Easy, Portable & Low Tech Makerspace Ideas

"A collection of tools does not define a Makerspace." Rather, it is defined it by what it enables: making. (9, p.1) This implies that you don't need high tech equipment to create a great Makerspace, and it's true! You can enable student creativity with tools as simple as cardboard and sticky tape. Below is a simple suggestion to create the beginnings of a Makerspace, with simple activity suggestions to get you started. Consider this an opportunity to investigate the interest in a Makerspace in your school and, should interest increase, you can build from there... it's that simple!

Create a Simple Maker's Kit

Construct a Maker Kit for students of all ages by simply filling a large plastic container with equipment that will stimulate their creativity and provide what they need to become Makers. You can include things like:
  • colouring pencils
  • notebooks
  • cardboard
  • crayons
  • scrapbooking supplies
  • duct tape
  • scissors
  • stickers
  • string/wire
  • batteries
  • wooden skewers
  • ruler
  • paperclips
  • pliers
  • glue (hot or stick)
  • anything else you may find handy!

Activity Suggestions: small, portable & low tech.

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LED Paper Flower
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Elastic Catapult
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Make a Mini Robot!
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Make an Origami Flying Disk - Bernoulli’s principle
Images:
Beautiful Mess, Krissy Venosdale, https://www.flickr.com/photos/venosdale/5349513134, CC BY NC ND 2.0
LED Paper Flower, glitterbug23, http://www.instructables.com/id/LED-Paper-Flower/, CC BY NC SA 2.0
Mini Robot, Red Ted Art, http://www.redtedart.com/2011/12/30/how-to-make-a-mini-robot/
Elastic Catapault, Emma Vanstone, http://www.science-sparks.com/2012/01/09/making-a-catapult-looking-at-elasticity/
Origami Flying Disk, Cy Tymony, http://makezine.com/projects/Origami-Flying-Disk/