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BY LINDSAY CUOMO . PHOTOS PROVIDED. Makerspaces in the metro Making, learning, sharing
SCIENCE MUSEUM OKLAHOMA ENCOURAGES KIDS TO TINKER IN THEIR TWO DEDICATED MAKERSPACES.
What is a makerspace? A makerspace is a collaborative, modern
“Sometimes you can follow all the instructions and [your project] does not come out looking like you intended,” shared Pence. “Mistakes are part of the experience and that is a wonderful benefit of the learning process. It’s OK to fail your first, or even thirteenth, try.” Rondia Banks, manager of the Bethany Library, which is home to the Metropolitan Library System’s first in-library makerspace lab, said she loves that kids can get an early introduction to technology. “Technology is so ingrained into our careers and workplaces and that is going to keep growing, so why not learn how to use things like a 3D printer now?” posed Banks. Linda Maisch, the vice president of community engagement at Science Museum Oklahoma, sees the activities happening in makerspaces as “exercise for the brain.” “There is lots of research that shows that our brains are always changing and rearranging,” Maisch explained, an idea that is explored in the temporary exhibit Mind Mirrors , on display at Science Museum Oklahoma through April 24.
workshop! From the low-tech to the high-tech, there are a lot of different makerspaces out there, according to Aaron Pence, the computer training center manager for the Pioneer Library System. Pence oversees the Maker Lab at the Norman Central Library and the thing he gets most excited about when families use the lab is that kids are learning how to transition from consumer to creator. “Kids get to go in to create and come out with something new they can use!” said Pence. However, the finished product is not the only goal in a makerspace. Pence pointed to valuable soft skills that can be cultivated.
18 METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / MAR-APR 2022
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