Ready to get a makerspace or STEM lab going at your school, but not quite sure where to start? Maybe you have a space already, but it’s due for a makeover. There are so many options out there, and technology is constantly changing. Where should your district start?

This workshop will provide you a structured framework for planning, designing, and fully stocking your makerspace to best meet the needs of your students and your teachers. Rather than a one-size-fits-all approach, we’ll share the questions you need to be asking and the research you’ll want to complete in order to tailor your space to your needs.

Along the way, you’ll also learn from both past and current examples of spaces, receive a guiding document to help you plan your journey, and hear tips, tricks, do’s, and don’ts from an expert who has been through this process multiple times. You’ll even benefit from the collective experience of the other makers in the room as participants discuss experiences, successes, and challenges.

Finally, you’ll experience introductory hands-on lessons on the popular technologies found in today’s makerspaces, including 3D printing, CNC carving, laser cutting, coding, and more. Join us to learn everything you need to build the makerspace of your students’ dreams!

All participants must bring a laptop or Chromebook to fully participate in this workshop. Sending multiple team members from a single district is also recommended so that participants can constructively participate in planning conversations.