How can families create a makerspace at home?
While the makerspaces Pence and Banks reference are high-tech with recording studios, Cricut makers, laser cutters and robots, at-home versions don’t have to be quite as involved and can be easy to curate. The two experts point to the process as the best confidence builder. “To me, if you can dream it and you can see it, you can create it,” said Banks. “Focus on the process of creation and invention and also the story that goes into it and what comes out of it. Asking questions and making mistakes are vital pieces to developing cooperative solutions.” Dig into your arts and crafts supplies and even your pantry to find paper, glue, tape, clay, LEGOs, uncooked spaghetti, marshmallows, pipe cleaners, cardboard, anything goes! Pence said there are lots of free digital tools available, too. “You don’t need fancy equipment to cultivate a making mindset,” said Pence. “It’s just helpful to have a space to begin and that mom and dad play, too.” Seyfrett said parents shouldn’t be concerned about being an expert or knowing everything about a project before getting started. He recommends parents focus on modeling behaviors that promote openness, curiosity and that it’s OK to fail. “Part of being an expert is realizing you don’t have to know everything and that’s OK,” said Seyfrett. “Just grow along with your child.”
For families new to makerspaces or those looking to take the concept to the next level, Thompson, suggests checking out a book called The Art of Tinkering by Karen Wilkinson and Mike Petrich. The book encourages kids to take things apart and explore tools and materials all in an effort to create art that is part science, part technology.
Other metro venues offering makerspaces & STEAM programming: • AR Workshop, 1020 NW 192nd St, Edmond, arworkshop.com • Camp Trivera, 2508 NE 50th St, camptrivera.org • iCode Edmond, 2217 NW 178th St, Edmond, icodeschool.com/edmond111 • Main Event Play Academy, 1441 W Memorial Rd, mainevent.com • Oklahoma Hall of Fame, 1400 Classen Dr, oklahomahof.com • Oops I Arted, 3400 S Bryant Ave, Edmond, oopsiarted.com
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