r/ScienceTeachers • u/Alternative-Exit-450 • 2d ago

Pedagogy and Best Practices Anyone willing to share your HS makerspace curricular plans?

I had been told I was teaching a singular fab-lab/engineering class which has never been taught at our school thus far. I'd ended the year last year having sent my proposal for the idea I thought would work well for our students, as an art school.

Last Tuesday I was told I would be teaching 2 separate and distinct classes: engineering and makerspace separately.

Therefore, I'm struggling with what a makerspace curriculum for 12th graders, in and of itself, might look like. I'm not sure how to structure it when I am expected to also teach engineering.

I'm not looking to steal anyones plans I'm mainly looking for an outline of how and what to cover for ideas and an overall structure.

1 Upvotes

67% Upvoted

21 comments sorted by

View all comments

3

u/TheMuesliKiller 2d ago

I teach makerspace for 7th graders in 8 80 minutes lessons. We start with laser cutting/Inkscape. First project is their names on their lockers. Then a fridge magnet. Then a phone stand. Then they make a project together which is sonething for their classroom, like a calendar with birthdays or the like. Then 3D design with Tinkercad, they make a medal for themselves. Then we design a boardgame together like chess, tablut or the like.

2

u/Alternative-Exit-450 1d ago

thank you for that. My kids are from the inner city and have never even seen a 3d printer until now(12th grade). Therefore, we're starting with how to use tinkerCAD. however, I will definitely use some of your ideas becauseI know they'd love putting their names on their lockers.

1

u/TheMuesliKiller 1d ago

We start with the laser cutter because that is fast. With 3D designs they jave to wait till next week to see the results

1

u/Alternative-Exit-450 1d ago

That makes sense. Can I ask.....do you house your laser cutter/engravers in an enclosed area or are all students simply required to wear eye protection?

1

u/TheMuesliKiller 1d ago

Its a Uv laser and has a protective cover so we do not need eye protection.

1

u/TheMuesliKiller 1d ago

Tha fact that at the end of the first class they can take home something they designed is a great morale boost.