Day 9: Makerspace AfterSchool at Camels Hump Middle School

I love watching how makerspaces launch and evolve both in communities and in K12.  Each is its own unique story and part of the story that frames our  conversations around makerspaces.

Many wait until they have a building or a specific physical space.
Many wait until they have the funds to purchase fabrication tools.
Many wait until they can find space in the curriculum or they can hire a "makerspace' person.

Today as I'm delighted to share the story of a makerspace which  launched without ANY of this and that models creating a makerspace by creating a maker mindset!

At Camels Hump Middle School,  the popup Makerspace is an afterschool program that invites ALL  students  (Grades 5-8) to come explore, make, socialize and be creative.

It is an area of the library with storage bins on racks that hold a variety of repurposed items and cardboard and supplies, paper, vinyl, glue, tools and other stuff.




This concept of a makerspace run by Jean Campbell CESU Tech Support and Steve Madden CHMS Librarian of Chittenden East Supervisory Union/ Mount Mansfield Modified Unified School District captures some of the most powerful WHY's for having a makerspace.

Our Makerspace attempts to give students device-free time to do things that are not scripted or part of their regular school day. We do not have rubric-based expectations for students; we encourage them to have fun and explore. So much of our students' days are filled with what they have to do, what is planned and required. We want Makerspace to be more free-flowing and fun for students to explore their own interests.  

~ Jean Campbell

During their afterschool makerspace time,  Camel Hump MS students  have access to iPads, Green screen and lights and several Cricut makers and Cuttlebug and various maker supplies.  Students also get a chance to develop additional maker skills during their Tech Ed and Design class with Mr. Keating.

You might find students engaged in short challenges like - "Who can build the tallest structure?"  

You might find Jean or Steve guiding the students through the process of designing logos and printing their own tee-shirts. 

You might even finding them  figuring out how to cover the principal's truck with cardboard. 

More more often than not, you will find students engaged in open maker space time where they can do what they choose.

Check out the Camel's Hump Middle School website to learn more about this makerspace where kids are empowered by being free to make, including their makerspace guidelines for success that every maker is expected to follow as part of the space.

When framing the conversations around makerspace,  the Camel Hump Middle School launch provides a great model for those asking  HOW might we create a maker mindset in our school!