MIT Edgerton Center Maker Resources for K-12 Educators MIT Massachusetts Institute of Technology
  Makerspace Resources for K-12 Educators
  • Home
    • Getting Started >
      • What is Making?
      • Types of Makerspaces
      • Goals
    • About Us
    • Contact
  • Teacher PD
    • Webinars
    • Maker Project Workshops
    • Master Making in the Classroom
    • Maker PD Packages
    • Invention Ed
    • Workshop Materials
  • Create Projects
    • Maker Methodology
    • Idea Gallery
    • K-12 Maker Instructables
    • Maker Skills Starter Projects
    • Virtual Tools and Projects
    • Special Programs >
      • Aprendo Creando >
        • Presentaciones
      • FullSTEAM
  • Run a Makerspace
    • Design Guide
    • Facilities and Storage
    • Maker tools
    • Training and Supervision
    • Staff, Hours and Scheduling
    • Events and Growth
  • Maker Tools
    • Shop Tools and Materials
    • Electronics
    • Physical Computing
    • 2D Design Software
    • Vinyl/Craft Cutters
    • Laser Cutting
    • 3D Design Tools
    • 3D Printing
    • Photo and Video
    • Sewing
  • Articles and Books

Maker Methodology
Step 3: DESIGN AND CHOOSE

After creating some project ideas, it can be tough to choose the best one for your needs. We offer 2 tools that can help you.
​(Hint - students can also use these tools when it's their turn to choose their own project idea.)
Design
Maker Mock-Up: A Tool for Creative Ideation

2 high school teachers brainstorm using the maker mockup card game
"...The card game was a real game changer in terms of pushing lessons into new places, and allowed for some really great collaborative ideas."
-Nicole Winters, Art Teacher, Littleton Middle School

Download and use this game with colleagues to start creative conversations about how and what your students can make. A deck of Maker Mock-Up cards includes Tool, Material, Object, and Focus cards. Here's how to use it:

Prep the deck - remove any cards with tools/materials you don’t have; shuffle each category separately.

Choose one subject card OR your content standard.
Deal one hand for the group:
  • 3 Material cards
  • 2 Tools cards
  • 1 Object card
  • 1 Focus card 
Combine cards to come up with 3+ ideas for projects
Or...make up your own rules! Leave out a Focus card, time your rounds, pitch competing ideas - make this game what you need it to be.

Maker Mockup:  a Brainstorming game

Instructions 
  1. Gather a group of 2 to 4 people.
  2. Share your learning objective with the group.
  3. Deal a hand to the group:​​
  • 1 Object card
  • 2 Tools cards
  • 3 Materials cards
4. Deal new materials or tools if you don't have the ones shown
5. As a group, come up with at least 3 project ideas from the cards handed out.
For a good brainstorming session, follow these practices:
  • Write down all the ideas: there are no bad ideas!
  • If you don't understand an idea, ask questions.
  • Listen to others and encourage their ideas
  • Build on or combine other ideas
  • Have fun!

Complete List - Maker Mockup game pieces and instructions
Choose
The Pro/Con list lets you consider important strengths and weaknesses quickly, but the criteria/constraints are not clearly defined
Picture
The Decision Matrix helps you discuss each project in depth - it lets you define and weight your criteria and constraints, and helps you rank ideas. Be prepared for your team discussion to take some time.
Picture
DOWNLOADS
MakerMockUp-instructions.pdf
File Size: 418 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

MakerMockUp-tools.pdf
File Size: 17 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

MakerMockUp-materials.pdf
File Size: 44 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

MakerMockUp-Object.pdf
File Size: 351 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

MakerMockUp-Focus.pdf
File Size: 194 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

5 teachers brainstorm using the Maker Mock-up card game
Our Maker Methodology
Click each step for information and downloadable planning tools.
  1. Define your learning goals for the project
  2. Discover other projects that can inspire your own
  3. Design and Choose your own Maker project ideas
  4. Plan the day-to-day details of your project 
  5. Deliver your plan - roll out the project and facilitate your students' work 
  6. Share your students' work with a larger community
  7. Reflect and refine improve your project plans
Picture
a esta página en español

Contact Us

Step-by-Step guide to running a Makerspace
Materials for Workshop Participants
​​Recursos en Español
About Us
Accessibility
​Privacy
  • Home
    • Getting Started >
      • What is Making?
      • Types of Makerspaces
      • Goals
    • About Us
    • Contact
  • Teacher PD
    • Webinars
    • Maker Project Workshops
    • Master Making in the Classroom
    • Maker PD Packages
    • Invention Ed
    • Workshop Materials
  • Create Projects
    • Maker Methodology
    • Idea Gallery
    • K-12 Maker Instructables
    • Maker Skills Starter Projects
    • Virtual Tools and Projects
    • Special Programs >
      • Aprendo Creando >
        • Presentaciones
      • FullSTEAM
  • Run a Makerspace
    • Design Guide
    • Facilities and Storage
    • Maker tools
    • Training and Supervision
    • Staff, Hours and Scheduling
    • Events and Growth
  • Maker Tools
    • Shop Tools and Materials
    • Electronics
    • Physical Computing
    • 2D Design Software
    • Vinyl/Craft Cutters
    • Laser Cutting
    • 3D Design Tools
    • 3D Printing
    • Photo and Video
    • Sewing
  • Articles and Books