from Laura Fleming--Worlds of Making
"To define a school makerspace by its purpose and simplest of terms, it is a place where young people have an opportunity to explore their own interests; learn to use tools and materials, both physical and virtual; and develop creative projects."
*Makerspaces can be high tech or low tech.
*Makerspaces allow students to move from consumers of information to creators.
*Makerspaces are about turning knowledge into action.
*Makerspaces provide hands-on learning, help with critical thinking skills, and boost self-confidence.
*Makerspaces can allow for the making of anything.
*Makerspaces can incorporate design thinking, STEM challenges, coding, circuits, crafting, tinkering, writing, and fun.
*Makerspaces foster play and exploration.
*Makerspaces encourage collaboration and peer to peer training.
*Makerspaces allow students to do science and math, rather than just receive it.
*Makerspaces can demystify science, technology, math, and engineering, and encourage students (girls and underrepresented minorities, included) to seek careers in these fields.
