MIT Edgerton Center Maker Resources for K-12 Educators MIT Massachusetts Institute of Technology
  Makerspace Resources for K-12 Educators
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Maker Tools and Materials

Choosing and using digital fabrication, shop, and craft Maker tools
Choosing the proper tools and materials to execute a maker's goals is extremely important, and the "right choice" will vary from one project to the next. Being able to determine which tools and materials are appropriate for any given application is as important to the process of creation as the ability to use them. Typically, the first decision is what materials to use, and the second is what tools work best with the chosen materials.

The printable shop charts available for download below illustrate and explain many common hand fabrication tools and materials. 

Maker Tool and Material Shopping Lists

 Make shopping for your Makerspace easier with these curated lists of tools and materials that we like using in our Makerspace and PD workshops. (We are not affiliated with any seller or manufacturer and we do not earn revenue from these recommendations - we just like them for their combination of quality, price, and availability.)
  • Electronics
  • Arduino and micro:bit
  • Craft tools
  • more coming soon

Digital-fabrication Software and Technology Resources

Digital fabrication tools have a definite "wow" factor and are a great way to get people into a Makerspace. A major
benefit of these tools is safety for the user.  The tool are controlled digitally rather than manually, so Makers can use these devices to create complex parts with minmal physical interaction.  3D printers are very common in Makerspaces and there is lots of good 3D modeling software available.  Vinyl/Craft Cutters are good alternatives or entries to the expense and complexity of Laser Cutters, and 2D modeling software is used for both these tools.
3D Printers​
Laser Cutters
Vinyl/Craft Cutters
3D Design Software
2D Design Software 

Electronics, Computers, and Other Maker Tools

Along with digital fabrication tools there are many other technologies commonly used in Maker spaces.  Electronics can be used to add control, motion, sound, and light to any project.  Physical computing involves the use of computer-based logic along with electronic inputs (sensors, switches) and outputs (motors, lights, sound).  Computer-based photo and video tools are great for creating digital projects or sharing physical ones. Sewing and textiles are increasingly popular with a variety of new machines and materials.
​Electronics
​Sewing and Textiles
Photo and Video
Physical Computing (Arduino, Micro:bit)​

Hand-fabrication (Shop) Tool Resources

​The hand tools, power tools, materials, and safety equipment found on this annotated list are commonly used in Makerspaces for K-12 makers, with appropriate supervision.  
Tools, Materials, and Safety Equipment for a K-12 Makerspace

Materials

From wood, stone, and iron to semiconductors and nanoparticles, materials determine what can be designed and made. 
While maker activities may use sophisticated electronics parts, etc., many of the best projects use cardboard, paper, and recyclables.
Material Supplier List (out of date - update coming soon!)

Printable Illustrated Shop Charts

 
These illustrated shop charts are handy visual guides to common tools and materials found in a makerspace. The charts are downloadable (pdf format) and printable for quick reference in the shop.
Benchtop Tools
Materials
Cutters​
Measuring
Fastening
Misc. Tools
Fixturing
Tape
Hand Tools​
Safety & House keeping

​Follow this Design Guide for a step-by-step walk-through of how to set up your makerspace:

<<< Back: Facilities and Storage
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Contact Us

Step-by-Step guide to running a Makerspace
Materials for Workshop Participants
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  • 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