And how is it different from Making?

The NIST Maker Space is aimed at developing skill levels along a continuum within a guided, structured environment, leading toward purposeful creation, design, prototyping and innovation. 


This process initially involves the development of specialized skills, gradually applying those skills using models such as, Design Thinking. 


This process may be stand-alone, outside normal instructional time, however, the larger aim is to gradually see the Maker Space used as part of classroom integration authentically linked to the Units of inquiry.

---

At NIST we want to create more than just a Maker Space, we want to create a Maker Mindset. This chart may help create a distinction between the Maker Space and Making as a mindset:

A Maker Mindset: 

• is fun
  
• develops general skills
  
• deconstructs
  
• constructs
  
• creates
  
• is safe
  
• is imaginative
  
• is playful
  
• is artistic
  
• involves taping
  
• involves cutting
  
• uses cheap available materials
  
• is challenging
  
• can be collaborative
  
• is purposeful
  
• is mindful
  
• seeks to problem solve
  
• grows out of modeled exemplars & inspirations
  
• is transdisciplinary
  
• explores
• can happen anywhere!

A Maker Space is a specific location to: 

• engage
  
• develop specific skills
  
• learn to use specific equipment
  
• be safe & supervised 
• leverage technology
• prototype
  
• use the scientific process
  
• engage in empathetic problem solving
• be purposeful in design thinking
  
• be imaginative
  
• engage in research
  
• be equitable in access to individualized learning
  
• innovate
  
• engage in specific processes
  
• design
  
• construct
  
• deconstruct
  
• think transdisciplinary
  
• repair and fix
  
• Design Lab for elementary
  
• Use of well designed kits and leveled task to develop skills