Teacher Makerspace Playground

According to the very inspirational George Couros, part of growing professionally is taking risks and trying new things.  This year, before Hurricane Harvey, I decided that I wanted to host a makerspace playground for teachers that would show them not only what we had to offer in the library, but also how makerspace supports curriculum.  Although my playground was delayed due to Harvey, we did still host it, and actually had people beyond our campus attend it!
. 
What is a Makerspace Playground? A makerspace playground is a setting where you showcase different makerspace tools at stations for an audience to play with.

How can you set up a Makerspace Playground?  Here are some tips:

1. Find some co-hosts.  My academic coaches and my Learning Technology Coach, Doris Herrmann,, @dorish planned this with me.

2. Make a list of stations that you want to showcase.

3.  Make sure your principal promotes it.  Twitter, Facebook, and phone and email blasts are great ways to do this.

4.  Send out emails to invite other interested parties.

5. Create a passport for each content area that lists the items showcased and what they could be used for in their content areas. This is also a great place for teachers to take notes on what they are learning about.

Here is one my math coach, Sara Bordelon, created.

6. Provide refreshments

7. Have students present to demonstrate how to use different items.

Here is one of my students explaining how to use Bloxels.

8. Make signs to let teachers know what they are playing with and some ideas for use in the classroom.

In a couple of weeks, I will be hosting a Makerspace Playground for students that teachers can sign their classes up for. At this event, I plan to create challenges for the students to complete at the different stations.

Here are some ways that I plan on sharing new makerspace items that the library acquires throughout the year?

• I will create flipped videos 
• Twitter @BIS_library
• This blog

What are some ways you share makerspace with teachers?