The tools and materials in a makerspace should align with the goals for the space, staff capacity and students’ needs, says Dorothy Jones-Davis, executive director of , a nonprofit dedicated to supporting the makerspace movement.油
Makerspaces are not just about the tools, says Jones-Davis. School leaders need to decide on the purpose, funding and audience for a makerspace. 油
Providing equitable access, for instance, would indicate a need for projects to be worked on at home or after school. Multipurpose spaces can be created by using a science classroom for an after-school robotics class or transforming an unused library corner into a 3D printing makerspace. Space availability, remodeling costs, electrical reconfigurations to support new maker equipment, storage capacity for student projects, and more need to be taken into consideration.油
For more implementation best practices, curriculum examples and project ideas, Jones-Davis recommends , 油and .油
