Maker Space in Kindergarten

I created this maker space in my classroom almost two years ago.  I am soooooo glad I did.  We use it for really cool STEAM projects.  It makes it so easy to do one anytime I want.  It is always there, stocked and ready to go.  I originally envisioned this as an independent activity in my classroom.  But, the reality of the mess isn't always possible during a busy kindergarten day.  So, I use it more often as an adult supported activity.  The kids are still working independently, but an adult is there to remind kiddos to keep it tidy.  That, and having a low heat hot glue gun makes creating so much easier.  The adult uses the glue gun, but the students are the design directors.  It works perfectly that way.  So, yes, you will need an aide or parent volunteer to do this with kinder kids.  In an older grade level, this would be easier to manage as an independent center or station.

Here is how I set it up.  Maker Spaces are as individual as the makers who make them.  So, when you set yours up, get some inspiration and then do what works for YOU using your available resources. 

I have three big drawers for the kids to pull materials from...  above is cardboard.  Below is plastic and paper.

It is actually easy to fill the space when you get in the habit of saving cool recyclables and scraps from other projects in your classroom. You can also ask families in your class to donate materials.  I use a fourth drawer for storage.  I change up the materials in the little bins, so it's nice to have a place to save things like corks hardware, twigs, etc.  I like to provide special materials that will aide in making each project.

Here are just a few of my bins up close...

OK, let's move on to some great projects...

Making bridges is usually one of my first projects of the year.  We do it as a part of my Fairy tales/ Folk tales unit.  I use a comprehension assessment for The Three Billy Goats Gruff , so we spend some time to go in depth with that story.   Creating a bridge makes a great extension activity.  Here are few more kindergarten kid designs.  And of course we had to get out the plastic goats to test them.

Don't you love the "No Crossing" sign?  Written in Kinder writing of course!  At the end of that unit, we also make boats for the gingerbread man to create a safe way for him to cross the river.  Here are a couple of those...

The tests on the boats are fun, but you have to prepare your kids for disappointment.  I read

Rosie Revere, Engineer

to my class this year when we tested our boats.  It was the perfect prime for accepting failure as part of the designing, learning, re-designing process.  We use the little Pepperidge Farm gingerbread cookies in each boat for the test.  So, of course I give a cookie to each of my little makers too!

That book cover is an Amazon affiliate link for your convenience.   You can grab it by clicking on the image.  It's a must have if you are doing STEM projects in your classroom.

For the boat tests, I use a large plastic storage container that I fill with water.  We sit in a circle around it and each child gets to put a cookie in their boat and float it (or not) across the water.  It's also a great idea to give your kids time to look at each design and talk to each other about how it was made.  It's a little makers' convention.  It only takes about 30 minutes.   I think it is time well spent. 

Here is a precious video of one or our boat tests:

Here are some adorable kid made leprechaun traps.  This is the original STEM project.  I have been doing leprechaun traps in my classroom for years.  I like to have the kids make them in the classroom better than doing it as an at home project.  The one year I had kids do them at home, I could tell that parents helped too much!  You can tell these were made by little learners...

It was great to hear my sweet students explain how each trap was going to work.  We usually leave them out around the classroom on March 16th.  I put some Rolo candies inside each one. (They are chocolate caramels wrapped in gold foil).  I also sprinkle a little gold glitter around.  It's lots of fun when students come into the classroom on the 17th and find the GOLD!

Things can get pretty messy when the kids are working at the Maker Space.  Here is the table during leprechaun trap production.

There is a place for everything and we put everything in it's place when its time to clean up.  The kids love using the space, so they are usually very willing to help clean up.   We have little recycle and trash bins in the space so it is easy to put scraps where they belong.

We  also made bird feeders last year  as a spring project.  We had been learning about the season of spring and animals that lay eggs,  It was a great extension for our unit.  Plus, we have windows in our classroom where we can see so many birds outside.  Those little tubs have bird seed and Cheerios cereal.  You can also see the big jar of peanut butter.  We spread the PB on to the cardboard pieces and then dipped them in the seed. 

I love this little engineer's design.  

Those are just a few ideas for your little makers.  You don't have to have a Maker Space in your classroom to do these projects, it just makes it easier for me.  If you haven't already, I hope you will try some STEAM projects with your kindergarten class.

Thanks so much for stopping by.

Happy teaching!