I selected this journal article because of the buzz around Maker Spaces and their versatility in supplementing course curricula in a variety of ways. This article was a step-by-step guide to one library’s successful implementation of a Maker Space for teens. Not only was the type of research completed, with a timeline of implementation, included but a budget for must-have and wish list items was also mentioned.
This resource was incredibly helpful in identifying the steps necessary to creating a Maker Space in a high school library. Because it included links to the actual products purchased, as well as how much they cost and the space they take up, it was easy to see whether or not those items would be feasible for purchase in my school. It would have been helpful to visualize how the space was utilized by including pictures of the space; however, very few pictures accompanied this article. This article was originally published in School Library Journal. I am certain that I will be utilizing this resource in the future as my role of district librarian becomes a reality. Becoming a regular subscriber to this publication will give me ideas about what I can do to provide a more enriching library experience to all students at Sterling Public Schools.
From this resource, I was able to determine the materials that would be necessary for a successful Maker Space at the high school level. Up until this point, my familiarity with Maker Spaces centered on the elementary levels. It was great to see how much these types of items cost and the variety of items that can be utilized in a Maker Space. I am still curious about how this would transfer into my high school, and whether or not a Maker Space could expand on what other courses are teaching. While having a Maker Space as a creative outlet is fantastic, using that same space to supplement course curricula would make it even more effective as a learning experience. I will continue to seek more information about Maker Spaces K-12, and the materials and cost involved to make them a success.
Until we meet again, remember the happiness there is to find in this world, especially on the pages of a book.
Mrs. J
from Ray Bradbury’s Dandelion Wine
“Should a Happiness Machine, he wondered, be something you can carry in your pocket? Or, he went on, should it be something that carries you in its pocket?’One thing I absolutely know,’ he said aloud. ‘It should be bright‘” (Bradbury 63).
Mrs.J Has Books 