Bozzlife: Maker Spaces in Education

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If you have been following my blog for any amount of time, you probably know that I work in the "IT" field. What you may not know is that I am an IT administrator in a small public school district.

I have been working in public education for I would guess around 15 years (without going back and looking at my resume). I have seen lots of concepts, practices, tools, and resources come and go in that time. One of the newest (I hesitate to say "fads") is the Maker and Maker Spaces movement.

Basically it is a way to integrate more Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math (STEM/STEAM) into the curriculum for students. The government has deemed these skills as important for our students to succeed so on top of standardized testing we are also focusing on STEM.

side rant
Many people don't realize how much control the government has over schools and their curriculum. I wish when people complained about schools and educators they would realize actions and methods are dictated by the government. It is sort of a don't shoot the messenger scenario.

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Yesterday I had the opportunity to head over to Central Michigan University to visit their "Maker Space". Inside of their Education building (this is where students how are studying to become teachers have their classes), they have a pretty impressive Maker area for students to learn and experiment in.

Personally, I have always been a little skeptical of this whole "maker" thing. I am not young by any means and I grew up in a time and place (small town midwest US) where fixing things was a way of life. I grew up tearing apart appliances and electronics to see how they work and what components they were made out of.

On top of that, I have been blessed enough to attend and work in school districts that have up to date and well funded wood shop and metal shop programs. In fact, the school district I used to work for has a building trades program that actually builds houses in the community. In my opinion that is the epitome of a "maker space".

I can understand how in this age of throw away devices and so many draws on our time and attention how these maker spaces can be an exciting thing for a subset of children. Additionally, there seems to be a renaissance of the builder mentality these days. People are being drawn back to old world methods and technologies for creating things.

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The maker space at CMU is pretty impressive. They have cabinets and cupboards full of electronics and do it yourself type stuff. Everything from coding and robotics to soldering and Legos. It is a very impressive space.

We got to spend a better part of the day exploring the different activities and stations that they have setup. I can see how having a place to explore with very little structure can be like a dream come true for students who have their attention drawn in so many directions.

In the afternoon we were given the opportunity to "get our hands dirty" working on adapting toys so that they could be more easily used by students with disabilities. This entailed hard wiring in a bypass switch that is easier for the disabled children to push than the actual on off switch.

I am a little ashamed to admit that it has been so long since I picked up a soldering iron that I actually burned my hand twice in the process. All the pain was worth it when I finished the job and the toy lit up, spun, and danced when I pressed the button. One of the facilitators advised me that the toy I had modified would be going to a little girl with special needs for Christmas this year. It was a humbling experience.

Do you work in a district that has a "Maker Space"? Do you feel like it is being used to it's fullest potential? What kinds of things does yours have and what would you like to see added to it? I'd love to hear your comments!


Check out the Cardboard Challenge


All pictures were taken by me


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11 comments
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That is so awesome about the gift for the little girl. You are an angel. Truly.

I must tell you that I am always impressed when I read a blog from you about your job. I am so taken back at the amount of time and effort that goes into the job and know that there are so many out there like you, which I have no idea about.

Thank you for being that kind of person, one who is leading and guiding our next generation. And if I don't say it enough, teachers are still unsung heros. If not for them, some of our kids would disappear into oblivion.

Have an amazing day!

Kudos and !tip .20

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Thanks, I appreciate it. I am actually starting to think about doing some more posts on education in general. Though I am not a teacher, I see many sides and aspects of the "organization". It is some blow your mind type stuff for sure!

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It matters not that you are not a teacher. Your role is indeed in the same arena in my books.

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First I had heard of maker spaces, and it must have been both humbling and moving when you were told where the toy you made was going to

I am glad to hear there is a move back to more hand on and repairing things I to feel its becoming to much of a throw away society

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