Maker space workshop guides educators and librarians through the nuts and bolts
Seizing hold of the booming maker movement, a new four-day workshop will walk educators through the steps of designing, equipping, and operating successful, safe and inspirational public maker spaces.
Called, the TechShop Maker Space Academy, the workshop is based on TechShop’s maker space model. Institutions will receive comprehensive hands-on training on installing, teaching, and maintaining tools such as 3D printers, laser cutters, and others, as well as the license to use TechShop’s curriculum.
Attendees will receive TechShop Maker Space Certification showing successful completion the training.
According to the company, curriculum topics will include:
- Formulating inspirational, productive and safe maker spaces
- Determining the right size for your maker space based on mission, space and budget
- Planning for open accessibility while maintaining accountability and safety
- Establishing rules and policies to safely and effectively manage a maker space
- Selecting and planning equipment, including CAD, 3D printers, laser cutters, table top mills and electronics/robotics (e.g., microprocessors like Arduino)
- Ordering, installing, configuring, troubleshooting and maintaining equipment
- Safety and Basic Use (SBU) training/curriculum—the nuts and bolts of equipment training and safety—and identifying the most common challenges new students have on each machine
- Developing STEAM projects and workshops
- Planning and organizing engaging group events at your maker space
- Mobile outreach—taking your maker space on the road
The academy is kicking off sessions in DC-Arlington, Pittsburgh, Chicago, and San Francisco this summer. For dates and more, visit http://www.techshop.ws/Maker_Space_Academy.html [1].
Material from a press release was used in this report.