned.
I was very happy with how the first club went. The students were excited and engaged, it was a focused activity, and they were able to summarize their learning as a final product.
Lastly. the students shot a short video explaining what they did and what they learned.
I was very happy with how the first club went. The students were excited and engaged, it was a focused activity, and they were able to summarize their learning as a final product.
How do you structure your makerspace time in your classroom or library? Share in the comments below.