What is a MakerSpace? by Michelle Sherwin

What is a MakerSpace?

A place where people can invent, create and collaborate using information, resources, and tools, all done through playing, tinkering, and exploration.

When I first saw the Learning Commons at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, I saw an amazing space with great potential. Having maker-designed a number of LC spaces previous to SEAS, the vision was instant and very clear. What I thought was needed was micro spaces. Areas were groups of students and/or staff could work collaboratively on a project or activity without disrupting each other. The size of the room was perfect for this design.

Alexa, their current Library Tech, was keen to get started. She too could see the potential but like many, the task seemed huge and overwhelming for just one person. What she needed to know was that she wasn’t alone. The staff had already put together 4 portable MakerStations - Robotics, Lego, Invention and Audiovisual. All were loaded with perfect resources and ready to roll. We had a plan and with some assistance and muscle we were ready to dig in.

Books were moved and grouped together in common areas. Teacher resources were moved to a more out of the way space were staff could work collaboratively in private, close to the needed materials. Shelves were arranged to make area dividers. Tables were moved out. Too much furniture can impede with the need for open spaces that play, tinkering and exploration require. The furniture that was kept was set up in such a way that is was flexible to allow for large group meetings or small separate work spaces. In 6 hours...Voila...a new space that met all of the needs of the staff, students, Learning Commons and MakerSpace.

Thank you for letting me be a part of your Maker transformation journey.

Michelle Sherwin 
(Library Tech at Our Lady of Peace and St. Luke's Ottawa)

BEFORE

AFTER

Maker Mobile

While the finished product was our main goal, so much more came out of our afternoon of creating our maker mobile. A lot of research was required into what we would need to create our 4 carts. Through our TLLP budget we were able to purchase many of the necessary items such as Lego, microphones, tripods, makey makey, chromebooks, iPads, Tech Tubs etc. With the help of a Library Technician from another school (Michelle Sherwin) who has put together many carts we came up with a plan. Our job was to convert 4 pieces of furniture into 4 Maker Mobile Carts.

The hardest job was gutting an old netbook cart. A hammer was needed and a few cuts and bruises were had, but the satisfaction Nadia and I got from taking out almost every piece in order to create something from nothing was worth it. We turned the netbook cart into the Robotics Station because we were able to lock up the valuable items such as the Ozobots, Beebots, Sphero and Dash & Dot.

The Lego Station was converted from a wooden Library poster cart. They were able to secure Lego boards to the outside and store the Lego in 4 bins on the inside. We converted a portable desk into the Invention Station. We collected a lot items from staff and students and purchased the basics such as storage bins, scissors, markers, and tape to finalize it.

Lastly, Laura and Michelle repurposed an old wooden desk by attaching wheels, a lock to secure the more valuable items and removed another section in order to store the tech tub filled with chromebooks and iPads.

The best part of the day was the communication and teamwork that went into making these 4 carts and realizing a year long dream of bringing Maker Mobile stations to SEAS. There was great satisfaction in having a physical end product at the end of our afternoon together.

~ Juliana Lacelle