Makerspace

 

The word MakerSpace made of craft items

Makerspace is the art of learning through building things, but it’s not just another guided activity. It is an educational experience that embraces the power of collaboration and helps students initiate their own learning journey by fostering creativity, critical thinking, perseverance, construction, and teamwork. 

 

Photo of Ms. Sara Ruby Sanchez

Hi. My name is Sara Sanchez. I am the MakerSpace Maestro. What does that even mean? It means I focus on letting your kids explore their own imagination, challenge them to work in teams and help them to see the value in making mistakes. The best thing about mistakes is learning from them. The only rules I have in MakerSpace are my Four P's: Plan, Partner, Persevere, and Put Away. In each of those areas, our MakerSpace infuses all the elements of STEAM! Another great thing about MakerSpace, teachers can request special MakerSpace sessions, built around their own curriculum. Whether it's Kindergarten's Science Fair MakerSpace, the First Grade's Clouds Class, the Second Grade Wild Robot lesson where we get to build bird nests, or Fourth Grade's Weathering and Erosion class, MakerSpace is all about learning, fun, and making educational memories. My favorite MakerSpace: The MakerCareSpace, which focuses on Mills' commitment to Social Emotional Learning. Whether it's writing and decorating a letter to grandma or making a button with the button machine for a classmate, your Mountain Lion loves MakerSpace. We hope you will too!

 

  • Legos
  • Lego base plates
  • craft supplies
  • nickels & pennies
  • Tinker Toys
  • Erector sets
  • Old electronics to deconstruct
  • small tools - pliers, wire snips, screwdrivers
  • paper towel tubes
  • craft sticks
  • duct tape
  • electrical tape
  • pompoms
  • wrapping paper tubes
  • fabric
  • felt
  • egg cartons
  • corks for making big rockets
  • brown paper bags
  • bubble wrap
  • film canisters for making small rockets
  • shoeboxes
  • paper and plastic cups
  • old CDs and floppy discs
  • packing foam
  • tooth picks
  • clean plastic soda and water bottles
  • screws, nuts, bolts
  • wires
  • LEDs
  • toothbrushes
  • marbles
  • craft kits
  • string, yarn, ribbon, fishing line, dental floss
  • wire
  • CR2032 coin batteries
  • solo cups
  • plates
  • pipe cleaners
  • cotton balls
  • straws
  • coffee filters
  • card stock - plain or colored
  • paper clips
  • rubber bands
  • index cards
  • paper towels
  • If you are not sure if something you have is a good fit for MakerSpace, please send an email to sara.r.sanchez@austinisd.org!