10 Projects to Jump-start Your Makerspace

Here's how.

By Amy Cowen on November 19, 2019 9:00 AM

Inspire students of all ages to enjoy STEM when you let them loose in a creative makerspace! These ten hands-on engineering projects encourage innovation and don't require complicated materials.

Makerspace STEM: Example of wind-powered car activity

Makerspace STEM: junkbots example from recycled materials

Makerspace STEM: Example of pantograph activity

Makerspace STEM: Paper roller coaster example

Makerspace STEM: Example of robot hand activity

Makerspace STEM: Cotton ball launcher example from cardboard tube

Makerspace STEM: Make a harmonica from craft materials

Makerspace STEM: Example of nightlight activity

Makerspace STEM: Example of paper circuits activity

Makerspace STEM: Example of paper speakers activity

Enabling Exploration

Makerspaces are popular collaborative community spaces where people of all ages can put science and engineering to creative use. With an array of materials available, a visit to a local makerspace is an invitation to play with science and engineering and really see how things work.

You may have a makerspace in your school or at the library, or maybe you have an area of your classroom dedicated to maker activities students can explore or certain days of the week on which you turn the room into a makerspace. With a few materials and a surface to work on, garage or basement spaces can easily be recast as home makerspaces, too!

Not every makerspace will have high-tech tools like a 3D printer, but you don't have to have expensive materials to start up your own makerspace. With an assortment of craft supplies, electronics parts, and recycled materials, you can set up a makerspace full of inspiring STEM that kids can explore.

Bookmark or pin these projects to add to your makerspace!