Makerspaces: tinkering and transforming

Greco Middle School recently opened a Makerspace in the media center. According to the Tampa Bay Times, the new Makerspace contains a 3D printer, iPads, a Sphero robot, a LEGO wall and other 21st Century technological tools and supplies. Makerspaces are great places to help students understand the skills and strategies they need for jobs of the future. In addition, Makerspaces can help students to realize their own creative abilities and consider a future as an entrepreneur. For more information on entrepreneurship, visit the USF Stavros Resources page on Entrepreneurs. 
For more information on Makerspaces:

1. Making and Learning from Institute of Museum and Library Services
2. What is a Makerspace?
3. Librarian's Guide to Makerspaces
4. Edutopia: Creating Makerspaces in Schools
   

SS.4.FL.1.7 Entrepreneurs are people who start new businesses. Entrepreneurs do not know if their new businesses will be successful and earn a profit. Identify ways in which starting a business is risky for entrepreneurs. What kind of product would you like to create and sell? How would you sell it? Would you open a store or would you sell it online? What are some of the risks of starting your own business? 
SS.8.FL.1.3 Explain that getting more education and learning new job skills can increase a persons human capital and productivity. What are some skills that the students could learn in the Makerspace that would help prepare them for the future? 
SS.912.FL.1.3 Evaluate ways people can make more informed education, job, or career decisions by evaluating the benefits and costs of different choices. Tell students to consider different types of technology careers that might be inspired by a Makerspace. Ask students if they ever considered inventing something and becoming an entrepreneur. Have them watch some episodes of Shark Tank and create your own classroom version.

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