Week 2 - First Impressions

    When I think of the term "Makerspace", the first word that comes to mind (other than maker, or other words that make up the term), is "creativity". To me, a maker space should allow the "maker" to use their creativity, not just an activity where everyone's projects ends up the exact same. There is nothing wrong with these kinds of activities, and they can be a good entry point for many people, but to me, makerspaces should also be a place for free-making and creative thinking. A lot of the readings I have looked over so far talk about "cut-and-paste" approaches, which I think limits what these places can be.


    I am a maker. I choose this response as I make things on a nearly daily basis. Some of the making I do for fun includes sewing, drawing, sculpting, creative writing, and organizing/labeling. I also make things while helping on my family's farm. A current example is how I am helping my dad build a pond with a waterfall from scratch. As a lot of the supplemental materials have said, I think everyone is a maker in their own way.

    I hope to learn as much as I can through this course. I think some specifics that would be beneficial to learn are how to start a makerspace, how to obtain new equipment/educators, and if there are any restrictions when developing a makerspace.