How to Start a Makerspace
Are you wondering how to start a makerspace in your classroom? What are some simple steps when getting started? Whether you are a classroom teacher or teaching in a STEM space, these go-to tips can help you set up a Makerspace by the end of the week!
This video originally aired LIVE on my Facebook Page; Naomi Meredith: The STEMTech Co.
Come and join in on the fun on Facebook, or watch the recording of this episode.
How to Start a Makerspace | Watch the recording down below:
How to Start a Makerspace | #1 Space
Before collecting materials, create a designated space where Makerspace materials and access will be stored in the classroom. By choosing the location, this will help determine how much materials you can actually have, not the other way around.
In this space, ensure that there is room for bins, shelf and/or drawers that are easily accessible for the kids. The goal is to have students be independent in this space; when choosing materials and cleaning up.
Also decide if this Makerspace will be an actual work area or a grab and go type of system. With my K-5 STEM classes, the grab and go method has been successful. However, some classrooms can be more conducive to the Makerspace being an isolated station.
How to Start a Makerspace | #2 Storage
Once the designated location has been chosen, decide how materials are going to be stored. Materials can pile up quickly and look like a trash heap! While having an abundance of resources is helpful, you don't want your classroom to look like another episode of Hoarders.
Keep like items together instead of a free for all. Items like thin cardboard, cardboard tubes and egg cartons can have their own bins. Smaller knick-knacks like beads, googly eyes, and buttons can each have their own smaller container inside of a larger drawer.
Having a system as to where items go, again, helps with the student independence and cleanup.
How to Start a Makerspace | #3 Labels
Create labels that include the name and the picture of the items in that location. Even for older students, I've found this method to be extremely helpful. Even for me as a teacher when I find random items in the classroom!
Also, think about how labels can be added and removed easily. Printing, cutting, then laminating the labels, and attaching with Velcro can be an easy method. Stocks of some items, especially specialty items, can change quickly.
Having a stock of material labels on hand will save time in the long run. That way, extra labels don't need to printed and created on the fly. In fact, this would be a wonderful classroom job! Designate a students to be in charge of organizing the Makerspace and labels at the end of each week.
How to Start a Makerspace | #4 Collect
Now that overall systems are put into place, it's time to collect materials. Since the majority of items in the space are recycled, families are usually very willing to gather materials at home. Sending home a list of requests, print or digitally, is extremely helpful.
Also, make sure to let families know to clean out any food containers and take extra bits off toilet paper rolls. Seems like common sense, but trust me, it's not!
I even create my own Makerspace collection system at home and bring to school. It isn't pretty, but we all know that those sparkling water boxes are magic for building. Unsure of what type of items work well for Makerspace? Just out my STEM Supply List blog post HERE.
How to Start a Makerspace | #5 Upkeep & Replenish
As the Makerspace is being used, you'll notice which items are popular with students. Thin cardboard, masking tape and cardboard tubes run out the quickest in my room! Sending out supply requests every so often can help replenish the space.
Also, enlist in your co-workers! There have been times when I've been in need of bubble wrap and have gotten piles of it the next day.
Keeping a donation box by your classroom door and by the front of the school can also help. Students, teachers and families will be reminded when they walk by. This also serves as a great holding area for when you're ready to organize the new materials. Make the donation box extra fancy by using a recycled box!
Products mentioned in this post:
Other blog posts you might enjoy:
- Must Have STEM School Supply List by Naomi Meredith
What questions do you have about setting up your Makerspace? Have any other ideas to share? Feel free to direct message me on Instagram, @naomimeredith_ or send me an email, contactnaomimeredith(at)gmail.com, and I would love to chat with you!
