MIT Edgerton Center Maker Resources for K-12 Educators MIT Massachusetts Institute of Technology
  Makerspace Resources for K-12 Educators
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Run a Makerspace

Operations, Tool Training, and Makerspace Galleries
Running a Makerspace may seem daunting at first, but so many Makers before you have paved the way that there's no need to start from absolute scratch! While no two Makerspaces look alike, you'll notice a lot of similarities between spaces. Best practices in organizing and running a Makerspace foster safety, communication, collaboration, student ownership, and play! 

Makerspace Design Guide

Edgerton center maker space, featuring big windows, large work tables and fun projects decorating the walls
Guidelines for a shared high school Makerspace, that can accomodate a class of 25 students, and support them in creative, empowering activities and projects.

Facilities and Storage

The Edgerton center maker space, featuring big windows, large work tables and fun projects decorating the walls
Whether it's a library space, a classroom, or a portable cart, there are some common guiding principles for organizing any user-friendly Makerspace.

Training and Supervision

Chart detailing how to use a band saw
​All makers need some type
of training to work with specialized tools to keep the space safe for everyone. Makerspace operators and teachers must establish expectations for safe, competent tool use by students. Here, you’ll find downloadable Tool Training Guides, Skills Checklists, and Refresher Guides.

Tools and Materials

A student wearing safety goggles and using a drill press
The tools and materials that you'll keep in your space will depend heavily on users' age range, budget, and interests. Here, you’ll find informational charts to get help you get ​started.

Staff, Hours, and
Scheduling

A mentor name tag worn on an arm cuff
Your Makerspace's accessibility depends heavily on available staffing. How can you empower volunteers, staff, and students to help keep the Makerspace open to meet students' needs?

Growth and Development

A busy event with people checking out projects at a series of tables
​As people begin to use your Makerspace, you will become an expert in what your students, colleagues, and community need - and their needs will change with time. Expect your space to change and grow with its users.
​

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

Or just click on any of the above pages
Next: Design Guide >>>

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