#5thchat Archive
#5thchat is for people interested in chatting about topics in education, especially as they relate to Grade 5. The goal is to connect people who enjoy learning & sharing, plus supporting & creating partnerships worldwide!
Tuesday May 31, 2016
Welcome to Looking forward to a great chat tonight about Makerspaces. Please introduce yourself & tell us about yourself.
Nick Baskwill Grade 5 teacher NS Canada, presenting on Makerspaces on Sat to a M.Ed class looking forward to the chat!
Hey ! Tim Vesco, 5th grade teacher from Frontenac, KS.
Please remember to include so that we can see all of your answers.
Elementary Librarian in San Antonio Texas
I am excited for this topic! We have a Science/STEM Night tomorrow. Phil from NJ by the way!
Glad to have you here with us.
Shauna, 5th grade teacher from Arizona
My name is Mallory from CT! We are ALL about Makerspaces here at Level Up Village! :-)
Hello! Christine Strickland from Alabama
Tod - K-5 Librarian from Claremont, NH
Elementary Librarian San Antonio Texas
Thanks Angie! Always happy to talk shop with others!
Q1: What is your experience level with Makerspace?
A1: Started one this year in my library
First question coming soon.
Hello! Brittany from Hartford, CT - 5th grade math/science teacher
A1: I have 0 experience with makerspaces, but our lib. has them!
A1: I've had my Ss explore some with Maker Spaces. I have lots of Maker Space tools but need some ideas on how to incorporate more.
A1 I am new to Makerspace but have really enjoyed jumping in with both feet this year.
A1: Started small with lego and k'nex station. Hopefully will grow, but just got to be able to go mobile with it.
Misty, teaching 6th grade in GA next yr. and excited to have in my class. Here to learn from you all at
A1: Our wonderful librarian started one this year. It's great!
Hi there, Jordan from Princeton, NJ
Same here Sara. Can't wait to hear about it.
A1: I had the use of a Makercart (Makerspace on wheels) from Oct to Jan and am looking to build my own space now
A1 Next year will be our 1st w/ a dedicated . Until now it’s been all short-term projects in the classroom
Q1: Out of 10; I would say about a 6. I have knowledge and excitement, but implementing seems to be my problem.
A1: I have heard about them but never implemented one. I want to start next school year!
what are some of your fav tools?
Understand Tod. My stations are pretty mobile also.
Hi-Janine here from NJ. Been wanting to learn about maker spaces so I thought this would be a good place!
Deb from Kansas. I teach 5th grade & am wanting to have a maker space next year. Looking to get ideas here tonight.
That sounds like a great idea though for the ones that don't have space.
Hi, Elisabeth B, Elem Media Spec from NC
What was on the Makercart?
Glad it worked for you! I've got another. "Who Stole Mr Holden's Breakfast Burrito". Let me know if you want it.
Hi Tim! What types of projects have you had the Ss do so far with Maker Spaces?
Q1 No experience! I'm a newbie!!
I've also been curious! Happen to see this and decided to stop by!
A1-No experience other than hearing about it on Twitter & at EdCamps.
Yes, do tell. I am curious also.
A1: no experience....I'm a newbie!!
Glad you could join us Elisabeth.
hummingbird robot, arduino, sewing maching, 3D printer, wearable tech, craft items, makey makey, little bits kit
I have 2 yo grandchild and am in awe of how she creates. Want this wonder to continue for her throughout life
Q2: Finding funds for a Makerspace can be hard with little or no budget. How did you find funds for your makerspace?
Any ideas where I could get a 3D printer that won't break my teacher bank?
We got one with a fundraiser for $500, and being part of the ambassador program for schools
Making students present without specifically teaching speaking skills is not OK. Two-minute video explains: https://t.co/ZtjFaSYCbA
A1-total newbie here too!
A2: mostly book fair $ - but I asked for items like TP rolls and boxes from Ts and in my summer letter home gave a list to Ps
A1: I have no experience with Maker Space, but I'd love to learn!
A2: Donors Choose. Grants. Donations from kids - egg cartons, old toys, etc. Also, GoFundMe
A2 Some of my fellow media specialists use I am looking at using also next year after I get it approved.
I saw some great makerspace art work from just cardboard squares. So easy and Fun.
A2: great partner in they are amazing! Otherwise we did some class fundraising kids sold xmas orn they 3D printed!
A2 Wondering if anyone has used Donors Choose
A2: Donations, book fair money, some of my legos and k'nex sets.
A2: I don't have a MakerSpace (yet) but my instructor just got full funding for his school thru NASCAR P.I.T Crew Grant.
What kind of fundraiser did you have?
A2: I've been lucky to receive grants from our local education foundation.
Glad to have you tonight.
A2: I head to Goodwill and Dig through to find anything useable to make anything. Never know what Ss can imagine.
I'm Paul Solarz, a 5th grade teacher from Arlington Heights, IL. Sorry I'm late - computer crashed right as chat was starting!
RT AMitchell828: Q1: What is your experience level with Makerspace? ..
One of my colleagues did. She was able to get a lot of material for her media center. are you here?
Hey, Paul. Glad I had you up on Tweetdeck to hear about this great chat. TY
A1 I'm an interested beginner!
A2 Donated/recycled materials are a good place to start. Teaches the reality of being creative w/ limited resources!
local car dealership Connell Chrysler donated $1 for each share and like of a promotion
A2 - I do most of my shopping for our classroom Maker Space at garage sales, Dollar Stores, my basement, and I also write grants.
A2-I'm thinking of or even letting parents know what I need. Thinking I'll start small & work my way up to big stuff.
A2: For a recycled art project, a local artist donated a bunch of supplies. Many want to help, just need to ask.
Excellent point. They don't have to be high tech.The point is get the Ss creating & thinking. https://t.co/lWnbw4Zsvc
A2: I head to Goodwill and Dig through to find anything useable to make anything. Never know what Ss can imagine.
Love the idea of using found items!
What kind of grants do you apply for?
A2: Also just approached our local Rotary Club for funding
love the idea of using found items!
That is exactly what I did this year.
Q3: What is your favorite part of your Makerspace? Why?
Then have that artist in to talk to kids about their creations!? Possibilities of community connection.
I try for local grants from our district's amazingly generous .
Thanks for sharing the resource,
A3: hard to pick 1! I love the 3D printer, but when the kids create, the feeling of the room is the best!
A3: I don't have one yet, just ideas in my head. So, my fav part is the possibilities!
A3: I love the creativity and collaboration that is spawns. I am in awe of what my Ss create and come up with.
A2 Yard sales and recyclables
A3: no matter what ideas I have... the kids always surprise me with their ideas
This year my favorite part has been playing with the . The students have had so much fun.
A3: I personally love all the arts & crafts stuff, because my Ss make some of the MOST creative stuff ever! My Ss love the Legos!
All I need is another reason to go to yard sales. FUN!
A3: I love the creativity and the collaboration it spawns. I am in awe of what my Ss come up with.
A3-My kids have loved our STEM projects. Looking forward to that excitement & groans when it's time to go home.
A3: I love that kids make connections between ideas and products.
I have been doing STEAM too. What have been some of yours?
That is the best part of the makerspaces. The endless possibilities for the Ss. https://t.co/Kf0VYByocO
A3: I love the creativity and the collaboration it spawns. I am in awe of what my Ss come up with.
A1: (Wendy from WI) in year 2 of a k-4 Makerspace. Cannot say enough about how it has changed our school!
A3: Today, we used , 's, a , & stuff, in addition to taking apart an old TV!
Just joining A3. Our kids love sphero, dot and dash, and creating artsy projects. Spend time
When I do the STEM or Makerspaces activities they don't want to leave. I can't wait to do more next year.
Sounds like a productive and busy day!
I wish I could have been a fly on the wall! https://t.co/o5fh9IElfK
A3: Today, we used , 's, a , & stuff, in addition to taking apart an old TV!
I won a grant for a ! Can't wait for the Ss to use it!
I have been tossing around the idea of having "take apart" things. what ages do you have?
We've used ideas from TPT resource to integrate w/novels & fairy tales. We built marble runs when I was in 4th.
Our end-of-the-year "Thank You Party" for completing all our work!
What types of STEM projects have you been doing??
Started with a full makerspace in yr1 but added carts in yr2 so Ts could do more making in their rooms https://t.co/TAnxOJdfaf
A1: I had the use of a Makercart (Makerspace on wheels) from Oct to Jan and am looking to build my own space now
I saw those fairy tale ones, they are cute. I didn;t try any of those this year.
they are awesome! My Ss love them
I LOVE . My 5th graders were so engaged last week.
Using literature and recycled materials to build things (3 Billy Goats Gruff and Bridges) https://t.co/obyEmr4eYq
I have been doing STEAM too. What have been some of yours?
Q4: If you had to sell the Makerspace idea to your administrator what would you say?
What fairy tale ones? I feel as if I am missing out.
I did this with grades 3-4 with old computers-was great!
we've put together some how-to-get-started guides. I'd be happy to share if interested!
I was a complete crab today :( so I would have been embarrassed to have anyone see me, but kids enjoyed their rotations!
Just joining. First year w k-4 makerspace
will be at Rib Lake on June 10 presenting a makerspace conference. Excited to learn and add info
They are all over pinterst and TPT - build a bridge for the billy goats, parachute for jack
Pen in hand and taking notes for As on Q4
I would be interested. Thanks. https://t.co/LXJOycwlJd
we've put together some how-to-get-started guides. I'd be happy to share if interested!
Know where I am heading after
I am looking at integrating a lot more literature next year.
A4: I would say it builds on STEAM skills, and that it fosters collaboration and creativity and fits all curriculum
This is my goal. To tie the makerspace to our reading and literacy centers.
We all have our crabby days. Mine was last Thursday; rough times! Glad the kids enjoyed it; that's what it is all about
Q2: grants!! Local education funds, major corporations (there are lots of specific grants available)
A4 - We need to get our students designing, planning, creating, testing & iterating, instead of just consuming & regurgitating!
I just searched fairy tale STEM & came up w/bunches. Also did it w/Sign of the Beaver.
A4 Makerspaces provides the 21st Century skills that our Ss need. Team work, collaboration, critical thinking and problem solving.
A4: Students become creators instead of consumers. Critical thinking skills and problem solving.
Yes!! https://t.co/HOlG5gyBlO
A4: I would say it builds on STEAM skills, and that it fosters collaboration and creativity and fits all curriculum
I am using this and adding because the author says so and lending Admin my copy. https://t.co/HCVPhITDkc
A4 - We need to get our students designing, planning, creating, testing & iterating, instead of just consuming & regurgitating!
Would love for you to share. https://t.co/dKwFlNiv0A
we've put together some how-to-get-started guides. I'd be happy to share if interested!
Yes screwdrivers.Had them determine function of each part then moved into customizing other computers
Important to remember that it's not about the space, but about the process and the creativity. No rules for what you need to have!
Please do! I'd be interested!
Provides Ss an opportunity to see and understand multiple perspectives...no one builds something the exact same way!
This is a great way to get our Principal's attention. Creating thinkers and doers!! https://t.co/DzMDhgnANn
A4 - We need to get our students designing, planning, creating, testing & iterating, instead of just consuming & regurgitating!
A4 Classroom is personalized so makerspace fits in with what kids want to learn. Engaged learners all day long
Great point!! Love this reminder! https://t.co/lU94HCEAB3
Important to remember that it's not about the space, but about the process and the creativity. No rules for what you need to have!
A4: Haven't read it yet, but I bet 's new book "LAUNCH" would be a great resource to give principals Re: Maker Spaces!
Excellent point!! I had mine on a cart this year.
A4-Maker spaces foster creativity, problem solving, collaboration and total student engagement.
Transformative experiential learning https://t.co/IDFbGlcAn4
A4 - We need to get our students designing, planning, creating, testing & iterating, instead of just consuming & regurgitating!
Random Q re: . Do they tend to be classroom-based, or more of a school-centered location? I can see pros & cons of both
"LAUNCH" 0n my to read list for this summer! https://t.co/bX74ORVZxN
A4: Haven't read it yet, but I bet 's new book "LAUNCH" would be a great resource to give principals Re: Maker Spaces!
A4 Last yr I went to visit schools w/ makerspaces so I could see benefits. Once I saw we were all in
A4: Makerspace gives Ss a place to try things, hammer away at a solution, and problem solve with other students.
Yes, this is there chance to shine and express themselves.
Q5: Sometimes space is an issue. What advice would you give educators with little space?
Yes!! https://t.co/gas5iPXV8O
A4-Maker spaces foster creativity, problem solving, collaboration and total student engagement.
Another book added to my summer reading list.
Let me know if that works Misty! ;)
I think both... Mine is school centered in the library but I see Ts taking ideas and putting in their rooms
A5: Well after tonight; I am getting myself a Makercart! Thank you
It depends on what you want. It can be classroom based or in a central location such as the media center. .
I would like to have a large space school based to work, but some of my own things in class
Q5: Start small and make it mobile! Choose 2 or 3 things to start with.
A5 This yr mine were mobile in the sense that I put them away after class. You don't have to have a "space" to have a Makerspace.
I'm scared - haha I have some old phones and printers. Think I am just going to have to do it
A5: Makercart all the way! Rolling tool chest is great for storage!
A5 - Space is a major issue because you need a ton of supplies for even one classroom of students to look through. Ask nicely! :)
A5: Go outside!! 🌳🌞 Or talk to caf mngr to use cafeteria, or gym teacher to use gym (assuming you're working after school)
A5: I ditched the desks in our classroom. Gave us more room to create.
I wouldn't even know what to disapprove of. They would teach me I am sure
A5: Be creative and well organized. That is my plan with fingers crossed.
Did you go to tables? That was my goal for this year and I nearly succeeded.
A5-Thinking that I'll repurpose how I'm using my shelves. My Ss get really good at rearranging room to create.
A5: I weeded a bunch of books as part of a transformation plan and ended up with some extra shelves that i am using
Great idea. Collaboration among school staff. https://t.co/u8k7Izi4cs
A5: Go outside!! 🌳🌞 Or talk to caf mngr to use cafeteria, or gym teacher to use gym (assuming you're working after school)
same here, 12 desks for 26 Ss!
AJ, I learned so much from you on a Webinar for Student Centered Activities. Cant wait for Book!
A5 - as much as possible, everything on wheels!!!!
I know some teachers have allowed Ss to "create" their classroom. This helps to give them ownership. https://t.co/kWEp6D0owh
A5-Thinking that I'll repurpose how I'm using my shelves. My Ss get really good at rearranging room to create.
Q6: What have you found to be the best way to introduce Makerspace to your students?
The right student would love that job, I was that student.
A5: I store a lot of our supplies above & below our class library that I built. Also in closet next door. https://t.co/YXPHD4lrVO
Love that idea!! My reference section is way out of date. I could use that area for sure.
A6: We had discovery time where we explored what was in the cart. We also do Maker Challenges to get them rolling!
A6 - Usually start year w/ a project with specific guidelines that use materials from our Maker Space to get Ss used to the ritual.
A7 I only had 4 stations this year. Introduced them in a rotation format.
A3 I enjoy and area where ideas are formed and anything is possible; Disney Imagineers refers to this time as Blue Sky moments
A6: I have come across some great ice breaker makerspace activities. Like tower building with pipe cleaners.
A6-With anything new we just tend to jump in and assume the best. Tell my kids it's going to be an adventure.
A6 Rosie Revere Engineer and The Most Magnificent Thing! Two great makerspace books!
Thanks Nick! It's actually twice as long as the picture that's shown - we get a lot of use out of it! :)
A4 Makerspaces challenges students to create and synthesize ideas; learn to collaborate when necessary; persevere through problems
Yep, to FAIL is part of the learning process and I plan to make mistakes along side my Ss.
A6 Usually start w/ Caines Arcade/Global Cardboard Challenge in October. May start earlier next yr https://t.co/qLQE5eXMOS
so important for them to learn problem solving, resilience, persistence as well!
A6: My Ss created light up name tags on the 1st day using led lights & watch batteries. Fun time! https://t.co/sIK00kPCcG
I am buying The Most Magnificent Thing for my media center. I have Rosie and plan to use it next year.
A6 What would you do with a Idea? or Problem by Kobi Yamada
a% Work w/ admin to find a small space that Ss & Ts (don't overlook Ts) can formulate & create idea then try them out
Great points!! https://t.co/8jjEuDSiiE
A4 Makerspaces challenges students to create and synthesize ideas; learn to collaborate when necessary; persevere through problems
That book is on my wish list as well!
A5 Work w/ admin to find a small space that Ss & Ts (don't overlook Ts) can formulate & create idea then try them out
Very cool. How did they create these?
Ok, you're going to have to share the details for that project. You are awesome.
Found them cheap on . You could also check .
Q7: Finding time for students to visit the Makerspace is another challenge. How do you make it fit your schedule?
Yes; please share. That looks so cool!
Inspired by at Podstock. His wearable tech session was very cool!
Going to have to leave chat. Time to exercise. Will catch up later. Thanks for all the inspiration tonight.
Q7: We often use our Science Time and we usually have one block a week dedicated to maker-time. We try to infuse making in all subs
Wonderful advice. Ts can help sell Makerspaces to administrators https://t.co/3vK5fzprmT
A5 Work w/ admin to find a small space that Ss & Ts (don't overlook Ts) can formulate & create idea then try them out
A7 - Last year we had "Imagination Club" twice each week after school for an hour. This year, it's blended into my curriculum.
A7: WHEN Ss would come at Elem level was what kept me from doing it. Finally came up with this https://t.co/hbTL8GeuIn
A7 Personalized learning lends itself to Makerspace
PLan on adding Kinder and 1st next year. They come with class to work on a specific project
A7: Bit worried about this with 6th graders in only a 50 min block but where there is a will there is a way!
A7-I'm planning Maker Friday's or Monday's. Something to look forward to each week.
A7 Consider Makerspace as a tool for Ts to use-similar to a media center, computers etc-Lessons need to benefit from makerspace use
A7: Try to fit it into library with it as a choice after the library lesson and choosing books.
A7: Use it as part of the library lesson- combining creating and literature
Yes, making it relevant to what the Ss are learning. https://t.co/U5yMK130Bd
A7 Consider Makerspace as a tool for Ts to use-similar to a media center, computers etc-Lessons need to benefit from makerspace use
A7: This is the issue I struggle with. I need to figure out ways to incorporate it more into curriculum.
Last question: Please share any advice with educators that are new to Makerspace.
That is true. I have them for 45 minutes with checkout included.
Just go for it - jump in and make your own rules and let the kids have fun.
It teaches such invaluable skills: critical thinking, problem solving, creativity, collaboration - Must find time!
Thank you for having me tonight ! Please consider joining on Mondays @ 8:00 pm cst. We are a pretty cool bunch! : )
Do u do open circulation in the AM? If so, does that help cut down check out times in class?
Just do it! Don;t wait for the perfect time. Perfect space. Ss won't care. They just want to make https://t.co/g4NPMeQ0MG
Last question: Please share any advice with educators that are new to Makerspace.
I am planning to do that with my 4th and 5th graders next year so I can have longer with them.
starts in just a few minutes - join us!
YES!!! https://t.co/oR1VKTpPuI
Just do it! Don;t wait for the perfect time. Perfect space. Ss won't care. They just want to make https://t.co/g4NPMeQ0MG
Last question: Please share any advice with educators that are new to Makerspace.
I'm thinking I could crossbreed my with a
A8 - Students will destroy your supplies, gadgets & materials if you don't give clear directions and set limits! Be firm, but kind!
Thank you for joining us tonight!!
That is what I want to do next year also!!
Just do it, start small it will grow quickly enough https://t.co/tjhGnHb8qF
Last question: Please share any advice with educators that are new to Makerspace.
Major thanks goes out to for doing such a great job moderating tonight! If you'd consider moderating plz let me know!
Thank you for an enjoyable conversation tonight
my summer goal is an intro video of dos and don'ts based on pictures I took this year
Thank you for joining us tonight and for allowing me to moderate my first Twitter chat. I hope you learned more about Makerspaces.
Thank you for allowing me to moderate tonight. This has been a great first time experience.
Great job tonight, !! Thanks for including me, I learned so much about MakerSpaces & I'm excited to start one up!!
next up for me, set up drop in maker hour for next year - to focus on learning a specific skill (ie circuitry, robots)
It has been fun!! Thank you!!
Great chat. Love Following & Connecting with you all and talking Makerspaces. TY
