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Makerspace: Makerspace for Education

Welcome to the Xavier University Library Makerspace!

A makerspace is a place that provides hands-on, creative ways for students to design, experiment, and invent as they engage with a variety of tools and technology.

Makerspaces are multidisciplinary in both approach and in the products created which fuels engagement and innovation. Students will learn how to utilize a wide range of hardware and software as a means to develop their creativity and critical thinking skills.

Combining the frameworks of constructionism, the maker movement, design thinking, and media literacies, the makerspace gives students the opportunity take ownership of their learning and the physical space.

Students will learn by making tangible objects through authentic, real-life learning opportunities that allow for a guided, collaborative process which incorporates peer feedback. From learning how use basic non-digital tools to printing 3D objects, students do not have to be “techy” to enjoy and benefit from using the makerspace.

Online Resources

Circulating Book Resources

STEAM makers: fostering creativity and innovation in the elementary classroom by Jacie Maslyk

Build the essential creativity, collaboration, communication, and critical thinking! Go beyond theory and learn how to systematically integrate STEAM and Maker spaces that prepare students for real-world experiences. This engaging resource outlines step-by-step processes to help anyone start their STEAM and Maker journey.

Invent to learn: making, tinkering, and engineering in the classroom by Sylvia Libow Martinez & Gary Stager, Ph.D

When exciting new technologies combine with hands-on traditions, your classroom becomes a makerspace where learning soars.

Drones in education: let your students' imaginations soar by Christopher Carnahan, Laura Zieger, Kimberly Crowley

This book was written for educators who want to incorporate drones into their curriculum but have no idea where to start. It will cover all that you need to need to know to get off of the ground with a drone program in your school. It covers such basic but important information as which drones need to be registered and where you can fly them

The Invent to Learn guide to 3D printing in the classroom: recipes for success by David D. Thornburg, Norma Thornburg, Sara Armstrong

This book is an essential guide for educators interested in bringing the amazing world of 3D printing to their classrooms. Learn about the technology, exciting powerful new design software, and even advice for purchasing your first 3D printer.

The makerspace librarian's sourcebook edited by Ellyssa Kroski

This hands-on sourcebook edited by technology expert Kroski includes everything libraries need to know about the major topics, tools, and technologies relevant to makerspaces today.

Makerspace Resources

Hi-Tech

  • 3D Printing
  • Laser Cutting & Engraving
  • Cricut & Design Space
  • Virtual Reality Lab
  • Drones

Makerspace Kits

  • Audio Recording Kit
  • Raspberry Pi
  • Ozobots
  • Little Bits
  • Cubelets
  • Makey Makey
  • Snap Circuits
  • Spehero BB-8 Robot
  • OSMO Kits
  • Bloxels
  • Structural Engineering Kit
  • Molecular Modeling Kit
  • Lego Boost 17101
  • Lego Mindstorm EV3
  • Thinkfun Logic Games

Lo-Tech

  • Buttons
  • Stickers
  • Sewing & Embroidery
  • Jewelry
  • Book making
  • Origami
  • Knitting/Crocheting
  • Duct tape

Slides with Links

Maker Challenges for Students

What is a Makerspace?

Makerspace and Montessori

Articles and Studies of Interest

Relevant Research

COVID-19