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1. Reflect on these words and phrases: Makerspace, Maker Movement, FabLab, Makey Makey, Hackerspace. What do you think you know about them? If it's nothing, that's OK.
   
   
2. Here are a few definitions/overviews from a variety of sources (NOTE: Although some are quite old, they are still relevant and are drawn from the foundational work done in early days of the moverment.

   A makerspace is a place where people come together to design and build projects. Makerspaces typically provide access to materials, tools, and technologies to allow for hands-on exploration and participatory learning. They are occasionally referred to as fablabs, hackerspaces or tech shops. http://acrl.ala.org/techconnect/post/makerspaces-move-into-academic-libraries

   Makerspace is a general term for a place where people get together to make things. Makerspaces might focus on electronics, robotics, woodworking, sewing, laser cutting, programming, or some combination of these skills. Roslund, S., & Rogers, E. (2013). Makerspaces. North Mankato, MN: Cherry Lake Publishing.

   A makerspace is a place where students can gather to create, invent, tinker, explore and discover using a variety of tools and materials. http://renovatedlearning.com/2015/04/02/defining-makerspaces-part-1/

   
   
   
3. Interested in how it all started? Here's a short overview of the history: https://www.bbvaopenmind.com/en/technology/innovation/the-origins-of-the-maker-movement/

   
   Information Source: http://wvhslmc.weebly.com/what-is-it.html Photo used under CC license Diane Horvath
   

4. Next watch this video from teachers and students in Charlottesville, VA to see how makerspaces are working with students from elementary to high school.
   
   
   https://youtu.be/_MDOB5-ocQc
   
   
   
5. This video shows the benefits of Makerspaces and design-based thinking on learning.
   

   Thinkering Studio: Supporting Self-Directed Learning (Middle Grades) https://youtu.be/Erm2Kokx8R0

   
   
   
6. "Libraries are no longer simply a holding area for books, they are community hubs. People gather at the library to share ideas and enrich their lives. Computers and internet are now standard in libraries and are often in demand. Unemployed individuals can come to the library and apply for jobs. Kids can do their homework (or play games) at the library. But did you know that libraries are now becoming much more than books, computers and internet? Libraries are becoming creation spaces, often called maker spaces (or makerspaces)." http://blogs.sos.wa.gov/library/index.php/2012/12/the-library-as-a-makerspace/ (retired)
   
   
7. Assignment:
   
   
   1. Create a new page on your website and call it Makerspaces.
   2. WATCH ALL OF THE VIDEOS - go ahead, they're interesting!
   3. Choose any one of the videos listed above and embed the video on your webpage.
   4. Under your video, add a text box from the "Insert" menu and write YOUR OWN one sentence caption about what the video is about.
      
   5. Browse to one of these *brief* stories from the School Library Journal that focus on the Maker Movement from 3-D Printing to Sewing and Craft Work. Check out one that interests you at the following links:
      • Craft Work: the value of making by hand | The Maker Issue
      • 3-D Printing: Worth the Hype? | The Maker Issue
      • Coding Skills Empower Us All |The Maker Issue
      • Creating a School Library Makerspace: The Beginning of a Journey | Tech Tidbits
        
        
   6. After reading the short article, write one *robust* paragraph describing the article you chose and be specific and detailed in your description of what it's about including examples from the article you read.
      
      
   7. Last, write another *meaty* paragraph about your honest opinion of makerspaces and whether you think they are worth the time, effort, and money for students. Also include that if there was a makerspace in your school, would you use it with your students and how would you use it to support your instruction? You may also reference the video content you watched for this topic in your reflection, if you wish.
      
      
   8. MAKE SURE TO PUBLISH YOUR PAGE AND IF YOU WISH, SUBMIT A "DONE" IN CANVAS TO INDICATE IT'S PUBLISHED
      
      
8. IN A NUTSHELL THERE ARE THREE PARTS TO THIS POST:
   1. An embedded video of your choice with a one sentence caption underneath.
   2. A robust paragraph summarizing and responding to one of the four linked articles from The Maker Issue
   3. A robust paragraph sharing your honest opinon about makerspaces noting the things in italics to include in your paragraph. TIP: Draw from the videos you watched.

   **For this assignment, a meaty, robust paragraph is at least 5-6 sentences. NOT 2-3 (those are wimpy paragraphs).
   

MORE RESOURCES RELATED TO MAKERSPACES

Look at this exhaustive list of resources, blog posts, articles, and videos from Edutopia:
http://www.edutopia.org/article/maker-education-resources

And this list of 10 Makerspace resources:
https://21centuryedtech.wordpress.com/2014/08/03/maker-space-in-education-series-10-sites-to-start-making-in-the-classroom/

Check out these resources, too:

• Makerspace.com
• Makered.org
• DesignMakeTeach.com
• Makezine.com
• Instructables.com
• Inventtolearn.com