What is a Makerspace?
A space where students can gather to create, invent, and learn in a project-based setting.
What does the Freeport Area Middle School Makerspace look like?
The FMS makerspace is actually a mobile makerspace. A team of teachers worked together to research and design a mobile cart that enable teachers to bring our makerspace into their own classrooms. This saves time in our daily schedule and maximizes the amount of time that students will have to utilize the makerspace in their classrooms.
What types of materials would I see there?
Our makerspace currently includes cardboard tubes, cardboard, misc plastic items, CD's, plastic bags, buttons, construction paper, tissue paper, masking tape, glue guns, cups, twine, silk flowers, fabric, rubber bands, craft sticks, paper clips, ribbon, foil, poster board, etc... We are looking to add more materials such as ink pads, rulers, rubber cement, toothpicks, dowel rods, legos, k'nex, electronic components, and more!
Padcaster
We now have a padcaster that can be used for video related assignments. Click here for more information on it.
Makerspace Project Idea Links
General
https://www.teachengineering.org/curriculum/browse?collection=Lessons - Great site with hundreds of lessons for different grades and subjects.
http://pbskids.org/designsquad/parentseducators/ - Design squad website that includes lessons, activites, and videos.
http://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/education/maker-resources-for-educators.html - Intel website that includes various resources for makerspace related activites.
https://www.symbaloo.com/home/mix/13eP29aBMO - Various makerspace apps in one place
Makerspace Books Available to Borrow (They are on the cart)
*Click on the book titles for more info*
STEM Labs for Middle Grades - 50+ Integrated Labs Grades 5-8 - The key components of each lab investigation are creativity, teamwork, communication, and critical thinking. Investigations cover a wide range of topics in physical science, life science, earth and space science, alternative energy, and environmental science.
The Big Book of Makerspace Projects - Easy to follow guide that features dozens of DIY, low-cost projects. Each project features non-technical, step-by-step instructions with photos and illustrations to ensure success and expand your imagination.
STEM to STORY - Enthralling and effective lesson plans for grades 5-8 - aligned with common core. Inspires students to learn using fun, engaging, and meaningful lessons that combine hands on discovery in STEM with creative writing.
Everyday Engineering - Putting the E in STEM - 14 activities that explore engineering's role in the office, the kitchen, the bathroom, electricity, and outdoor recreation. Students perform hands on investigations of objects such as "What makes a Bic click?", "Why do squirt guns squirt?", and "What makes a better cereal box?". Each activity includes a clear explanation of the science and history behind the object's development plus a materials list, student data sheets, and safety suggestions.
https://couponfollow.com/research/free-stem-activities - A very helpful website with many ideas for various STEM activities.