Week 6 - Designing Makerspaces

 

  1. Budget:

"Making Spaces Toolkit" https://makered.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Making-Spaces-Toolkit.pdfLinks to an external site. 

This document acts as a worksheet for crowdfunding your own makerspace from conception to being fully funded, but pages 24-26 talk about creating a budget.

 

  1. Physical or Virtual Spaces:

"Is Hands-On Learning Better than Online Learning" https://1stmakerspace.com/blog/is-hands-on-learning-better-than-online?srsltid=AfmBOoqLZEYg6PPeAmrYQBfcBdI2CWrb813-hI9iaMXpjKNMwC2e0suCLinks to an external site. 

This website talks about the differenced in physical vs online learning environments. The conclusion ultimately strengthens my personal opinion by stating physical engagement maximizes knowledge retention and skill development. 

 

  1. Themes:

"A Thematic Approach to Planning Your Maker Space" https://www.slj.com/story/a-thematic-approach-to-planning-your-maker-spaceLinks to an external site. 

An article that talks about how to choose the best theming for your particular makerspace audience. It focuses on learning what your specific vistors want/need, and taking global trends into consideration.

 

  1. Programming:

"Programming" https://library-nd.libguides.com/programmingLinks to an external site. 

A really helpful resource talking about different kinds of programs for different age groups, setups, active/passive, and STEAM-based. It has lots of flexible ideas, as well as links to free resources. 

 

  1. Activities:

"Makerspace Project Ideas That Attract New Members" https://www.spacebring.com/blog/tips/makerspace-project-ideas

This website talks about knowing what activities to provide for your unique audience, and provides some activity examples; both typical and novel. 

 

  1. Supplies/Inventory:

"Library MakerSpace" https://guides.lib.unc.edu/library-makerspace/homeLinks to an external site. & "Marion Public Library MakerSpace" https://marionpubliclibrary.org/makerspace/Links to an external site. 

The Library MakerSpace resource can help act as a catalogue of some of the more common makerspace supplies you may need, both equipment and consumables, including information about a seed library. I also included an example of a makerspace that uses a specific tool for advanced sewers that I would personally find very helpful if provided locally.   

 

  1. Outreach/Marketing/Promotion:

"Made in Baltimore: Marketing Your Makerspace" https://makezine.com/article/workshop/made-baltimore-marketing-makerspace/Links to an external site. 

This article talks about several different ways to promote your makerspace, as well as how to conduct audience research so you know who your target audience is.

 

  1. Operations:

"The Intentional Makerspace: Operations (Book and Bootcamp)" https://www.maker-works.com/operations-bookLinks to an external site. 

Maker Works from Michigan provides a 5 day bootcamp about how to run your own makerspace, though this does cost $2,000 per person. They also have a $50 book that is based on the topics involved in the bootcamp.

 

  1. Funding:

"STEM Grant & Funding Finder" https://stem-supplies.com/funding-finder?srsltid=AfmBOopkJSPv7P7q9PHRxkI8G7cIHwczOUdWRp-eY5Q8tkLYlvEDolDULinks to an external site. 

This website provides lists of grants and other funding opportunities available in different states, including Florida, which has 12 links provided. 

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