It’s time for the Week of Making! Last year on June 18th President Obama hosted the first-ever White House Maker Faire. Maker-related events and activities can inspire more people to pursue careers in design, advanced manufacturing, and the related fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) and possibly take their creations to the next level and become entrepreneurs (www.whitehouse.gov).
For today’s post we are looking at Library MakerSpaces. These are popping up everywhere and of all different sizes. From the Idea Box, to the Lib Lab, there are multiple opportunities for your own makerspace. Don’t think that you have to start big with the 3D printers, even though they are really cool. Start small with sewing tools, etc. Anything to spark creativity! Take a look at some things to think about from www.whitehouse.gov.
•Individuals can volunteer to mentor and share their skills by hosting workshops or classes in areas of their community that have fewer opportunities for designing, developing, and prototyping projects.
•K-12 school districts can create opportunities for interactive, hands-on STEM learning in and outside of the classroom. Schools can also establish maker spaces to empower students to design and build, and solve real-world problems.
•Colleges and universities can establish on-campus spaces that are accessible to students, faculty and the broader local community to tinker, design, build, and invent. They can share best practices with other educational institutions through networks and communities of practice.
•Companies can encourage making in their community through design and engineering and help designers, inventors, and other aspiring entrepreneurs create American jobs by navigating the transition from prototyping to manufacturing.
•Mayors can join the Mayors Maker Challenge and encourage companies, foundations, non-profits, schools, libraries, and museums to get involved with product development and manufacturing. Local leaders can also back initiatives that make it easier for entrepreneurs to manufacture their products locally.
Take a look at the ‘grams below and spark your inner maker! Comment below with your tips to making a great makerspace!
