Giving Compass' Take:

• Science teacher Nick Provenzano shares advice about building a makerspace where students can build projects and explore their areas of interest.

• How can philanthropy help build these spaces in schools? What schools need the most support? 

• Find out how students win when they are allowed to lead school culture.

Over the years, I’ve had the chance to see the freedom that the creative process allows. Boosting student confidence through creative opportunities has become my secret weapon in encouraging student engagement and skill building. As a makerspace director and advocate for the maker movement, I’m passionate about the range of opportunity that a creative space gives students.

An effective makerspace is more than fancy gadgets and a focus on STEM. In fact, I believe there’s no specific formula to follow when implementing one. One of the goals of any makerspace should be to instill the maker mindset in students through a series of creative experiences while simultaneously building 21st-century skills.

Microcredentialing: I set out with the goal to create badges that students can earn for demonstrating various skills in different areas. To start the process, consider what students are interested in, and what basic skills could be the framework for the program.

Coding: Many students who enter my makerspace are interested in playing around with coding programs and building their skills. Luckily, there are a variety of tools available that are fun and offer easy-to-grasp concepts.

Alternative methods: Materials as simple as cardboard can be used to spark student creativity. Legos can inspire design building in younger grades.

#LetStudentsMake: Give students the chance to express their understanding through creative flexibility.

Read the full article about building a makerspace by Nick Provenzano at Getting Smart.