STEM LAbs and Maker Spaces

in Schools

Why and How to get started

This is NOT a Maker Space

What is a Maker Space?

• These spaces facilitate authentic, hands-on, project based learning

• They teach students how to think critically, be resourceful, persevere, and problem solve.

WWhyWhyWhyWhy a Maker Space?

These are skills that are difficult to teach in a traditional classroom.

• Empower students to become innovators and technologically

proficient problem solvers

• Ensure that all students have access to the appropriate technology

conducive to enhancing their learning experiences both in and

outside the traditional classroom

• Increase student 21st century skills and technological literacy by

providing students with opportunities to use the technical tools of

the STEM industry

• Nurture partnerships that allow schools and the business sector to

join efforts to improve students’ STEM-career opportunities

• Increase the number of students pursuing carers in STEM-related

fields and/or post-secondary STEM related education/training

Georgia STEM Goals

Challenges• Funding • Space• Mindset/Culture• Logistics• Project planning

Resources• Local Maker Spaces• Other Teachers - in

Robotics, Industrial Arts, Fine Arts

• Parents• Community

Members/Businesses

Essential Elements• Faculty leadership, Administrative

support• Building a Culture of invention and

experimentation• Thoughtful marketing of the program

internally and externally• Guidance and reinforcement of

deadlines with student-led projects.

Running the Space

• Supervision • Scheduling • Purchasing the

right tools and equipment

• Training and careful supervision of tools

Best Practices• Get the minimum gear• Create achievable projects for

students/faculty• Actively share with the community to

build awareness and enthusiasm.

Favorite Activities• Solving problems in the community • Team-based challenges• Take-aparts• Upcycling projects• Robotics

Making in Action

Panel DiscussionBeverly Lowe• Member of the Cobb Maker Station on Historic Marietta Square• Spends her days as an Office Manager• As a mom, she is eager to encourage parents to be involved in

helping their children learn at every opportunity. • Makey Makey project was featured on Instructables.com. 

Tanju Bayramoglu• Maker, Father, Mechanical Engineer & Project Manager. • Member of the Cobb Maker Station on Historic Marietta Square• Helping Awtrey Middle School start their Maker Space

Grace A. Belangia• Greater Augusta Innovation Academy• The Clubhouse - Augusta Maker Space• Speaker at MakerCon San Francisco, MakerFaire New York and

SXSW

• MAKE Magazine - makezine.com (many other resources available through MAKE)

• STEM-Engine - stem-engine.com - curated list of resources and projects

• K-12 Fab Labs and Makerspaces - Google Group

• Georgia DOE STEM Initiatives - stemgeorgia.org

• Georgia Tech Invention Studio – inventionstudio.gatech.edu

For more Information:

Atlanta Maker Faire Education

Conference• October 3-4, 2015• Downtown Decatur• Sign up for e-mail notifications• Please complete our survey about

what you’d like to see at the Faire for teachers