Click here for a sneak peek of our maker handbook, which is almost ready for publication!
Makerspace Activity List
A list of many of the possible genres, tools, and materials used in many makerspaces. See what fits for you!
Flashlight Template
We make these with Scotch double-sided foam tape, 10mm LED bulbs ordered from Tayda Electronics, and CR 2032 3V batteries from The Battery Supplier.
Maker Vision Template
Use this document to help formulate your organization’s collective idea of why you are engaging in making, what needs you are meeting, and what success will look like.
Design Game with Words (rev. 6/11/2016)
Design Game with Pictures (rev. 6/11/2016)
Design Thinking Game Instructions (updated 7/31/2019)
These are design thinking tools that we have written to help introduce people of all ages to the process of design thinking. We’re still revising these, so if you have feedback we’d love to hear it!
Science and Engineering Principles
Outlines key ideas that librarians and educators without STEM experience can focus on when bringing STEM into their work, from the National Research Council’s Framework for K-12 Science Education: Practices, Crosscutting Concepts, and Core Ideas and later folded into the Next Generation Science Standards.
Patronicity Flyer
Michigan-based crowdsourcing platform that includes features for offline donations, full- or partial-funding pathways, and extra support.
What’s Inside Your Toys
Use this handout to help kids and families safely discover the insides of toys, appliances, and other electrified objects.
Toy Takeapart Extended Activity – editable Google Doc
Toy Takepart Extended Activity – formatted PDF
Use this handout to build a standalone toy takeapart activity into an extended activity about patents, economics, labor costs, and more. You can make a copy of the Google Doc version and adapt it to a particular grade level. The Google Doc version also includes links to supporting documents.
How to Make a Bag From a T-Shirt
We set out secondhand t-shirts at some of our MakerFest events along with these instructions.
“Made” Magazine Cover
What would “Made” magazine look like if it featured your makerspace? This blank template for a magazine cover can be used by individuals or as a group exercise to examine the vision for your makerspace.