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

Learning to use equipment properly and safely will enable staff and student makers to be more effective with their time as well as better collaborators and more empowered designers.
In addition to being able to safely operate the equipment in the space, leaders of makerspaces must be able to create safety guidelines and administer a training system. Training all students on all of the tools they'll need to use is no small task. Students who are competent on tool usage can then reinforce their skills by sharing and teaching others.

For a safe and efficient makerspace:
+
Students should receive training
on a tool before using it and have
a refresher guide ​available for
​future uses.
+
Students should demonstrate
competency before being approved for operation of a tool.
+
Staff should be attentive and
available to ​answer any questions.
+
Students should feel free to report unsafe or improper use of a tool.

Workshop Safety, Training, and Operations

Each link will open as a download (editable .docx format) for you to use as-is or adapt to meet your specific needs.
General Shop Safety Guidelines
Facilities/Operations Guidelines
Tool Classification Guides
Supervision Guidelines
Sample Student Training Log
Safe Tool Operation Guidelines
Self Inspection Checklist
Safety Resources from the ITEEA

Tool Training Resources

Training Guides, Competency Checklists, and Refresher Guides for each common hand fabrication tool found in a K-12 makerspace.
Bandsaw
Bandsaw
  • Training Guide
  • Competency Checklist
  • Refresher Guide
Drill Press
drill press
  • Training Guide
  • Competency Checklist
  • Refresher Guide

Hand Tools
hand tools
  • Training Guide
  • Competency Checklist
  • Refresher Guide

Hot Wire Cutter
hot wire cutter
  • Training Guide
  • Competency Checklist
  • Refresher Guide

Fasteners
glue gun
  • Training Guide
  • Competency Checklist
  • Refresher Guide

Cutters
utility knife
  • Training Guide
  • Competency Checklist
  • Refresher Guide

Scroll Saw
scroll saw
  • Training Guide
  • Competency Checklist
  • Refresher Guide

Rotary Tool
rotary tool
  • Training Guide
  • Competency Checklist
  • Refresher Guide

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

<<< Back: Maker Tools
Next: Staff Hours and Scheduling >>>

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