(5 min)The Innovation Story & Model
The Journey: Share the vision, the target 4−6 grades, and the lab's foundational principles (creativity, problem-solving). Quick Poll: Use a show of hands or a quick device-based poll to ask, "What is your biggest current barrier to starting a Makerspace?" (funding, curriculum, space). This immediately validates the audience's needs.
(10 min) The Partnership & Tool Blueprint Showcase specific funding and equipment: Detail how funds from America First Credit Union, Utah Jazz/Mammoth secured high-end tools (3D printers, Sphero) and how District/Foundation funds secured core robotics (Ozobots, Micro:bits) and consumables.
(10 min) Curriculum & Scaling for Impact Curriculum Examples: Present specific project structures (3D printing a Jazz note, stop-motion animation) tied to ISTE's Innovative Designer standard. Detail the "Teacher Tinker Time" for PD and the logistics for hosting free district-wide field trips. Peer-to-Peer Discussion: After presenting the field trip model, give attendees 2 minutes to discuss with a neighbor: "Which aspect of this model (funding, curriculum, or field trips) could you implement next month?"
5 min Q&A and Takeaways
Final summary of the replicable framework and key takeaways. Open Q&A and a final reminder of the participant outcomes (the ability to design a funding model and implement the field trip blueprint).
After this session, participants will be able to:
Gather ideas to design a sustainable Makerspace by identifying types of community partners (corporate, foundation, district) and matching them to specific resource needs.
Implement a balanced 4−6 curriculum that combines low-cost supplies (popsicle sticks, pipe cleaners, etc.) with high-end digital tools (Toy box 3D printers, Bambu 3D printers, Sphero Bots, etc.) to promote design thinking.
Establish a blueprint for creating a district-wide resource by utilizing our logistics, forms, and curriculum to host free, replicable field trips for visiting schools.
Facilitate meaningful 4c and 4d Innovative Designer experiences by incorporating structured, iterative projects like stop-motion animation and 3D printing that encourage prototyping and perseverance in problem-solving.
Launch effective "Teacher Tinker Time" professional development sessions to build staff capacity and confidence in integrating new Makerspace technology.
Arvanitidi, E., Drosos, C., Theocharis, E., & Papoutsidakis, M. (2019). 3D Printing and Education. International Journal of Computer Applications, 177(24), 55–59. https://doi.org/10.5120/ijca2019919711
Bicer, A., Nite, S. B., Capraro, R. M., Barroso, L. R., Capraro, M. M., & Lee, Y. (2017b). Moving from stem to steam: The effects of informal stem learning on students’ creativity and problem solving skills with 3D printing. 2017 IEEE Frontiers in Education Conference (FIE). https://doi.org/10.1109/fie.2017.8190545
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Cook, K., Bush, S., & Cox, R. (2015). Engineering encounters: Creating a prosthetic hand. Science and Children, 053(04). https://doi.org/10.2505/4/sc15_053_04_80
Gitlin, M. (2020). 3D Printing (21st Century Skills Innovation Library: Disruptors in Tech). Cherry Lake Publishing.
Hatzigianni, M., Stevenson, M., Falloon, G., Bower, M., & Forbes, A. (2021). Young Children’s design
thinking skills in Makerspaces. International Journal of Child-Computer Interaction, 27, 100216. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijcci.2020.100216
Leinonen, T., Virnes, M., Hietala, I., & Brinck, J. (2020). 3D printing in The wild: Adopting digital
fabrication in elementary school education. International Journal of Art & Design Education, 39(3), 600–615. https://doi.org/10.1111/jade.12310
McCarthy, C. P. (2019). How 3D printing will impact society. ReferencePoint Press, Inc.
Murphy, M. (2015). High-tech DIY projects with 3D printing. PowerKids Press.
O’Reilly, J., & Barry, B. (2021). The effect of the use of computer-aided design (CAD) and a 3D printer on the child’s competence in mathematics. Irish Educational Studies, 42(2), 233–256. https://doi.org/10.1080/03323315.2021.1964561
STEM Central, The Home of Design Thinking. (2017). District Administration, 21.
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