#ECGmakers Archive
Part of EdCamp Global 2016! All tweets and ideas tweeted alongside #ECGmakers will be collected here. Explore how to start a MakerSpace and let your learners roam free in a play-based environment that encourages mess, experimentation and risk.
Friday July 29, 2016
Ready for convo? all about and in your or // Starts now
Say Hi! Introduce yourself: name, school, position, do you have a already or are you considering?
Laura Gardner, Teacher Librarian @ Dartmouth Middle Sch. is 2 yrs old and is 1 yr old. LOVE IT!!
Hi! Corey , MS Librarian in central PA. New makerspace coming in this school year!
Hi, Corey! Welcome! That's awesome!! You'll have fun. :)
Q1 coming up in two minutes!
New to Makerspace, bu want one soooo bad! Kara Guiff, small town Indiana
Good Evening All! Nicole Stulak, Instructional Coach from Downingtown, PA - We are beginning our this year!
Doug- MS librarian- central Pa. No maker space. Just researching
What's your school role, ?
Hi! Mitzi, Tech Coach district. Looking for ideas.
Hi! I'm the library media specialist at my school. I'm trying to get grants& start a small this year I can grow.
Hi, ! Hope to give you some good ideas :)
Heather Walker, 4th teacher @ Lone Star Elementary beginning my this year.
Welcome, ! Good luck getting grants! Starting small is great
Hi there! Diana, Sigler ES, 2nd Gr Teacher
Welcome, ! Your 4th graders are going to love your
Hi, Jennifer, 3rd grade in Arlington Hts, Il. I have a makerspace and love it.
Welcome, ! Glad to have someone else with experience.
Q1: What does the Maker movement bring to schools and what does a mean to you? Sell it!
Hello, ! Glad you're here!
Jess, Teacher Librarian, Alliston, Ontario, Canada
Lisa Goben Curious about how to begin a Makerspace
A1: Love how has brought new Ss in my library & turned it into more of a laboratory where failure is OK!
Welcome, chat participants! Q1 is up!
Hello! Maristella LaMorena Kinder teacher @ Rio Lindo Elementary ready to learn!
Hi, and ! Look forward to chatting with you!
A1: has given me new group of Ss to help w decision making (purchasing, marketing) for
Hi, Audrey, Monroe ES, 2nd Gr. Teacher
If you don't have a yet, why do you want one? Q1...
Hi! Jessica, media coordinator from North Carolina. I had a small makerspace last year & I am creating one at my new 3-5 school
A1- It gives kids a safe place to take risks, fail, tweak, and try again! Outlet or extension. Hands on. Creativity. STEAM.
A1: A makerspace offers freedom for expression, tinkering, iteration, mistakes & a place for passions to ignite!
Hi! Renee in sunny Florida!
A1: I want to create a space where kids can explore, create, and connect.
A1: it gives ss a chance to connect, collaborate and learn that failure is a part of life. It also brings play into learning
Mary Hadley, academic coach, from Texas
A1 pt 2 - Want a to provide even more resources for kids! Want to provide opportunities! Want to help them explore!
A1: Ss are innovative and creative and making choices. You can see them fall in love with learning again.
A1: It is a place where Ss can explore, create, fail, and recreate.
Totally agree! My has sign: TAKE RISKS right above circ desk https://t.co/AIJh8xOYFB
A1- It gives kids a safe place to take risks, fail, tweak, and try again! Outlet or extension. Hands on. Creativity. STEAM.
PASSION! That's what it's all about for me...help kids find their passion. LOVE. https://t.co/JDLuwSnGph
A1: A makerspace offers freedom for expression, tinkering, iteration, mistakes & a place for passions to ignite!
This is so important. https://t.co/DIfrCwI31V
A1: it gives ss a chance to connect, collaborate and learn that failure is a part of life. It also brings play into learning
A1 We do not officlally have one, but it would provide a dedicated space for ss creation, play, and engaged learning
A1 "failure a part of life..." so good for kids to experience early! https://t.co/qDyV6dEQfE
A1: it gives ss a chance to connect, collaborate and learn that failure is a part of life. It also brings play into learning
A1: A makerspace allows students to explore and create
Yes, good point about a space for extensions. Often a can offer Ss a place to connect & extend learning
Hello, Ericka from Missouri, 2nd grade
A1.2 I would love the space to give ss freedom to try, err, and learn!
Hello I'm a fourth grade teacher looking to start a Makerspace and/or club in my school.
A1 Yes! Learning should be fun! They should like it! https://t.co/JgKyhtAtku
A1: Ss are innovative and creative and making choices. You can see them fall in love with learning again.
A1: Ss enjoy learning in their discovery process using MakerSpaces. I want to learn more about them.
Love that it's something they can CHOOSE to do to extend their own learning--creates lifelong learners https://t.co/NZa4RXwrCf
Yes, good point about a space for extensions. Often a can offer Ss a place to connect & extend learning
A1) and makerspaces provide opportunities for students to explore, experiment, extrude, & extend learning.
A1: This is how Ss learn at home, so it should be the same at school.
A1: makerspaces also allows librarians to connect with students who may avoid the library
I want my students to have a space they feel free to try, fail, and try again!
CHOICE is invaluable and a offers this!
SO TRUE -- my library has become a haven for kids who never liked it before --pulls in even more kids https://t.co/TXjV14OPlZ
A1: makerspaces also allows librarians to connect with students who may avoid the library
Alana Stanton here from Dacula Ga
A1: My admin LOVE what our has done for our school culture -- ok to fail, collaboration is key, create!
Hey ! Jumpin in late. Josh from MO. Wanting to get some makerspace action going in my district this year.
Yes! And helping our Ss to reflect is an important part of our job
A1b) Makerspaces remind us that what's been made came from design & purpose, & problem solving can produce great ideas.
- My district is just jumping in this year... There are "pockets", but we are looking to grow across all schools
Yes! - I want to take the idea of and create a Make Writing area in my room.
A1 I love our Makerspace. It's full of tech we don't have in our classes. It gives the opportunity for challenge & problemsolving
Welcome!! Glad you're here. :)
What a fabulous idea! Tell us more! https://t.co/ePXV4Y7tb1
Yes! - I want to take the idea of and create a Make Writing area in my room.
A1: It gives the kids an outlet to use their imaginations and go where it takes them.
A1:our library -brought wonder, enthusiasm, creativity & joy; I want to bring that to my classroom
Hi everyone! I'm bopping on to find out more...I've recently learned about Maker Space and feel it fits well with STEAM
Hi! I'm Melissa, Library/Computer teacher in WI. Looking to get more info & ideas about managing a Makerspace.
This is where I see a beautiful blend of & coming together https://t.co/3apAVLNNcr
A1b) Makerspaces remind us that what's been made came from design & purpose, & problem solving can produce great ideas.
- Great resource, thank you!
A2: competition was awesome last year w/top coders getting a lunch w real life coder/parent https://t.co/hCIJgCwk4z
Q2: those of you who don't have a MakerSpace yet...what are you considering? always a great place to start!
Right now I just have puzzles& checkers if that even counts ha! But brainstorming things to add this year w or w/o money!
from the have to, into the can do.
A2: I like circuits, robots, iPads, green screen, straw connectors, legos, markers, paper, and random craft stuff.
A2 it's fun to give students random supplies and let them use their imagination
A2: we started with -- it took off! Started w one green screen and then painted 3 walls. Kids can't get enough!
A2 It seemed that changing out materials frequently kept students from getting bored.
We are trying out a cool new coding tool from this summer.
A2 in the media center We have makey makey,b bots, Osmo, wonderbox app, mag. 3d shapes. In my room I have a wondertable & window
That sounds fun...is it expensive? https://t.co/z2JxKvICyo
We are trying out a cool new coding tool from this summer.
A2: Only seen "pockets" of open ideas in my district - Ex: Lego Wall, Bins of misc. resources to build/create etc.
What is ? I REALLY want ! looks like a blast but not a good spot for it yet.
A2: Started with a green screen last year and will add Hour of Code this year!
A2 at Christmas time I had Ss creating their own ornament. It was fascinating to watch them create. It took 3 sessions.
A2 Started with some green screen last year. Worked really well when I taught ELA. Looking for something more hands on this year
A2) What hasn't worked at the elem level is production w/out purpose. Tools for making should be aimed to do something.
Love our Lego Wall! Love seeing what kids make on it. :) https://t.co/MPmFuB6xM0
A2: Only seen "pockets" of open ideas in my district - Ex: Lego Wall, Bins of misc. resources to build/create etc.
, greenscreen, check. Must do!
A2 In the past I have taught a junk box challenge class. We use household "junk" in small competitions. Really loved that.
A2: , Dash and Dot Robots, Coding, Minecraft & !
Not really are about $100 a kit but has a "learn and loan" program.
A2: We didn't call it "Makerspace" but did an activity with 4th graders to create kites out of various materials, tested, re-flew
A2: I want to add coding this year, but in the past legos and other random things.
. A2 I have tried so many things. Each item appeals to a different segment of students.
Thanks! I'll look into it.
A2) but never limit to pre-packaged kits/tools
I really love these Lego walls - how do you get started with these?
A2: We've tried the cardboard arcade games challenge, building bridges, paper tables, .
Yes! Playing with clean recyclables is a cheap way to try and fun too! https://t.co/Tr3upPiVIw
A2 In the past I have taught a junk box challenge class. We use household "junk" in small competitions. Really loved that.
is an amazing app for video creation! We LOVE it. green screen, teleprompter, lots more
So smart. https://t.co/yguRoICmA3
A2 It seemed that changing out materials frequently kept students from getting bored.
A2: Giving Ss options like - & App Challenge or other challenges like the .
I trav to see South Fayette SD near Pittsburgh - doing AMAZING things in conjunction w/ Check them out
How can we find maker space classrooms to visit?
A2 pt 2- Wish list this yr -coloring, , 3D pen, duct tape, , , , craft misc.
A2: I have been scrounging in closets, hitting garage sales, and clearance shopping to gather some building and crafting items.
read Make Writing -writing workshop into . Ss used clay, paint, legos,etc. to create
Giving open ended challenges with a diverse bank of resources is something every student loves.
Sounds great! It's cool to see universities, public libraries, museums partnering in https://t.co/xN3BMMbx7a
I trav to see South Fayette SD near Pittsburgh - doing AMAZING things in conjunction w/ Check them out
Thx, I am going to try the recyclables and junk box challenge!
Right now, I have LittleBits...which my kids love! I also have some Real World STEM kits from Lakeshore.
I am collecting recyclables for one of these! That and the https://t.co/MgAtw4FzUU
Thx, I am going to try the recyclables and junk box challenge!
A2c) I would like a and 3D printer, as well various coding/electronics tools and prototyping materials.
Agree w/ you - I think there is time for open creation, but making/design w/ a purpose is nec https://t.co/U7JsE5360U
A2) What hasn't worked at the elem level is production w/out purpose. Tools for making should be aimed to do something.
I am using my dollars this year for more ...can't wait for the fall fair! https://t.co/uUj7QDkkqr
Right now, I have LittleBits...which my kids love! I also have some Real World STEM kits from Lakeshore.
We made trebuchets, bridges, downhill racers, etc..Very engaging. Good luck when getting it going!
- I LOVE the cardboard challenge as a springboard
I was really hoping to have one of these in our main hallway this year. Where did you get boards?
(we won our printer from a grant contest...but my admin is buying me a better one w extra funds this summer!)
Lego wall? I did a Donors Choose to get all the baseplates/maintenance dept provided the boards https://t.co/ACDc7OZZJ9
I was really hoping to have one of these in our main hallway this year. Where did you get boards?
I, too, have enjoyed this app
- Did you create those task cards? Or did you purchase? If so, where? TY!
Hooray! I'm a ambassador! Great program. You should consider applying. :) https://t.co/TrwbN3ZE4q
I, too, have enjoyed this app
How did the students construct musical instruments?
A2: In Make writing last yr, Ss used legos,clay,paint,words/letters from newspaper green screen, coding-looking for more ideas
I never thought about putting Osmo in a maker space but it really makes sense.
Wow, check out that clearance sticker. Nice pickup!
Time passing fast! Q3 coming up at 9:35 pm
Missed Q2 but from the discussion I will add we have participated in Cardboard Challenge three years in a row.
A2: Document our learning on Instagram https://t.co/SzW4wAVU99 but would love to get kids blogging about experiences
Awesome! This will be my first year doing it with my https://t.co/a5jhhx7M0K
Missed Q2 but from the discussion I will add we have participated in Cardboard Challenge three years in a row.
A2 Do you provide the challenge for Ss to create/make a design to solve or do you leave your space open ended?
Good question! I would like to know, too!
Q3: What challenges do you face in your or ?
you could also ask for donations from ss and friends to donate 1 base from their own collection
Never heard of before. Looks interesting! https://t.co/4TgO8AahMG
We are trying out a cool new coding tool from this summer.
All my free legos were donated by kids/parents. The baseplates were harder to get... https://t.co/JOtN6oFrsU
you could also ask for donations from ss and friends to donate 1 base from their own collection
During indoor recess days I often put out random items for students to create. Ends up being half the class creating!
. We have a that is open to all, but we also run building-wide design challenges each quarter.
A3: schedule, funding, coming up with ideas
Do any of you recommend task cards? Or is that too limiting?
Paper towel rolls, paper plates, beans and decorative materials...a pretty cheap project!
Agree on all three! Funding...donors choose, donations and PTO have all helped me
Of course $. But storage is a huge consideration. Organization of materials and ongoing inventory. https://t.co/bpZuWnGNkA
Q3: What challenges do you face in your or ?
A3 The challenge is how to manage the space so it isn't monopolized by the same few.
Ss have been working in Adobe CC I am adding Bamboo Pad for the Ss who wanted to draw fine detail for their personalize graphics.
yes, funding? District or grants? Suggestions?
Coming up w ideas for challenges...want to start in August and then ask for help
A3 Our problems/challenge are a space in the school, someone to manage it, when do kids use it?
A3: Funding to purchase materials is a major challenge
A3: materials, $$$, storage, space, admin approval, well, just about everything but passion!!
A3: Storage solutions with additional edtech being added, as well as minimizing the loss of equipment
A3 Funding - hard to keep things interesting when you're relying on donations and your own pocketbook. Space is also tough.
In our school it's in our library...kids can use before or after school or during free time. library is BUSY!
A3: Organization was a challenge. Ss needed to learn to help keep the materials organized. Labeling helps.
A3b Also should I do this during library, at recess, at study hall? Trying to find a time when most/all Ss would be able to use.
A3: We don't have either at my school, so getting started will be a challenge. I'd love things like Littlebits, 3Doodlers, etc.
This is my BIGGEST challenge. Getting kids to clean up is hard, too.
Hi! Fred- HS Librarian, Ft Worth, Tx. Wanting to get started with a makerspace in the library. Love the info I'm seeing here!
A3 Money and storage would be my biggest challenges.
Welcome to our chat, Fred!
Cards are a way to start building a maker culture. Gives Ss a purpose and focus. I used them at times.
A3: Making time with packed schedules.
A3 Finding time was a challenge, but I started "no teching Fridays" to open for open projects.
A3: Supplies but even more so just trying to make sure this is purposeful/meanignful 8ELA- so much is tested-pressure to perform
A3) Establishing one at my current school--my experience with defined makerspace was in my previous school.
Going to enlist PTA help with donations
A2 Yes, this is something I am interested in matching up with another school. Any takers?
- I used & for this year... Ss and teachers loved it & the ease of use
one colleague is doing it during lunch. not an option for me, but maybe for HS https://t.co/AZ0vD1qeMg
A3b Also should I do this during library, at recess, at study hall? Trying to find a time when most/all Ss would be able to use.
I'm so glad that in my library it doesn't have to be purposeful. want kids to be able to play, too https://t.co/Og1CI3TYQt
A3: Supplies but even more so just trying to make sure this is purposeful/meanignful 8ELA- so much is tested-pressure to perform
I've been checking clearance sections of craft stores for maker materials all summer. https://t.co/QxPEX6RbYn
A3 Funding - hard to keep things interesting when you're relying on donations and your own pocketbook. Space is also tough.
A3: Struggle w keeping momentum. Advance planning of challenges and marketing this yr is my goal
We built things with cardboard tubes & during our summer program
I purchased plastic shoe boxes for maker projects. Must fit in some way. Storage solution.
The clearance section is my first stop at any store anymore. :-)
A3 I will start an after school club this year so students in other classes can also participate.
Leading right into Q4, ! Q4: What questions do you have about running a ?
A3: Storage (materials & projects), what to do w/ no "room", $$$ & who will be the "teacher"/facilitate the room?
Q4: What questions do you have about running a ?
Can it be in the library? https://t.co/HEGWFxOsHG
A3: Storage (materials & projects), what to do w/ no "room", $$$ & who will be the "teacher"/facilitate the room?
A4: our is part of already existing after school program. Had 20 kids sign up this year. gave me built in help
Ask your parent organization for help. They can sort donations and organize. https://t.co/tKYCKvhX7N
I agree. Where to store items? How to keep track of who is using what? Replacing lost or broken parts
This past year I did makerspace Mondays where classes signed up during my free times and could come after school
Anyone: How do you 'sell' or promote the makerspace idea to high schoolers?
YES! & if taught to think the test shouldn't be an issue.Ss were so creative in their writing-but that's not tested.
A4 My issue is finding time and buy in. A lot of folks around here think "makerspace" is just play time and not real learning
A4: Where to begin? Where to get materials? Basic costs to get running? What ages did u offer the club? https://t.co/WSxfaYKUlu
Q4: What questions do you have about running a ?
You made me salivate a little. This is amazing!
How do you get your school on board if a makerspace club or class is not already in place?
never heard of toobalink before....I need to look into this ....very interesting
carts can work if you don't have space. Met some innovative Ts that renovated a school bus, too! https://t.co/BpTlawqcLB
A3: Storage (materials & projects), what to do w/ no "room", $$$ & who will be the "teacher"/facilitate the room?
Open to whole school (gr 6 - 8), after sch program paid my time, we used stuff we had already
I would imagine allowing them to take their products/ideas and apply them elsewhere: relevance.
Heh, this is silly but also awesome.
Start small! I did only for a few months -- get a green tablecloth from iParty and an iPad
show them some examples of amazing makerspaces. When they see the excitement through learning they cannot refuse
A4: Do you break them down by division? We've created STEAM clubs from 4-8 but the numbers became substantial
How do you get your school on board with a makerspace if there is not already one in place?
A4 I had 25 members this yr so admin gave me a tchr to help me manage. but group self-managed a lot https://t.co/voUtRSSrKg
A4: Do you break them down by division? We've created STEAM clubs from 4-8 but the numbers became substantial
A4: Are Ss to come with a plan in order to participate in maker club or is it open exploration/creation?
. Our HS created a . teacher wrote a grant for Ss to use underwater ROVs. Pretty cool!
Anyone use lunch time? Wondering how to make it work.They won't go for food in the library. Not sure if they'd let Ss leave cafe.
It is both! The best learning is play time. :) https://t.co/mFPBKxv95b
A4 My issue is finding time and buy in. A lot of folks around here think "makerspace" is just play time and not real learning
A4: Is there a limit to the number of Ss that can participate in maker club at one time?
My admin won't let kids leave cafe...they try to anyway, but it gets shut down. :(
Yes, carts! This kind of learning may be a bit messy, but totally worth it! https://t.co/2zB8tHGmk5
carts can work if you don't have space. Met some innovative Ts that renovated a school bus, too! https://t.co/BpTlawqcLB
A3: Storage (materials & projects), what to do w/ no "room", $$$ & who will be the "teacher"/facilitate the room?
A4 I think 25 is the max, but luckily that's how many signed up, too.
Q5 coming up in 1 minute!
Planning to start a small makerspace this year in my 3rd grade classroom. Getting so many good ideas how to start from
that's essentially what we did but we had 84 students.This year have more Ts on board and now maybe 3 divs
A4 What has been everyones most successful product or material?
A4 I incorporated all activities to my science curriculum and kept it in my room. This new year I want to start a club
Q5: What are you doing this summer to make your better than ever? (besides this chat!)
I heard someone call makerspace "a fancy art centre". Buy in is difficult when some are unaware of possibilities.
A4 - What all do I need to figure out before I can have kids jump right in? Tips/tricks? I'll take any advice I can get!
Wow!! I think if I had that much interest they would keep adding tchrs. I'd be fine w a big group. https://t.co/6IxPkKnFqF
that's essentially what we did but we had 84 students.This year have more Ts on board and now maybe 3 divs
my program is 21 Century grant after-school. We had 120+ students enrolled
Great Question! https://t.co/J5zEDudRTA
How do you get your school on board with a makerspace if there is not already one in place?
failure on our part as tchrs should be embraced, too... :) but basic organization and policies are good
starting small, gaining advocates in tchrs and Ss, letting admin see excitement build
A5: Adding 3D Printers, coding stations w , , and others. Sys setup based upon Ss need not ours
A5: exploring projects 4 & playing with app 2 learn new features for
What books or Ts to follow would you all recommend for making?
awesome! can help you think of Ss needs...been a good shift for me https://t.co/6ngZbvsu24
A5: Adding 3D Printers, coding stations w , , and others. Sys setup based upon Ss need not ours
A5: Planning to calendar challenges and marketing this yr incl
It was the first time we've done it so somewhat a novelty but engagement was amazing!
A6 I am researching new apps. I want my kinders to learn how to code and try out The Foos
A5: reading books on makerspaces and finding ideas on Pinterest
Consider the why before the what. Think about why you want a makerspace before worrying about what you need in it.
A5: Reading book by , connecting w/ , learning all I can! https://t.co/ix2H89khUc
Q5: What are you doing this summer to make your better than ever? (besides this chat!)
A5: Gathering ideas & reminding myself about established programs like that I'm familiar with.
Great chat on maker spaces everyone. I think we need to continue the conversation.
Follow: (Laura Fleming) my go to's!
My fave book on is Worlds of Making by Laura Fleming -- strong case for and student input
Ozobots work well with kinder and Beebots
A5 I am LEARNING as much as I can! Also created a summer program with daily "mystery" challenges
Check out -- this was the maker lab I had the privilege to start that I think no longer exists, sadly.
A5 I also want the app wonderbox to be a staple in our kinder classroom
Got some cool ideas for learning from chat!
Find teachers, students, volunteers who are excited and have skills to teach a lesson for you
was scary to jump in last yr & just give it a try, but it was an excellent ex. to our Ss- "The best-laid plans..."
A5: keeping recyclables (toilet paper rolls, apple sauce cups etc.), and lots of exploring & research
Yes! They need to see us taking risks if we want them to take risks. It's the maker spirit!! https://t.co/z84qRSa9Bb
was scary to jump in last yr & just give it a try, but it was an excellent ex. to our Ss- "The best-laid plans..."
