Makerspaces in your Community by Erin Howard https://padlet.com/erin_howard2/sb4g53rvbx3j Now that you know how makerspaces can work to solve community design challenges, how could a makerspace benefit your community? Leave an example or an idea! en-us 2017-07-11 02:27:54 UTC 2025-10-15 21:56:08 UTC hello@padlet.com 3D Printing Fundraiser ryanstotesbury https://padlet.com/erin_howard2/sb4g53rvbx3j/wish/178758429 With the help of a community or school group, use 3D printed products to help fundraise for your worthy cause.

Donors pay for the costs of materials plus a nominal donation and receive customized 3D printed products.

Fast and cheap build ideas include:
- Phone stands
- Phone cases
- Headphone stands
- Fidget spinners
- Dice

Check out https://www.thingiverse.com/ for free creative commons plans that you can easily remix and customize.]]> 2017-07-15 15:42:44 UTC https://padlet.com/erin_howard2/sb4g53rvbx3j/wish/178758429 Anne Coustalin https://padlet.com/erin_howard2/sb4g53rvbx3j/wish/178805815 I live in a fairly small town and have been agitating for a community makerspace for some time now. I would be particularly interested in a makerspace that was multi-generational where people of all different levels (including kids) could participate in the making. The closest we have come to having a community makerspace is a tool-sharing and workshopping space and even they are struggling to secure funding for a permanent location. I am interested to see the different venture models you will be highlighting on this website. I think probably though, the answer will be a makerspace with a small membership fee, supplemented by gov’t funding and grants.

]]> 2017-07-16 22:45:03 UTC https://padlet.com/erin_howard2/sb4g53rvbx3j/wish/178805815 Toronto mackenzieraymoyer https://padlet.com/erin_howard2/sb4g53rvbx3j/wish/178894468 One of the advantages to living in a big city like Toronto is that there are a lot of community initiatives going on, and this is true of markerspaces as well (http://www.blogto.com/tech/2015/01/the_top_5_maker_spaces_in_toronto/).

Makerspaces provide great opportunities to experiment and meet likeminded DIY'ers, the latter being of vital importance to a city where 50% of the residents aren't from here. They also help build meaning, because what feels better than creating something tangible?

]]> 2017-07-17 21:44:41 UTC https://padlet.com/erin_howard2/sb4g53rvbx3j/wish/178894468 Helios - Montreal https://padlet.com/erin_howard2/sb4g53rvbx3j/wish/178897083 I was discussing a home project with my father while he was visiting and the design required some welding (I might have been the girl from the video!) and he said "where will we do this and who will teach us?" I quickly found http://heliosmakerspace.ca/ in the area that has many tools and teachers. These spaces not only help facilitate home projects but can also help in the creation of businesses.]]> 2017-07-17 22:56:03 UTC https://padlet.com/erin_howard2/sb4g53rvbx3j/wish/178897083 The Workroom - Toronto stephanie_mcginnis1 https://padlet.com/erin_howard2/sb4g53rvbx3j/wish/178906462 I have also liked crafts so the idea of a space where I could go to get my crafting on with other craft lovers sounds like a blast. I personally am more into scrapbooking and paper crafts but in doing some research, I found a really cool sounding Maker Space just down the street from my house called The Workroom. In fact, I ride by this place on the streetcar almost every day!

The Workroom (https://www.theworkroom.ca) allows people to come together in a studio and sew and make quilts and other cool stuff. They even have classes for beginners and have a rent a sewing machine by the hour program. I may have to go and check some classes out!]]> 2017-07-18 00:59:58 UTC https://padlet.com/erin_howard2/sb4g53rvbx3j/wish/178906462 Shayla Mangat shayla_mangat https://padlet.com/erin_howard2/sb4g53rvbx3j/wish/179014585 Working at an inner city school, many of my students are not provided opportunities to participate in extra curricular activities or explore their interests. I had one student this previous year that could be a handful; however, when he was given the opportunity to create or explore both with and without technology he became so engaged and focused. What I appreciated about what I have read so far on this site is the ability to make this a DIT as opposed to a single person project. I am going to ask my principal about creating a after school program or lunch time activity in our multi-purpose room as a makerspace. With our low budgets I am sure we would need to rely on more low tech elements but I could still see the students getting enthusiastic about the concept. Thank you for the amazing idea!!

]]> 2017-07-19 04:20:51 UTC https://padlet.com/erin_howard2/sb4g53rvbx3j/wish/179014585 Amanda I. https://padlet.com/erin_howard2/sb4g53rvbx3j/wish/179070899 I'm from Montreal but teach in a Northern Cree community of 800 people... so I was thinking that we really don't have the need or demand for a makerspace. Then, I realized that the women in the community have actually already created their own. Three times a week, those that want to get together at the wellness centre. They have beads, yarn and scraps of materials to make whatever they want or need. I've been a few times and have learned from an elder how to bead lanyards. Others go and make blankets or earrings that they sell at community events or give as gifts. It may not have a fancy name, but it definitely represents what I've read so far about makerspaces. ]]> 2017-07-19 22:13:06 UTC https://padlet.com/erin_howard2/sb4g53rvbx3j/wish/179070899 Making & Tinkering Initiatives Empower Students kevinbandrews https://padlet.com/erin_howard2/sb4g53rvbx3j/wish/179077793 The current school district that I am working for has many initiatives that are helping prepare our youth for a future we can’t yet imagine. Partnered with our local university (MUN), students throughout our province of Newfoundland are giving the opportunity to participate in 'MakerSpace' workshops that have helped them to shift from being passive consumers of information and products to active creators and innovators. Our recent 'Gimbal Workshop' (video below)
this year gave students a chance to create real-world products leading to work-term summer jobs and substantial school grants. It is my opinion that maker education fosters curiosity, tinkering, and iterative learning, which in turn leads to community employment, school funding, and authentic preparation for the future. ]]> 2017-07-20 00:22:42 UTC https://padlet.com/erin_howard2/sb4g53rvbx3j/wish/179077793 Jakin https://padlet.com/erin_howard2/sb4g53rvbx3j/wish/179095755 I currently work in Hong Kong and I find the culture of consumerism to go heavily against the idea of Makerspaces. With a population of 7.4 million people living in an area twice the size of Toronto city there are only 3 private makerspace communities with no public makerspaces or any such initiatives from the government. Local schools have yet to explore makerpaces due to the exam driven and teacher-centered approaches in schools. Some international schools, on the other hand, have been able to afford a makerspace in the school due to the affluent nature from the high tuition students paid to attend these schools. I believe in order to transform this current divide between the rich and poor, the first step is to convince the government to re-vitalise libraries by transforming some of these "dead" spaces to makerspace. What I mean by "dead" is that most of the spaces in the libraries are taken up by people reading newspaper and magazine ]]> 2017-07-20 03:51:30 UTC https://padlet.com/erin_howard2/sb4g53rvbx3j/wish/179095755 Charmalee https://padlet.com/erin_howard2/sb4g53rvbx3j/wish/179145139 Repair Matters is a Vancouver based initiative that helps people learn how to take part in repair and do some creative problem solving along the way. They encourage people from novice to experts to come together and help each other figure out how to repair things. They go to different venues and hold events which centre around creating, fixing things, re-gifting etc.

There's also another place called Vancouver Hack Space that has some great opportunities to use different tools and equipment. There are also lots of people around to help if you need it!

I really really like the idea of fixing things and re-using them before running out and buying a new one. Both of these organizations are doing a great job of promoting that philosophy! It's great to see!]]> 2017-07-20 20:46:53 UTC https://padlet.com/erin_howard2/sb4g53rvbx3j/wish/179145139 Albert - Toronto https://padlet.com/erin_howard2/sb4g53rvbx3j/wish/179157513 I keep driving past a place here in Toronto called "MakerKids". I have heard of the maker movement (on the CBC) already, and seen a few ideas of clubs in school, but was interested in what they do. Your project gave me the push and I found out they: "... are the first and largest makerspace for kids in the world, and ... run programs, camps and parties on topics like Coding, Minecraft, and Robotics." Sounds impressive right.

Recently, again on the CBC, I heard about the 'side hustle' where people are doing odd jobs but in non-traditional spheres: Christmas light hanger, arguer with Bell/Rogers provider, gaming system installer, video game character creator, etc. Reading through the MakerKids site, I found an interesting 'side hustle': "... a 10-year-old who now makes, sells and fixes audio speakers for people in his neighbourhood after learning how to do that at MakerKids."

I don't believe the point of Maker spaces, particularly those for children, are to support your own creative outlets and also bring in some cash, however, it does speak to the idea that there are a wide variety of new skills and abilities that exist now that simply didn't exist in the past. The ability to buy cool tools at pretty low prices that can make/fix pretty awesome things, worth actual dollars, is something I would like to expose my own students, kids, and self to.

MakerKids. (n.d.). About: Mission:

To empower the leaders of tomorrow with the skills and mindsets to change the world. Retrieved from http://makerkids.com/about-us/

]]> 2017-07-21 01:23:44 UTC https://padlet.com/erin_howard2/sb4g53rvbx3j/wish/179157513 Ghassan https://padlet.com/erin_howard2/sb4g53rvbx3j/wish/179193610 5 maybe 7 years ago I was inspired with a school that was following of theories that teach by creating projects for the students instead of just teaching " the traditional way". I looked into this theory which was not a new idea, so I found lots of literature and websites that support this theory. I found this website very very helpful to all who want to introduce small projects or at least include projects to what they teach. The website was created by BUCK INSTITUTE OD EDUCATION. They created the PBL (project-based learning). If you visit the website at https://www.bie.org/about/what_pbl you find a great explanation of the Project based learning and how we can include it in our teaching practice. They explain the pre-requisite skills that teachers need to teach in order to introduce it to their students. The website have a great amount of lesson plans and examples that helps teacher copy them or modify them or even create their own. Beside all of that, they include to their services a blog, a variety of services and a full calendar of events.
In sum, any teacher can include a project of DIY or even DIT to thier teaching practice. However, we need to focus on the attitudes of learning of the students such as creating a very healthy way of Collaboration, Communication, Curiosity and Inquiry skills among they students in order to succeed with this project.
I do enjoy and like it with the student have their hands and minds involved with what they are doing in a daily bases in order to learn.]]> 2017-07-21 14:52:57 UTC https://padlet.com/erin_howard2/sb4g53rvbx3j/wish/179193610 Ali https://padlet.com/erin_howard2/sb4g53rvbx3j/wish/179198358 This might sound selfish, but I always wished there was a community based org for teaching people about homing issues like electrical wires, plumbing, etc. I find that whenever I have someone come to our house, I really never know if what they are telling me is for their own $$ interest or wrong. I wonder if it would be possible to have a markerspace where people can teach newbies like me. This would also be a nice place for workers to come and share ideas, so it would not only benefit people who know nothing.

I recall back in school, I was part of a team which would teach kids for free the piano and other musical instruments, but the best part, would be when really talented players would share and explore new ideas. That was my most rewarding take away. ]]> 2017-07-21 16:43:34 UTC https://padlet.com/erin_howard2/sb4g53rvbx3j/wish/179198358 Justin- Vancouver jbolivar https://padlet.com/erin_howard2/sb4g53rvbx3j/wish/179198827 I've always wondered where to find spaces like this in my city, but it never clicked that we have Makerspaces within our communities, and not just our schools. I liken these spaces, similar to business start-ups, where similar minded individuals can share their creative outlets. There have been some awesome ideas thrown out here so far– Ali, I like your idea about common home issues!

Where I can see Makerspaces having a great impact is the shift within our communities around becoming producers versus consumers. In my teaching, I have students situate themselves as producers of content, rather than consumers of content. The rationale behind this is that digital participants simply become those who consume, but put nothing back into the medium. With Makerspaces, we can explore areas that do not exist, or are just starting up, with the ability to fail and enhance. ]]> 2017-07-21 16:54:51 UTC https://padlet.com/erin_howard2/sb4g53rvbx3j/wish/179198827 Rob - Campbell River https://padlet.com/erin_howard2/sb4g53rvbx3j/wish/179208267 Our high school has recently acquired 2 3-D printers. The benefit to our media classes has been immediate. This was already a group that was used to creating (video productions), so they weren't exactly wet behind the ears. However, they immediately started designing, prototyping, and printing objects and props that they need for their films. From specialized cell phone cases, to old fashioned items you'd find around the home (100 yrs ago). The excitement and empowerment that has come from this maker space is infectious...other students and even staff are starting to line up to get involved.]]> 2017-07-21 22:08:48 UTC https://padlet.com/erin_howard2/sb4g53rvbx3j/wish/179208267 Community Makerspace for student groups acoustalin https://padlet.com/erin_howard2/sb4g53rvbx3j/wish/179233185 My idea is similar to Kevin’s in that it concerns creating a community makerspace that could also be used by schools and homeschoolers.

I have given this idea some thought and, in anticipating some of the logistical issues that could come up, I added some elements to the model that I think would work in my community. Because I intend my community makerspace to be bookable by individual school groups, I would need to provide some kind of preparatory work that didn’t necessarily involve the makerspace itself. School field trips can be relatively tricky to organize and/or expensive to budget for, so each class would probably not be able to commit to much more than one or two days in the makerspace itself. For this reason, I would work with educators in my community to create classroom kits to get students primed for their time in the makerspace. This preparatory material could include a video of the makerspace detailing its functionality, as well as a class visit by a makerspace education liaison to discuss the space and get students started on their projects. I would ensure teachers and students had support so that they could conduct the first stages of their projects in the classroom. This would allow them to take full advantage of the makerspace when it came to prototyping their design. A good design project often takes more than one day and support through all the phases (including those that of necessity occur outside the makerspace) could make the trip to the makerspace a much richer experience.

This model would be very welcome in my community and could have real potential as a successful venture - especially since we have so many underemployed teachers who would welcome the chance to supplement their earnings.

]]> 2017-07-22 21:05:48 UTC https://padlet.com/erin_howard2/sb4g53rvbx3j/wish/179233185 Interesting week for the topic of MakerSpaces to be introduced. Normally I would not have paid as much attention but you had me thinking along the right lines. I just saw a spontaneous non-adult created maker space pop up in the schoolyard across from me. Over the summer they are adding portables to the school field. So the company doing this had left a fenced of area with large blocks of wood and pallets in the yard. It didn’t stay fenced off for long before some of the area preteens got in there and started working with the wood materials. The first night I went by they had arranged all the pallets into a couch and two lounge chairs that were gathered around a ‘entertainment centre’ with a pallet big screen TV pretending to watch the Canucks. Being responsible adults we went in and joined them to help them take selfies of their living room creation. As we laughed and left we asked them what they were going to create the next night…. it was a boat complete with a mast and flag, several cabins, and an engine room. The next night it was Cirque du Soleil with seating, a ring and performers. This went on all week, even the construction crew was getting in on the act, accidentally leaving drop clothes, tarp, and improved wood blocks for the kids. Sadly there are now two portables on the site. It was fascinating to watch the creativity and engagement of these kids while they were absorbed in creating their vision. It reminded me of being young and my parents having a room in the basement full of play items for us; my brother spent a year attaching a toaster to a board and ‘fixing’ it to be an engine, dress up clothes, empty boxes for building, huge blankets for tent and fort building.So my idea for the school next door would be to recreate the space the kids used last week …maybe with hugely oversized lego blocks for building that they could also then program to light up, make noise, twirl. Not just for the kids but because I want to play with it too ! One thing I think may be an issue is tat I think it was extra attractive to the neighbourhood kids because 1) there was a bit of sneaking in past the fencing, 2) they came up with the idea themselves. It was hilarious that first night to find a bunch of kids watching ‘the game’ on a pallet couches and a cell phone propped up as their big screen TV. eva_somogyi https://padlet.com/erin_howard2/sb4g53rvbx3j/wish/179235348 Eva]]> 2017-07-22 23:36:05 UTC https://padlet.com/erin_howard2/sb4g53rvbx3j/wish/179235348 Madeleine - Vancouver madeleine_lee https://padlet.com/erin_howard2/sb4g53rvbx3j/wish/179235562 I had a hard time trying to figure how MakerSpace can be applied to the Faculty. MakerSpace is a form of development that is applicable to the community. How does the community benefit from Pharmaceutical Sciences - what can we build - why is this relevant -

The field of Pharmaceutical Sciences is about drug development and innovation. Completely aligned with the concept of MakerSpace. In Vancouver, the biotechnology field has expanded. They are continuously testing new ways of drug delivery through application of biology, chemistry and engineering contexts. Development is mainly in businesses. I'm not aware of any open space for individuals to experiment. I was recently asked what is the difference between Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences? How do you explain the difference to a 17/18 year old considering post-secondary school. Rather than explaining the differences, creating a MakerSpace environment that allows individuals to explore the two fields may be some thing to consider.]]> 2017-07-22 23:58:37 UTC https://padlet.com/erin_howard2/sb4g53rvbx3j/wish/179235562 Jeff Tan https://padlet.com/erin_howard2/sb4g53rvbx3j/wish/179298249 An example of a community makerspace I've seen is in the local public library, where they have two 3-D printers available for the public's use during scheduled hours every week. There are also workshops and purposefully scheduled DIT sessions to introduce new users while also offering collaborating and peer-coaching to the more advanced users. ]]> 2017-07-24 06:27:10 UTC https://padlet.com/erin_howard2/sb4g53rvbx3j/wish/179298249