MAKERSPACE PROCEDURES
Advice from around the internet...
Diana Redina, who blogs at Rennovated Learning, believes that makerspace procedures should be specific to each makerspace. What works in one makerspace, may not in another. She gives a list of items to consider when planning procedures for your makerspace.
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Some Procedures to Include:
Safety – Do students need googles, hair tied back, gloves or other items?
Accessing supplies – How do students get to supplies, and what are they allowed to use?
Storing supplies – Where do students put supplies when done?
Sharing supplies – What happens if another student has something that someone wants to use?
Damage – What happens if something breaks?
Clean-up – How and when do students clean up their spaces?
Project storage – Where can students store in-progress projects?
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Wendy and Cheryl from Get Caught Engineering suggest taking a simple approach and introduce students to 3 simple rules that govern her students' use of the makerspace: Plan, Persevere and Put Away.
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Trina Deboree has made downloadable makerspace job cards you can print for free. She also has blogged about procedures and has some useful and practical suggestions. She suggests having a 'team agreement' put in place when students are asked to work collaboratively. I also appreciated her thoughts on supplies:
"How will kids get the supplies? Will they be allowed to use everything or only items for which they have been trained? How many things can they have out at once? How will kids know what they can use on a given day? I have tried using Stickie Notes to indicate which tools they will be allowed to access in a given session. I have also considered having a use at anytime section, as well."
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Lessons by Sandy posted the anchor chart she made with her students outlining what a makerspace was and her expectations of students while they are using the space. She shares a blank version of the chart she made so that teachers can make their own chart with their classes.
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