This is a libguide created for UNC SILS 501 that will explore resources needed to build and run a middle school/high school makerspace.
Creating a makerspace can feel very overwhelming - where do you even start? This libguide offers resources that will help the reader to understand what a makerspace can be, and start the process of creating a makerspace; including how to get funding for the makerspace and how to get others on board by showing how the makerspace can fit into the common core curriculum.
The makerspace is not just about technology, and can be an effective tool for blending the STEM curriculum with arts and humanities. Projects can support any school curriculum and can teach lessons in broader "21st Century skills" like problem solving and teamwork. Makerspaces can include technology like 3-D printers, but also supplies for modeling prototypes of all kinds, and audio/visual recording equipment for podcasts and video assignments. A makerspace is much more than just 3-D printing.
Scope: The scope of this project centers around middle school and high school library makerspaces in the United States, and is intended for those new to makerspaces, and in the beginning process of thinking about creating a makerspace (though has plenty of resources for everyone). These items are websites, some technical, some instructional, and some blogs. There should be enough resources in here to get the reader started on writing a grant proposal for a makerspace.
A few general links about what makerspaces are and why a middle/high school library needs one.
Visit these links to websites of makerspaces for some inspiration and advice
Links to places to get ideas for projects to do in your makerspace
Resources on how to fit a makerspace into the common core curriculum
Links for ideas on how to pay for all of this